Canopy photosynthesis and transpiration in microgravity: gas exchange measurements aboard Mir.

The SVET Greenhouse on-board the Orbital Station Mir was used to measure canopy photosynthesis and transpiration rates for the first time in space. During the Greenhouse IIB experiment on Mir (June-January 1997), carbon and water vapor fluxes from two wheat (cv. Superdwarf) canopies were measured using the US developed Gas Exchange Measurement System (GEMS). Gas analyzers capable of resolving CO2 concentration differences of 5 micromoles mol-1 against a background of 0.9% CO2, are necessary to measure photosynthetic and respiratory rates on Mir. The ability of the GEMS gas analyzers to measure these CO2 concentration differences was determined during extensive ground calibrations. Similarly, the sensitivity of the analyzers to water vapor was sufficient to accurately measure canopy evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration, which accounted for over 90% of the water added to the root zone, was estimated using gas exchange and used to estimate substrate moisture content. This paper presents canopy photosynthesis and transpiration data during the peak vegetative phase of development in microgravity.     

Simulation of the MELiSSA closed loop system as a tool to define its integration strategy

Inspired by a terrestrial ecosystem, Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) is a project focused on a closed-loop life support system intended for future long-term manned missions (Moon and Mars bases). Started by the ESA in 1989, this 5-compartment concept has evolved through a mechanistic engineering approach designed to acquire both theoretical and technical knowledge. In its current state of development, the project can now start to demonstrate the MELiSSA loop concept at pilot scale. Thus, an integration strategy for a MELiSSA Pilot Plant (MPP) has been defined, describing the different test phases and connections between compartments. The integration steps are due to be started in 2008 and completed with a complete operational loop in 2015. The ultimate objective is to achieve a closed liquid and gas loop fulfiling 100% of oxygen requirements and at least 20% of food requirements for one-man. Although the integration logic could start with the most advanced processes in terms of knowledge and hardware development, this logic needs to be expanded to encompass a high-level simulation policy. This simulation exercise will make it possible to run effective demonstrations of each independent process, followed by progressive coupling with other processes in operational conditions mirroring as far as possible the final configuration.     

Effects of air current speed on gas exchange in plant leaves and plant canopies.

To obtain basic data on adequate air circulation to enhance plant growth in a closed plant culture system in a controlled ecological life support system (CELSS), an investigation was made of the effects of the air current speed ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 m s-1 on photosynthesis and transpiration in sweetpotato leaves and photosynthesis in tomato seedlings canopies. The gas exchange rates in leaves and canopies were determined by using a chamber method with an infrared gas analyzer. The net photosynthetic rate and the transpiration rate increased significantly as the air current speeds increased from 0.01 to 0.2 m s-1. The transpiration rate increased gradually at air current speeds ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 m s-1 while the net photosynthetic rate was almost constant at air current speeds ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 m s-1. The increase in the net photosynthetic and transpiration rates were strongly dependent on decreased boundary-layer resistances against gas diffusion. The net photosynthetic rate of the plant canopy was doubled by an increased air current speed from 0.1 to 1.0 m s-1 above the plant canopy. The results demonstrate the importance of air movement around plants for enhancing the gas exchange in the leaf, especially in plant canopies in the CELSS.     

Consistency of gas exchange of man and plants in a closed ecological system: lines of attack on the problem.

Gas exchange between man and plants in a closed ecological system based on atmosphere regeneration by plant photosynthesis is made consistent by attaining the equilibrium of human CO2 discharge and the productivity of the gas consuming bioregenerator. In this case the gas exchange might be, however, qualitatively disturbed from the equilibrium in terms of oxygen making it accumulate or decrease continuously in the air of the system. Gas exchange equilibrium in terms of O2 was attained in long-term experiments by equality of the human respiration coefficient and the plant assimilation coefficient. Varying the ratio of these parameters it is possible to control the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere to be reclaimed.     

中国深空测控系统建设与技术发展

我国深空测控系统是伴随着探月工程“绕”“落”“回”三步走战略的实施,从突破关键技术、初步建成系统到系统完善,逐步建立起来的,火星探测工程的实施将进一步带动深空测控系统能力的建设。站在历史的视角,从顶层设计、关键技术攻关和系统建设等方面,回顾了我国深空测控系统从无到有的发展历程,并结合未来深空测控技术的发展,对我国深空测控系统的发展前景进行了展望。     

Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) flight experimentation.

The NASA CELSS program has the goal of developing life support systems for humans in space based on the use of higher plants. The program has supported research at universities with a primary focus of increasing the productivity of candidate crop plants. To understand the effects of the space environment on plant productivity, the CELSS Test Facility (CTF) has been been conceived as an instrument that will permit the evaluation of plant productivity on Space Station Freedom. The CTF will maintain specific environmental conditions and collect data on gas exchange rates and biomass accumulation over the growth period of several crop plants grown sequentially from seed to harvest. The science requirements of the CTF will be described, as will current design concepts and specific technology requirements for operation in micro-gravity.     

Evaluation of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 as a candidate for inclusion in a CELSS.

Controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS) have been proposed to make long-duration manned space flights more cost-effective. Higher plants will presumably provide food and a breathable atmosphere for the crew. It has been suggested that imbalances between the CO2/O2 gas exchange ratios of the heterotrophic and autotrophic components of the system will inevitably lead to an unstable system, and the loss of O2 from the atmosphere. Ratio imbalances may be corrected by including a second autotroph with an appropriate CO2/O2 gas exchange ratio. Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 is a large unicellular N2-fixing cyanobacterium, exhibiting high growth rates under diverse physiological conditions. A rat-feeding study showed the biomass to be edible. Furthermore, it may have a CO2/O2 gas exchange ratio that theoretically can compensate for ratio imbalances. It is suggested that Cyanothece spp. could fulfill several roles in a CELSS: supplementing atmosphere recycling, generating fixed N from the air, providing a balanced protein supplement, and protecting a CELSS in case of catastrophic crop failure.     

微重力环境中的气体质量流量控制器研究

提出了一种高可靠气体质量流量控制器设计. 介绍了该流量控制器的原理和结构. 通过比较不同的气体流量传感器和阀门, 选择了可满足空间科学实验设备可靠性要求的MEMS传感器和针阀. MEMS质量流量计的输出电压(代表实际气体流量), 经过减法电路放大和A/D采样之后, 与设定电压(代表设定的气流流量)进行比较, 差值信号输入给PID控制器, 由其输出步进电机的控制脉冲数和方向, 步进电机驱动器驱动电机调节流过针阀的气体流量, 使之与设定流量相等. 给出了利用该气体质量流量控制器控制氧气流量的实验结果. 该系统可实现流量的灵活调节, 并具备空间科学实验设备所要求的性能, 为未来在空间利用气体流量连续可调的质量流量控制计进行燃烧科学实验奠定了基础.      

质谱计在行星系统与小天体探测中的应用

质谱计多次应用于行星系统和小天体的大气层与土壤吸附气体或挥发组分及其同位素含量探索,是太阳系行星系统和小天体探测计划中的首选载荷之一。大气和土壤元素及其同位素组分探测对资源勘探、行星系统的宜居性、天体演化、起源及其重要事件的精准时间坐标研究等具有重要意义。质谱计已多次成功应用于火星、土星系、木星系、彗星等探测任务中开展大气环境探测。质谱计的探测对象主要包括太阳系行星、行星卫星如月球、木星伽利略卫星、土卫,以及地外小行星和彗星。四极杆质谱计在当前的深空空间环境探测活动中应用最为广泛。利用四极杆质谱计除可用于探测稀薄天体大气与土壤析出气体外,如增加抽真空能力的前端设计,则具备探测稠密大气成分的能力。中科院空间中心研发的星载质谱计已多次成功应用于地球行星大气成分和密度探测。     

基于代码自动生成的空间交会GNC系统仿真平台

空间交会对接GNC系统涉及目标器和追踪器两个航天器的姿态轨道控制,其数学仿真比一般的卫星更复杂.给出一种轨道动力学、姿态动力学、相对动力学、测量及执行部件等仿真模型的规范化方法,并在此基础上,提出一套基于代码自动生成技术的空间交会对接GNC仿真平台,该平台的模块化和自动化程度高、软件的可读性和通用性强,实现了两个航天器的快速规范化仿真,显著提高了研究人员的工作效率,为空间交会GNC系统的设计和仿真提供了良好的支持.     

天基空间碎片光学探测影响因素分析及仿真

光学手段在天基空间碎片探测中被广泛应用,但容易受到杂光等因素影响。结合在轨试验数据,从探测器和碎片两方面分析了影响天基空间碎片光学探测的因素。影响探测器探测效果的因素包括太阳光、月光、地气光、大气辉光等杂光及南大西洋异常区辐射等;影响碎片可见性的因素包括地球遮挡、地影及反射的太阳光等。分别给出了上述影响因素涉及的特征量及规避影响的计算方法。基于某天基探测设备的仿真结果表明,上述影响在自然交会及姿态机动模式下均可能发生,在试验设计时需被充分考虑。最后,针对某天基空间碎片探测任务进行了规划。文章对天基光学探测试验设计具有一定的指导意义。     

Regulating plant/insect interactions using CO2 enrichment in model ecosystems.

The greenhouse environment is a challenging artificial ecosystem in which it is possible to study selected plant/insect interaction in a controlled environment. Due to a combination of "direct" and "indirect" effects of CO2 enrichment on plant photosynthesis and plant development, canopy productivity is generally increased. In this paper, we discuss the effects of daytime and nighttime CO2 enrichment protocols on gas exchange of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L, cv Cubico) grown in controlled environments. In addition, we present the effects of thrips, a common Insect pest, on the photosynthetic and respiratory activity of these plant canopies. Carbon dioxide has diverse effects on the physiology and mortality of insects. However, our data indicate that thrips and whiteflies, at least, are not killed "directly" by CO2 levels used to enhance photosynthesis and plant growth. Together the data suggest that the insect population is affected "indirectly" by CO2 and that the primary effect of CO2 is via its effects on plant metabolism.     

地外人工光合成装置研制与试验

原位资源利用技术是地外生命保障体系构建、实现人类地外生存的有效途径，是载人深空探索的核心技术。基于微通道技术的人工光合成反应器，采用流动反应器设计，用于低微重力等特殊环境条件下模拟人工光合作用，实现CO２向O２和含碳燃料的转化。微通道芯片通过气液剪切作用力使气体反应产物快速脱离电极表面并随反应介质排出反应器，理论上可以克服微重力条件对反应过程的影响，尚需进行微重力试验进行验证。同时，微通道结构可以通过精确控制反应气液的压力、流速、流量比等反应条件，获得优化的反应条件。通过地面试验，验证了该反应器将CO２还原为O２和含碳化合物的功能可行性。以Au和Ir/C作为阴极和阳极材料，3V电压条件下，O２产率可达11.74mL/h。此外，基于人工光合成反应器搭建了集反应模块、控制模块、流路驱动模块以及检测模块等于一体的地外人工光合成装置，形成原位反应、介质供给、精确控制、在线收集和检测等功能一体化的系统，并实现CO２有效转换和O２供给。为后续技术成熟度更高的反应装置研制、高产物选择性的含碳化合物转化以及人工光合成反应装置在轨试验奠定了理论和实践基础。     

金属氢化物热泵及其在载人航天生保系统中的应用

介绍了金属氢化物热泵系统的工作原理和研究现状，分析了该系统在载入航天生命保障系统，特别是出舱航天服生命保障系统中应用的可能性，着重从系统体积，重量、物质消耗，再生时间和技术成熟度等方面比较了水升华器，相变储热，金属氢化物热泵等几种冷源各自的优缺点，说明了金属氢化物热泵系统在载入航天生命保障系统中应用的巨大潜力和需要研究的关键性技术问题。     

天基激光移除空间碎片仿真平台研究与开发

为了从空间碎片和天基移除系统两方面分析激光驱动碎片变轨过程,优化移除任务规划和策略,基于真实的可观测空间碎片数据,设计并开发了一套天基激光移除空间碎片三维数值仿真平台。首先从总体设计出发,对三维数值仿真平台的需求分析、总体框架、模块功能进行了明确的描述。其次通过对激光驱动空间碎片变轨过程数学模型的分析,确定了各模块的具体实现方法。最后采用C++/Qt开发了三维数值仿真平台,通过仿真验证了设计平台的有效性。该仿真平台可用于不同天基平台和目标碎片的任务规划、碎片分布热点区域和航天器防护区域的方案设计及空间环境治理体系的优化设计。     

Sunlight supply and gas exchange systems in the microalgal bioreactor.

The bioreactor with sunlight supply system and gas exchange systems presented here has proved feasible in ground tests and shows much promise for space use as a CELSS device. Our chief conclusions concerning the specification of total system needed for a life support system for a man in a space station are the following. (1) Sunlight supply system: compactness and low electrical consumption. (2) Bioreactor system: high density and growth rate of chlorella. (3) Gas exchange system: enough for O2 production and CO2 assimilation.     

空间光学敏感器技术进展与应用

空间光学敏感器作为航天器控制与导航以及空间监视测量的重要传感器在航天任务实施中发挥着重要作用,论述空间光学敏感器概念的内涵和外延、分类方法、特点、设计目标与方法、应用,对各类敏感器的技术进展和应用情况进行概要综述,归纳此类敏感器的发展趋势.     

Injection of 40-kHz-modulated electron beam from the satellite: II. Excitation of electrostatic and whistler waves

Beam-plasma interaction effects are studied during the active space experiment with electron and Xe-ion beam injections in an ionospheric plasma. Permanent 40-kHz-modulated electron beam injection occurs simultaneously with a xenon-ion beam injected by the Hall-type plasma thruster operating in a square-pulse mode (100/50 s for a job/pause duration). The unusual behavior of the background charged particle fluxes and wave activity stimulated during the beam-plasma interaction have been registered by the scientific instruments onboard Intercosmos-25 station (IK-25) and Magion-3 subsatellite. The longitudinal and electromagnetic wave instabilities and their mutual relationship are considered in order to explain the observed effects. The excitation of electrostatic waves by the electron injection has been considered for different resonance conditions near the linear stability boundary. Beam-driven electromagnetic instability is responsible for the backward-propagating whistler waves excited via cyclotron resonance. Competition of these two beam instabilities is one of the subjects of the present study.     

一种低轨废弃目标的捕获与回收方案

如何清除轨道上日益增多的废弃目标已成为国内外航天活动无法回避的现实问题和迫切需解决的问题.针对低轨道大型废弃目标回收问题,基于天基回收技术的概念,提出了一种新型组合式柔性捕获回收方案.使用空间绳网捕获废弃目标后通过充气式增阻离轨方式进行被动离轨,再利用充气式进入减速技术(inflatable entry deceler...     

Electrostatic space radiation shielding

For the success of NASA’s new vision for space exploration to Moon, Mars and beyond, exposures from the hazards of severe space radiation in deep space long duration missions is ‘a must solve’ problem. The payload penalty demands a very stringent requirement on the design of the spacecrafts for human deep space missions. The exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) to enable routine access of space will require protection from the hazards of the accumulated exposures of space radiation, Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and Solar Particle Events (SPE), and minimizing the production of secondary radiation is a great advantage. There is a need to look to new horizons for newer technologies. The present investigation revisits electrostatic active radiation shielding and explores the feasibility of using the electrostatic shielding in concert with the state-of-the-art materials shielding and protection technologies. The full space radiation environment has been used, for the first time, to explore the feasibility of electrostatic shielding. The goal is to repel enough positive charge ions so that they miss the spacecraft without attracting thermal electrons. Conclusions are drawn for the future directions of space radiation protection.