The effect of climber transit on the space elevator dynamics

The space elevator offers an alternate and efficient method for space travel. It will have two main components. The first component is the tether (or the ribbon), which extends from the Earth to an equatorial satellite at an altitude beyond the geostationary orbit, and is fixed to a base on the surface of the Earth at its lower end. The second component is the climber, which scales the ribbon, transporting payloads to space. An important issue for effective operation of the space elevator will be to understand its dynamics. This paper attempts to develop a realistic and yet simple planar model for this purpose. The basic response of the ribbon to climber transit is determined. Both analytical and numerical results are presented. Specific climbing procedures are devised based on these results so as to minimize the adverse effects of climber transit on the ribbon.     

Why we need a space elevator

The goals of and vision for development of a space elevator have been discussed repeatedly. However, why we should develop one has been glossed over. This paper will focus upon the major issue—why build a space elevator infrastructure? It considers why we need a space elevator, what missions it would enable and how far it would reduce costs. There is no doubt that some major missions would be enhanced or significantly enabled by a space elevator infrastructure. Global communications, energy, monitoring of the Earth, global/national security, planetary defense, and exploration beyond low-Earth orbit are a few examples. In the end, if we are serious about extending space development and avoiding limitations on the human spirit, the reason we should build a space elevator is because we must!     

Geostationary station keeping control of a space elevator during initial cable deployment

This paper presents a basic concept to derive an orbital control strategy to achieve the full deployment and the geostationary station keeping of a space elevator during its initial cable deployment. The space elevator model is composed of a main spacecraft, a sinker mass and a massive cable connecting them. The cable elasticity, flexibility and taper of the cross-sectional area are omitted for simplification. A reference trajectory is designed so that the space elevator and its center of mass ascend vertically along the geostationary position with keeping the geostationary orbital rate. From the reference trajectory analyses, an orbital control that leads the space elevator orbit to the reference one is derived. However it is found that the reference trajectory is unstable throughout the deployment and a linear feedback control is introduced for stabilization. It is also clarified that the libration destabilizes the orbital control because the orbital acceleration caused by the libration always acts in the opposite direction to the orbital control. Therefore, a libration control is also introduced to stabilize the coupled orbital and librational motions. Numerical simulation result clearly shows that these controls facilitate the full deployment and the geostationary station keeping of the space elevator within the feasible thrust force and amount of propellant.     

空间目标轨道信息软件平台的建设

空间目标轨道信息是空间态势感知的重要要素,是空间碰撞预警、空间碎片环境模型和许多空间应用的基础。因而,空间目标轨道确定成为空间态势感知的主要任务之一。文章介绍武汉大学测绘学院正在开发建设的空间目标轨道信息服务软件平台,该平台拥有的主要功能有:利用多源数据的卫星/空间碎片轨道确定(包括初轨确定)与预报、大气质量密度模型精化、空间碰撞预警和半解析法快速精密轨道传播等。文章还针对软件平台功能的研究进展进行了综述,介绍了软件平台发展规划。     

非柔性结构太空梯的构想

文章简略介绍太空梯的概念,概述了目前世界上太空梯系统的状况和研制遇到的普遍困难.由于现有的纳米技术和材料以及加工水平还不能满足缆绳式太空梯的要求,因此文章提出建造一种非柔性结构的太空梯的构想,这样的太空梯虽然运行效率不及缆绳式太空梯,但所要求的材料相对容易得到.     

Economics of telecommunications space segments

This paper proposes a complete model for assessing the economics of telecommunications satellite systems, accounting for spacecraft development and manufacturing, launch and operations in orbit. This allows to account for such parameters as the mass and lifetime of the satellites, the number and type of payloads, the number of satellites procured and launched, the spare policy, the launch vehicle, the insurances, the satellite average MTTF and the management of the space segment efforts.

The model is divided into four parts: the spacecraft mass model, the spacecraft procurement cost model, the MTTF model and the space segment cost-effectiveness model. It provides for the rapid solution of a number of problems within a wide range of parameters such as assessing the influence on space segment economics of —certain satellite technologies, —satellite and payload mass, —number of payloads per spacecraft, —satellite lifetime, or —spare policy.     

分布式小卫星雷达平台沿航向排列研究

以小卫星群作为平台的天基分布式雷达具有多种用途。沿航向直线排列是分布式小卫星群的一种特殊轨道构形。由于阵列的等锥角线和等多普勒频率线重合，给SAR成像和地面运动目标检测的信号处理带来了极大的便利。受到地球自转的影响，多颗卫星采用同一轨道飞行并不能真正实现沿航向直线分布。为了克服地球自转的影响，现提出满足Hill方程的一种基本不消耗燃料的轨道设计，使多颗卫星飞行在不同的轨道上而实现真正的沿航向直线分布。数学分析表明它可以有效消除地球自转的影响。结合SAR成像的仿真结果证明了该方法的有效性。     

Technical and economical comparison between a modular geostationary space platform and a cluster of satellites

In recent years, the identification of a large number of telecommunication missions reflects a growing demand for the provision of a large variety of communications and data transmission services performed by a space segment.

At present, communication space segment use a single operational satellite per orbit position. However, the expected increase of communication channels per space segment will lead to a corresponding increase of satellite mass and size which could exceed the capabilities of existing launch vehicles in terms of mass and volume requirements. Those considerations, coupled with the threatening saturation of the geostationary orbit, lead to the conclusion that an optimal space segment concept must be defined on a technical as well as economical point of view.

Two main concepts may be envisaged: one is a large platform, which can be assembled either in geostationary orbit (resulting in several launches, rendez-vous and docking), or in low earth orbit by using the STS; the other concept is a cluster of satellites.

These candidate concepts are designed to meet the requirements of a reference mission. They are characterized by the required number of modules to be launched, the type of launcher, the new subsystems or equipments to be developed. The concepts are evaluated following technical criteria such as adaptability to other missions, flexibility, growth potential. A cost/benefit evaluation of each solution is presented. A comparison between the different concepts is then made on the basis of the technical/economical attractiveness of each solution.     

Assuring the sustainability of space activities

The growth of new space systems and the continued creation of orbital debris could in a few years make activities in Earth orbit unsustainable, so finding cost-effective ways to sustain space activities in Earth orbit is essential. Because outer space activities serve the needs of the military–intelligence, civil, and commercial communities, each with their own requirements, creating the necessary international agreements for reaching and maintaining a condition of sustainability will not be easy. This paper summarizes the primary issues for the international space community regarding our future ability to reap the benefit of space systems in Earth orbit. It explores several of the efforts to develop international agreements that would lead to or support the sustainability of space activities and examines the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. In particular, it reviews progress within the UN COPUOS, and examines the EU's proposal for an international Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities. It also notes the need for states to establish or expand their own space legal infrastructure to conform to the UN treaties and guidelines for space activities.     

基于成本考虑的天地往返技术途径分析

采用能量分析方法,对天地往返成本的影响因素进行了分析。重点对入轨方式、发射方法和动力系统等因素进行了分析。提出了未来天地往返运输技术的研究设想。     

The CPR approach to space sustainability: Commentaries on Weeden and Chow

Space sustainability is emerging as a core element of national policy and international initiatives. At this time, however, a coherent strategy and supporting policies have not been developed. To initiate a conversation to develop such a strategy, the authors have applied the principles developed by Elinor Ostrom for terrestrial common-pool resource (CPR) governance to near-Earth orbit in space. A concern arises as to whether Ostrom's eight principles are a good “fit” for application to space CPR because of the unique physical characteristics of space and the legal underpinnings of our presence there. This commentary will address selected issues raised by Weeden and Chow, and suggest alternative ways to approach near-Earth orbit sustainability.     

The need for a United Nations space policy

The international community is entering an era of shared global utilities from space and is increasingly reliant on space systems and activities that support a myriad of applications and utilities on Earth. A growing number of states are seeking to develop or extend their space capabilities. At the same time, a variety of non-state actors are also extending their involvement in space activities. The United Nations is the principal inter-governmental forum to deal with various space issues of global importance. Moreover, the United Nations system itself has become increasingly reliant on space systems for its day-to-day operations. In order for the United Nations to play its necessary role in the space arena, it will need to be supported by a space policy. A United Nations space policy would provide over-arching guidance on space activities for UN stakeholders in the space arena; it would inform UN participation in space activities and would promote improved coordination and cooperative governance of outer space activities. A world without a common UN space policy will not be able to respond to the challenges of the rapidly evolving space arena in the 21st century.     

Stepping stones toward global space exploration

Several nations are currently engaging in or planning for robotic and human space exploration programs that target the Moon, Mars and near-Earth asteroids. These ambitious plans to build new space infrastructures, transport systems and space probes will require international cooperation if they are to be sustainable and affordable. Partnerships must involve not only established space powers, but also emerging space nations and developing countries; the participation of these new space actors will provide a bottom-up support structure that will aid program continuity, generate more active members in the space community, and increase public awareness of space activities in both developed and developing countries. The integration of many stakeholders into a global space exploration program represents a crucial element securing political and programmatic stability. How can the evolving space community learn to cooperate on a truly international level while engaging emerging space nations and developing countries in a meaningful way? We propose a stepping stone approach toward a global space exploration program, featuring three major elements: (1) an international Earth-based field research program preparing for planetary exploration, (2) enhanced exploitation of the International Space Station (ISS) enabling exploration and (3) a worldwide CubeSat program supporting exploration. An international Earth-based field research program can serve as a truly global exploration testbed that allows both established and new space actors to gain valuable experience by working together to prepare for future planetary exploration missions. Securing greater exploitation of the ISS is a logical step during its prolonged lifetime; ISS experiments, partnerships and legal frameworks are valuable foundations for exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Cooperation involving small, low-cost missions could be a major stride toward exciting and meaningful participation from emerging space nations and developing countries. For each of these three proposed stepping stones, recommendations for coordination mechanisms are presented.     

新型大尺度空间微波功率发射阵列的考虑

以空间太阳能电站为应用代表的微波功率传输系统中,微波功率发射阵列是其中的核心组成部分。为保证特定传输距离限制下的波束收集效率,目前国际上多种空间太阳能电站方案中收发天线口径都达到了km级以上。在空间构建大尺度的微波功率发射有源相控阵,面临的主要问题有：发射阵列电性能的高要求、发射阵列折叠状态的总体积限制、大功率发射阵列的热控问题。针对这些问题,文章提出了新型大尺度空间微波功率发射阵列的一些研究及设计考虑,主要包括大尺度阵列同源分发倍频的频率分配方案;高效率高集成功率发射组件技术;大尺度阵列相位同步与误差自校正技术;低剖面天线结构及型面误差补偿技术;大型天线3D打印在轨建造方案设想以及空间微波功率发射阵列热控新思路等。文章提出了新型大尺度空间微波功率发射阵列3个方面的6个主要问题,可为空间太阳能电站系统提供可优化、开放性的设计与发展思路。     

A compact, light-weight high data-rate antenna system for remote-sensing orbiters and space exploration

Upcoming space missions utilizing hyperspectral or other high-resolution sensors will generate a vast amount of data in orbit. The average communication duration between a spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) to a dedicated ground station is short and in addition, due to the high amount of data to be transferred at link times, a high-performance communication system on board of the satellite is indispensable.A solution that provides longer acquisition times with the ground station is to employ a high data-rate inter-satellite link to a geostationary relay satellite, which requires a flat, compact, steerable, light-weight yet robust antenna. Such an antenna system (antenna module plus pointing module) was developed for S-Band at the Institute of Astronautics (Technische Universität München), in cooperation with German space companies, research institutes and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Its successful operation via the geostationary relay satellite Artemis was demonstrated in cooperation with ESA in 2007.This paper describes the evaluation of an antenna system in the Ka-Band, as a successor to be developed in the next two years for high data rates and the various applications of such an antenna system.     

The USA and international competition in space transportation

This article discusses the crisis facing the USA in the formulation of its space transportation policy, within the context of its overall national space policy. The author examines developments in international space transportation from 1982 to 1992, and the failure of US policies to meet foreign commercial competition in space launches. Two goals have emerged from the US policy debate: to achieve assured access to space, and to reduce the costs of sending payloads to orbit. Both goals need to be faced within the context of a wider commitment by government and private industry to space investment.     

Dynamic modeling and optimization for space logistics using time-expanded networks

This research develops a dynamic logistics network formulation for lifecycle optimization of mission sequences as a system-level integrated method to find an optimal combination of technologies to be used at each stage of the campaign. This formulation can find the optimal transportation architecture considering its technology trades over time. The proposed methodologies are inspired by the ground logistics analysis techniques based on linear programming network optimization. Particularly, the time-expanded network and its extension are developed for dynamic space logistics network optimization trading the quality of the solution with the computational load. In this paper, the methodologies are applied to a human Mars exploration architecture design problem. The results reveal multiple dynamic system-level trades over time and give recommendation of the optimal strategy for the human Mars exploration architecture. The considered trades include those between In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and propulsion technologies as well as the orbit and depot location selections over time. This research serves as a precursor for eventual permanent settlement and colonization of other planets by humans and us becoming a multi-planet species.     

航天器非地球轨道热环境模拟技术探讨

月球、火星探测器等非地球轨道航天器与地球轨道航天器对热控的要求有很大的不同,为验证热控设计的合理性,必须在地面做好充分的热环境模拟试验.国内绝大部分空间环模设备都是以模拟地球轨道航天器在轨环境为目的建设的,显然不能满足深空探测需要.文章针对航天器非地球轨道深空热环境模拟技术进行探讨.     

航天器材料的空间应用及其保障技术

随着对应用卫星长寿命、高可靠要求的不断增长,对于航天器材料的空间应用可靠性及其保障技术日益受到重视。文章分析了航天器材料空间应用的要求及其空间环境效应试验评价技术,介绍了航天器材料保障技术的进展和发展趋势。在地面严格控制材料空间应用的性能并提供基于空间环境效应的充分数据是保障高品质航天器长寿命高可靠的重要手段。     

On a lunar space elevator

We consider a space elevator system for lunar surface access that consists of a space station in circumlunar orbit, a cable reaching down to some meters above the surface and a magnetically levitated vehicle driven by a linear motor. It accelerates the load to be lifted to the speed of the cable end. Loads to be delivered are either put on the vehicle and slowed down by it or they are slowed down by a sand braking technique in a mare terrain. It is technically possible to operate this transport system nearly without fuel supply from Earth. We calculate various steel cable dimensions for a static stress maximum of $\text{1}\text{5}\text{th}$ of the tensile strength. The process of takeover is considered in detail. Five ways of eliminating the adverse large cable elongation due to the load are described. The touchdown process and behaviour of the cable after disconnection are analysed. The positive difference between the speed of the load at takeover and cable end can excite a large inplane swing motion. We propose to damp it by a dissipative pulley that hangs in a loop of wire leading to the ends of two beams mounted on the space station tangentially to the orbit, the pulley's core being connected with the load. Roll librations are damped by energy losses in the elastic beams; damping can be reinforced by viscous beam elements and/or controlled out-of-plane motions of the beams. We argue in favour of the possibility of fast deployment. The problems of vehicle vibrations and agglutination at sand braking blades are underlined and their combined experimental investigation is suggested.