Modeling the sodium potassium droplet interactions with the low earth orbit space debris environment

The NASA/JSC sodium potassium (NaK) RORSAT coolant source and propagation model has been extended to 1 mm in diameter via a size distribution, which is an inverse power law fit that has been modified to damp out in the large size regime. This function matches the observed Haystack NaK population down to diameters of about 6 mm. The extrapolated function takes the population to arbitrarily small sizes all the while retaining the mass dominance of the 1–3 cm droplets that is observed in the Haystack data. This result is physically satisfying since the mechanism of NaK ejection appears to be a nonviolent release at low relative velocities. We propose that any NaK particles smaller than about 1 mm that exist would not be due to that mechanism. Instead, we show that such a population could be the result of subsequent collisions of NaK droplets with larger resident space objects and the micrometeoroid population. Our preliminary analysis shows that collisions between these populations are likely in the time period of 1980 through present-day. Though the result of such collisions is generally unknown it is probable that some ejecta of NaK enter the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment as a result. It is these secondary NaK droplets/particles that we contend are the likely impactors noted on returned surfaces.     

Passive optical detection of submillimeter and millimeter size space debris in low Earth orbit

Understanding of the space debris environment and accuracy of its observation-validated models are essential for optimal design and safe operation of satellite systems. Existing ground-based optical telescopes and radars are not capable of observing debris smaller than several millimeters in size. A new experimental and instrumental approach – the space-based Local Orbital Debris Environment (LODE) detector – aims at in situ measuring of debris with sizes from 0.2–10 mm near the satellite orbit. The LODE concept relies on a passive optical photon-counting time-tagging imaging system detecting solar photons (in the visible spectral range) reflected by debris crossing the sensor field of view. In contrast, prior feasibility studies of space-based optical sensors considered frame detectors in the focal plane. The article describes the new experimental concept, discusses top-level system parameters and design tradeoffs, outlines an approach to identifying and extracting rare debris detection events from the background, and presents an example of performance characteristics of a LODE sensor with a 6-cm diameter aperture. The article concludes with a discussion of possible sensor applications on satellites.     

Strategy for capturing of a tumbling space debris

In general space debris objects do not possess much convenient features and are non-cooperative. In such cases, since the conditions for capture are not favorable, tracking errors will lead to loading, and momentum transfer will occur during the capture process.In most cases, detailed mass and inertial characteristics of the target are unknown, either because design details are unavailable or due to changes as a result of damage sustained when failure occurred or gradual degradation over the years, and this makes impedance matching of the capture arm force control system difficult.This led to us to devise a “joint virtual depth control” algorithm for robot arm control, which brakes the rotation of a target with unknown inertia. This paper deals with a removal work strategy and control method for capturing and braking a tumbling, non-cooperative target space debris.We propose a new brush type contactor as end-effecter of a robot arm for reducing the rotational rate of the target debris. As a means for relieving the loads generated during target tapping, in addition to joint compliance control we propose a new control method that controls the arm tip force according to a contact force profile.     

Optimization of space orbits design for Earth orbiting missions

In Earth orbiting space missions, the orbit selection dictates the mission parameters like the ground resolution, the area coverage, and the frequency of coverage parameters. To achieve desired mission parameters, usually Earth regions of interest are identified and the spacecraft is maneuvered continuously to visit only these regions. This method is expensive, it requires a propulsion system onboard the spacecraft, working throughout the mission lifetime. It also requires a longer time to cover all the regions of interest, due to the very weak thrust forces compared to that of the Earth's gravitational field. This paper presents a methodology to design natural orbits, in which the regions of interest are visited without the use of propulsion systems, depending only on the gravitational forces. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem. A genetic algorithm along with a second order gradient method is implemented for optimization. The design process takes into consideration the gravitational second zonal harmonic, and hence allows for the design of repeated Sun-synchronous orbits. The field of view of the payload is also taken into consideration in the optimization process. Numerical results are presented that demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed method.     

Situation studies of aes orbits for solar-Earth space experiments

The questions on the orbit selection for studying various areas of the Earth magnetosphere are discussed. The method of the orbit selection is based on the use of orbital tori and on the construction of areas of orbit set intersection with model surfaces, forming specific areas in the near Earth space: bow shock (BSh), magnetopause (MP) neutral sheet in the magnetosphere tail, cusp etc. Intersections of the “Prognoz” 1–8 orbit set with model surfaces BSh and MP are shown.     

Space debris and the need for space traffic control

This report summarises the presentations which took place at the ‘Space Traffic Control – Is the Space Debris Problem Solvable?’ conference hosted by the Royal Aeronautical Society on the 2nd July 2013. The conference sought to promote discussion over methods to deal with the issue of space debris in particular and speakers included representatives from the European Space Agency, the United Kingdom Space Agency, practitioners and academia. Themes which emerged during the conference included the urgency of the problem of space debris, the need for short-term and long-term solutions, the necessity for the development and implementation of space debris remediation technologies to complement existing mitigation efforts and, last but not least, the wider applications of space traffic control. Regarding the sub-title of the conference, ‘is the space debris problem solvable?’, it would appear from the presentations that while there is the potential for future management of the issue through debris remediation and harmonised mitigation efforts, no comprehensive solutions exist at the time of writing.     

Will space run out of space? The orbital debris problem and its mitigation

An appraisal of current and future risks from space debris is presented with the aid of calculations carried out by the MASTER model. The efficacy of various technical options -- such as fuel venting, de-orbiting and use of a graveyard orbit -- for counteracting the problem is discussed. The article then focuses on governmental and international cooperative measures and looks at the recent work done by subcommittees of the UN COPUOS.     

Orbit lifetime for microparticles in highly elliptical orbits with low perigee

On the basis of numerical experiments, we have shown the principal possibility of long (more than 1 month) and extremely long (more than 1 year) orbit lifetime of technogenic microparticles with radii from 1 to 100 μm injected into the near-Earth space in highly elliptical orbits with low perigee, including the case of an orbit with parameters corresponding to the orbital parameters of the Molniya satellite. Calculations are performed taking into account the perturbing effect on the orbital microparticle motion in the near-Earth space of gravitational perturbation caused by the Earth’s polar oblateness, the solar pressure force (calculated using methods of the Mie theory), and the drag force of neutral component of the background gas under conditions of low, medium, and high levels of solar and geomagnetic activities.     

Kinematics of relative motion of two space bodies in close almost circular orbits

The paper is dedicated to a qualitative investigation of relative motion and close convergences of two space bodies located in close almost circular orbits. This problem is topical due to the asteroid hazard originating from the NEA group asteroids located in the orbits close to that of the Earth. P.E. El’yasberg [1] considered similar problems in the 1960s in relation to Earth’s artificial satellites in close almost circular orbits.     

Estimates of disturbances of space vehicle orbits in the upper ionosphere prior to strong earthquakes

Estimates of drag characteristics of the space vehicles with orbit heights of 450–540 and 700–900 km before and after strong (with a magnitude M ≥ 6.5) crust earthquakes of 2000–2006 are presented. The method of estimation of seismic orbital effects is presented using as an example the small Mozhaets-4 spacecraft. Two weeks prior to earthquakes, variations in the drag of low-orbital spacecraft increase. 3–6 days prior to strong crust earthquakes with epicenters on the land, the drag of low-orbit spacecraft in the upper atmosphere increases. The effect of increased viscosity of the neutral component of the atmosphere at spacecraft heights 3–6 days prior to strong crust earthquakes is consistent with the results of studies of disturbances in the ionization density variations in the ionospheric F region prior to earthquakes. No anomalies are found in the day of the earthquake. In the future, it is proposed to use elements of space debris for diagnostics of seismic orbital effects and disturbances of the upper atmosphere.     

The european space agency's earth observation satellite programmes

After a short presentation of the Meteosat and Sirio-2 programmes, the paper describes the elements of the ESA Remote Sensing Programmes for polar, Sun-synchronous orbits: Earthnet, a network of ground stations receiving data for present and future American satellites, and future European programmes; Spacelab, whose first flight will include high resolution visible and IR cameras, and radar; ERS-1, for radar observation of oceans and polar caps. Future ESA programmes are outlined.     

From space medicine to preventive and personalized health care on earth

The experience of human spaceflight has taught us that aging can be modulated, accelerated and decelerated. This is also confirmed by a number of experiments on animal models. However in order to be effective in managing aging and maintaining quality of life, a new approach needs to be adopted, one that many today call functional medicine or anti-aging medicine that in its essence is very similar to the medical approach provided to the astronauts by space agencies. Space medicine therefore can become a vehicle for the promotion of a new way of doing medicine on Earth.     

Controlling the motion of a spacecraft when approaching a large object of space debris

The problem of calculating the parameters of maneuvering a spacecraft as it approaches a large object of space debris (LOSD) in close near-circular noncoplanar orbits has been considered. In [1–4], the results of analyzing the problem of the flyby of the separated LOSD groups have been presented. It has been assumed that a collector spacecraft approaches the LOSD and captures it or it is inserted into the nozzle of a small spacecraft that has a proper propulsion system (PS). However, in these papers, the flight from one object to another was only analyzed and the problem of approaching to LOSD with a given accuracy was not considered. This paper is a supplement to the cycle of papers [1–4]. It is assumed that, the final stage of approaching the LOSD is implemented by maneuvering in many orbits (up to several dozens) with low-thrust engines, but the PS operating time is fairly small compared with the orbit period in order to make it possible to use impulse approximation in the calculations.     

Experimental modeling of impact of space dust and debris on flying vehicles and their components

For modeling the space dust and debris effect on flying vehicles, an investigation of the low-velocity impact of corundum and tungsten powders, accelerated by explosion, with particle size up to 50 microns on steel and duralumin targets was carried out. Also studied was the impact of sewing needles against metal and dielectric barriers, antimeteor shield models, and duralumin containers with hard materials, gunpowder, and explosives. At impact of powders at velocities of up to 2 km/s and needles at a velocity of up to 0.5 km/s against metals, the channels arose with lengths greater than 100 and 50 diameters of a striker. At impact of needles, the containers with hard explosive materials were destroyed because of ignition of their contents, and containers with plastic explosive were punched through, and no burning occurred. The energy, released at destruction of plexiglas blocks and containers with hard materials, many times exceeded the impact energy due to release of the elastic energy stored in them.     

基于IP组网的低轨航天器大容量文件传输方法

空间科学的发展使航天测控中遥感和图像等数据量日益增大,如何实现天地间大容量文件的传输已成为一个重要问题。鉴于测控网正在向全IP化的方向发展,提出一种在IP组网基础上的低轨航天器大容量文件的传输方案,并就方案中文件的分块传输及卫星在测控站间切换时文件的续传等关键问题进行探讨。在此基础上,对提出的方案进行实验分析,验证了其可行性。     

近地卫星磁测自主导航算法研究

地磁场具有较为完善的数学模型，而地磁场矢量是卫星位置的函数，利用三轴磁强计的测量信息即可实现近地卫星的自主导航。本文提出了采用UKF(Unscented Kalman Filter)滤波作为处理磁测自主导航问题的滤波算法。基于unscented变换，UKF滤波算法能够给出更精确的均值和协方差的估计，从而带来更高的精度。本文以地磁场矢量为测量量，进行了数学仿真。仿真结果表明：经UKF滤波后，卫星总的位置误差在1km(3σ)以内。通过比较可知，该方法比传统的扩展Kalman滤波(EKF)有更好的收敛性和更高的精度。     

Ground assisted rendezvous with geosynchronous satellites for the disposal of space debris by means of Earth-oriented tethers

Previous studies have shown that extended length Earth-oriented tethers in the geosynchronous (GEO) region can be used to re-orbit satellites to disposal orbits. One such approach involves the extension of a GEO based tether, collection of a debris object, and retraction of the tether, which transfers the retracted configuration to a higher energy orbit for debris disposal. The re-extension of the tether after debris disposal returns the configuration to the near-GEO altitude. The practical feasibility of such a system depends on the ability to collect GEO debris objects, attach them to a deployed tether system, and retract the tethers for transfer to the disposal orbits.This study addresses the collection and delivery of debris objects to the deployed tether system in GEO. The investigation considers the number, type and the characteristics of the debris objects as well as the collection tug that can be ground controlled to detect, rendezvous and dock with the debris objects for their delivery to the tethers system.A total of more than 400 objects are in drift orbits crossing all longitudes either below or above the geostationary radius. More than 130 objects are also known to librate around the stable points in GEO with periods of libration up to five or more years. A characterization of the position and velocity of the debris objects relative to the collection tug is investigated. Typical rendezvous performance requirements for uncooperative GEO satellites are examined, and the similarities with other approaches such as the ESA's CX-OLEV commercial mission proposal to extend the life of geostationary telecommunication satellites are noted.     

Large-size message construction for ETI: Inductive self-interpretation in LINCOS

Ingredients of the author's Lingua Cosmica for communication with extra-terrestrial intelligent beings are examined with self-interpretation in mind. The most important ingredients for that purpose are inductive definitions. These definitions contain ordered sequences of induction hypotheses, identified by mutually distinctive constructors. If an assertion involving an inductive definition is to be verified, all induction hypotheses must be taken into account, i.e. they must be eliminated one by one. The implementation of the elimination procedure can be expressed within LINCOS itself. Therefore the system admits self-interpretation.