中国航天医学进展

航天医学是随着载人航天事业的发展而兴起的一门特种医学学科、随着人类对太空的不断探索,从学科创建至今的短短几十年时间取得了巨大的发展,我国的载人航天工程于20世纪90年代初启动,但航天医学发展的历史却可追溯到50年代末,特别是近10年来,我国载人航天工程的启动为航天医学的发展带来了重大机遇,目前,我国首次载人航天飞行已获圆满成功,首飞航天员也已安全、健康地重返地球,航天医学专家们与航天员一同经受住了首次载人航天飞行的考验、本文简要介绍了我国航天医学的基础研究和应用研究,以及取得的进展,并展望了今后将面临的挑战和机遇。     

The high altitude student platform (HASP) for student-built payloads

An outstanding issue with aerospace workforce development is what should be done at the university level to attract and prepare undergraduates for an aerospace career. One approach adopted by many institutions is to lead students through the design and development of small payloads (less than about 500 grams) that can be carried up to high altitude (around 30 km) by a latex sounding balloon. This approach has been very successful in helping students to integrate their content knowledge with practical skills and to understand the end-to-end process of aerospace project development. Sounding balloons, however, are usually constrained in flight duration (∼30 min above 24 km) and payload weight, limiting the kinds investigations that are possible. Student built picosatellites, such as CubeSats, can be placed in low Earth orbit removing the flight duration constraint, but the delays between satellite development and launch can be years. Here, we present the inexpensive high altitude student platform (HASP) that is designed to carry at least eight student payloads at a time to an altitude of about 36 km with flight durations of 15–20 h using a small zero-pressure polyethylene film balloon. This platform provides a flight capability greater than sounding balloons and can be used to flight-test compact satellites, prototypes and other small payloads designed and built by students. The HASP includes a standard mechanical, power and communication interface for the student payload to simplify integration and allows the payloads to be fully exercised. HASP is lightweight, has simple mission requirements providing flexibility in the launch schedule, will provide a flight test opportunity at the end of each academic year.     

Medical survey of European astronauts during Mir missions

This paper reviews the medical operations performed on six European astronauts during seven space missions on board the space station Mir. These missions took place between November 1988 and August 1999, and their duration ranged from 14 days to 189 days. Steps of pre-flight medical selection and flight certification are presented. Countermeasures program used during the flight, as well as rehabilitation program following short and long-duration missions are described. Also reviewed are medical problems encountered during the flight, post-flight physiological changes such as orthostatic intolerance, exercise capacity, blood composition, muscle atrophy, bone density, and radiation exposure.     

Space Weather Outreach: An informal education perspective

Informal science education institutions, such as science centers, play an important role in science education. They serve millions of people, including students and teachers. Within the last decade, many have tried to improve the public’s understanding of science and scientific research through informal education projects. The recent success of several space weather-related missions and research programs and the launch of the International Heliophysical Year (IHY) research and education programs make this an ideal time to inform the public about the importance and relevance of space weather to our understanding of heliophysical science. Communication efforts associated with space weather both benefit and are compromised by analogies to terrestrial weather. This paper summarizes the benefits and challenges of the terrestrial weather analogy using two exhibit evaluation studies. The paper also describes three components of the Space Science Institute’s Space Weather Outreach Program – Space Weather Center Website, Educator Workshops, and Small Exhibits – and how they can help to achieve the education goals of IHY.     

NASA's Space Life Sciences Training Program.

The Space Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP) is an intensive, six-week training program held every summer since 1985 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). A major goal of the SLSTP is to develop a cadre of qualified scientists and engineers to support future space life sciences and engineering challenges. Hand-picked, undergraduate college students participate in lectures, laboratory sessions, facility tours, and special projects: including work on actual Space Shuttle flight experiments and baseline data collection. At NASA Headquarters (HQ), the SLSTP is jointly sponsored by the Life Sciences Division and the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs: it has been very successful in attracting minority students and women to the fields of space science and engineering. In honor of the International Space Year (ISY), 17 international students participated in this summer's program. An SLSTP Symposium was held in Washington D.C., just prior to the World Space Congress. The Symposium attracted over 150 SLSTP graduates for a day of scientific discussions and briefings concerning educational and employment opportunities within NASA and the aerospace community. Future plans for the SLSTP include expansion to the Johnson Space Center in 1995.     

空天飞行器多源容错鲁棒组合导航系统设计

空天飞行器具有机动灵活、高速飞行和实时打击等特点,为保证空天飞行器在各种复杂飞行工况下导航系统的精度、可靠性与鲁棒性,构建了包含惯性导航、卫星导航与天文导航的多源容错鲁棒组合导航系统。针对空间复杂电磁环境造成的在非线性系统中量测噪声非高斯分布的问题,设计了一种基于Huber定则的鲁棒多传感器信息融合方法;针对高动态与GNSS信号受干扰与欺骗等情况下,卫导信号异常、失锁与星图拖尾等工况,设计了故障诊断与滤波器重构策略。仿真验证表明,所设计的多源容错鲁棒组合导航在复杂动态下能够有效提高导航系统的导航精度与容错能力,为空天飞行器导航系统设计提供了有效参考。     

THE PROGRESS ON SPACE ASTRONOMY IN CHINA DURING 2000-2002

In this paper main achievements in the area of space astronomy are summarized.During the flight of cosmic Gamma-Ray Burst Spectrometer(GRBS) onboard spacecraft Shenzhou-2(launched on 2001-01-10), much observational results of cosmic γ-ray burst and solar X, γ-ray burst are obtained. The preliminary analysis on space data has lead to some interesting results. Besides it, some other long-term space astronomy programs are briefly described here.     

An Outline of Investigation of Space Medicine Problem and Its Mechanism

The human exploration of space is one of the great voyages of discovery in human history. For over forty years space exploration, human have gotten more profound knowledge about outer space and life phenomena, ranging from understanding and recognizing space to adapting and utilizing space. With these development, space medicine that aimed at studying effect of space environment on human health and ensuring the safety, health and effective working of human in space exploration, will become increasingly improved and matured.The contents of research will develop from the early phenomena observation of the effect of space environment on human physiology and biochemistry, and the effect definition, to the study of the mechanism of changes of cell, molecule, and gene, from the passive adaptation for space environment to taking the initiative countermeasures, in order to ensure the safety, health and effective working of astronauts during space flight.Space practices in the past forty years have confirmed that a variety of physiological and pathological changes have been found for organism exposed to space flight. These changes include cardiovascular dysfunction, bone loss,muscle atrophy, decline of immune function, endocrine function disorder and space motion sickness. In recent years, more attention has been focused on the study of the mechanism of these changes, especially the effects of space environment on cell, molecule and its gene expression. With the demand of China's manned space engineering task and continuous development, a series of studies on medical problem caused by space environment have been carried out.     

金刚石膜在宇航应用中的新进展

金刚石膜的研究已进入了以应用为主的阶段。介绍了金刚石膜的最新发展水平；概括了它们的空间光学摩擦润滑，空间电子装置的热管理和环境探测方面的一些应用；指出了金刚石膜航天工业中的重要性，它们的相互促进关系和发展前景。     

The effects of proton radiation on UHMWPE material properties for space flight and medical applications

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polymer widely used as a radiation shielding material in space flight applications and as a bearing material in total joint replacements. As a long chain hydrocarbon based polymer, UHMWPE’s material properties are influenced by radiation exposure, and prior studies show that gamma irradiation is effective for both medical sterilization and increased wear resistance in total joint replacement applications. However, the effects of space flight radiation types and doses on UHMWPE material properties are poorly understood. In this study, three clinically relevant grades of UHMWPE (GUR 1020, GUR 1050, and GUR 1020 blended with Vitamin E) were proton irradiated and tested for differences in material properties. Each of the three types of UHMWPE was irradiated at nominal doses of 0 Gy (control), 5 Gy, 10 Gy, 20 Gy, and 35 Gy. Following irradiation, uniaxial tensile testing and thermal testing using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) were performed. Results show small but significant changes in several material properties between the control (0 Gy) and 35 Gy samples, indicating that proton irradiation could have a effect on the long term performance of UHMWPE in both medical and space flight applications.     

Hardware qualification for scientific ballooning missions

The European Stratospheric Balloon Observatory (ESBO) initiative aims at simplifying the access to stratospheric balloon missions. We plan to provide platforms and support with instrument design in order to support scientists. During the design process, the inevitable question of qualification for the harsh flight conditions arises. Unfortunately, there is no existing standard for qualification of stratospheric ballooning hardware. Thus, we developed a qualification procedure for use within ESBO and similar projects.In this paper, we present our analysis of the environmental conditions in the stratosphere. While conditions at typical balloon float altitudes are similar to the space environment, there are also some relevant differences. For example, the thermal environment is dominated by radiation and thermal conduction, but the remaining atmosphere still supports a certain amount of convection. The remaining atmospheric pressure in the stratosphere also leads to reduced arcing distances. Vibrational loads are far less than for space missions, but quasi-static or shock loads may occur. The criticality of radiation increases with mission duration.Based on the environmental conditions, we present the qualification procedures for ESBO, which are based on the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) standards for space systems. Overtesting against too high requirements leads to overengineering, driving mission cost and mitigating the advantages of balloons over space missions. Therefore, we modified the ECSS standards to fit typical scientific ballooning missions over several days at altitudes up to 40 km. Furthermore, we analyzed design rules for space systems with regard to their relevance for scientific ballooning, including material and component selection. We present the experience from the hardware qualification process for the ESBO prototype STUDIO (Stratospheric UV Demonstrator of an Imaging Observatory). Even though boundary conditions are different for each individual mission, we aimed for a broader approach: We investigated more general requirements for scientific ballooning missions to support future flights.     

Regeneration of organs and tissues in lower vertebrates during and after space flight.

In this paper most important data obtained in studies on the effect of space flight conditions on regeneration in the adult newt are summarized. We demonstrate a phenomenon of synchronization of limb and lens regeneration and increase in its rate during and after space flight. We also describe a peculiarities of cell proliferation in lens, limb and tail regenerates and of the process of minced muscle regeneration.     

Science Research and Utilization Planning of China's Space Station in Operation Period 2022-2032

The core module of China's Space Station (CSS) is scheduled to be launched around the end of 2020, and the experimental module I and II will be launched in the next two years. After on-orbit constructions, CSS will be transferred into an operation period over 10 years (2022-2032 and beyond) to continuously implement space science missions. At present, based on the project selection and research work in the ground development period of CSS, China is systematically making a utilization mission planning for the operation period, which focuses on the fields of aerospace medicine and human research, space life science and biotechnology, microgravity fluid physics, combustion science, materials science, fundamental physics, space astronomy and astrophysics, Earth science, space physics and space environment, space application technology, etc. In combination with the latest development trend of space science and technology, China will continue to update planning for science research and technology development, carry out project cultivation, payload R&D, and upgrade onboard and ground experiment supporting systems to achieve greater comprehensive benefits in science, technology, economy, and society.      

铝合金2A12在热冲击条件下的力学性能

测试并确定航空航天材料在复杂高速热冲击条件下的强度极限等关键参数,对于航空航天材料和结构的可靠性评定、寿命预测以及高速飞行器的安全设计具有重要的意义.针对强度设计手册中没有航空航天材料在高速热冲击环境下的强度极限等表征参数的现状,使用自行研制的高速飞行器瞬态气动热试验模拟系统,对铝合金材料2A12在多种不同的瞬态热冲击条件下,进行气动加热模拟与热载联合试验研究,得到在瞬态热、力学环境的共同作用下铝合金2A12材料的强度极限等力学性能变化状况.为研究分析航空航天材料和结构在高速热冲击环境下的承载能力和结构减重提供可靠依据.      

Selection and biomedical training of cosmonauts.

The first cosmonauts were selected from the flying personnel. These individuals enjoying good health were more familiar with the conditions and effects of the factors similar to those which are to be found in space missions. In future, because of the complication of tasks to be solved in space missions, an inflight utilization and testing of sophisticated space technology, and conducting a broad spectrum of scientific studies, a demand arose for including cosmonaut-researchers--highly qualified representatives of various scientific specialities--in a flight crew. In this connection, a necessity was created for changing some evaluation criteria to assess the health status of the chosen candidates considering their age and physical fitness. In specific cases, during the selection process some health-improving measures related to professional significance of the candidates for a position of cosmonaut-researcher was carried out. The prime goal of cosmonauts selection is to predict their good tolerance for a particular space mission while maintaining health and adequate performance throughout the flight, completing the flight tasks and assuring successful return to the Earth. Inclusion of cosmonaut-researchers in space crews requires study of an effect of spaceflight factors on reactions of female subjects in simulated ground-based investigations. At present, the preparation of cosmonauts, can be defined as a continuous purposeful process of training, forming and maintaining operational skills, bringing up the crewmembers to acquire professionally significant psychological and physical features essential for effective work to be done in space mission. The preparation of cosmonauts consists mainly of technical, aviation and space, medical-biological and scientific trainings.     

一种连翼飞行器气动和飞行力学迭代仿真方法

根据连翼布局飞行器气动力和力矩的分布特点，建立了面向其气动部件的飞行力学数学模型。将计算流体力学(CFD)和飞行力学仿真结合，采用时间步长离散，建立了一个能通过气动计算和飞行力学相互迭代来完成仿真全过程的面向连翼布局飞行器气动部件的仿真平台，并且在仿真过程中能全程监测所有部件的气动、动力学、姿态和航迹参数的变化。通过该仿真平台对不同输入信号作用下的动力学响应分析了连翼布局飞行器纵向和横侧向的动力学特性。仿真分析结果表明:该连翼布局飞行器纵向具备静稳定性，但横侧向不具备静稳定性。同时，横向和航向运动耦合明显，符合荷兰滚运动偏航及侧滑振荡明显的主要特征。所提方法可为了解连翼布局飞行器本体及飞行动力学响应特性、飞行品质和飞行安全研究等工作提供分析基础。      

Science Missions Using CubeSats

As the role of missions and experiments carried out in outer space becomes more and more essential in our understanding of many earthly problems, such as resource management, environmental problems, and disaster management, as well as space science questions, thanks to their lower cost and faster development process CubeSats can benefit humanity and therefore, young scientists and engineers have been motivated to research and develop new CubeSat missions. Not very long after their inception, CubeSats have evolved to become accepted platforms for scientific and commercial applications. The last couple of years showed that they are a feasible tool for conducting scientific experiments, not only in the Earth orbit but also in the interplanetary space. For many countries, a CubeSat mission could prompt the community and young teams around the world to build the national capacity to launch and operate national space missions. This paper presents an overview of the key scientific and engineering gateways opened up to the younger scientific community by the advent and adaptation of new technology into CubeSat missions. The role of cooperation and the opportunities for capacity-building and education are also explored. Thus, the present article also aims to provide useful recommendations to scientists, early-career researchers, engineers, students, and anyone who intends to explore the potential and opportunities offered by CubeSats and CubeSats-based missions.      

Space flight experiment on Chinese silkworm on board the Russian 10th Biosatellite.

Space flight experiments on Chinese silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) were conducted on board the Russian 10th Biosatellite for 12 days. The samples included silkworm eggs, larvae, cocoons, pupae and moths. The processes of spinning, cocooning, mating, oviposition, larval hatching, pupation and moth emergence all completed well in space. The following effects of space flight on silkworm development were observed: The times of hatching and oviposition in the flight group were 2 to 3 days earlier than in the control group; the hatching rate of diapause eggs during space flight seemed higher than that of the control group; the life span of 2 of the 7 varieties flown was shortened; genetical variations appeared in 3 varieties. The results showed that the embryonic stage was probably the period most sensitive to the space flight environment.     

First flight of the ASTROCULTURE (TM) experiment as a part of the U.S. Shuttle/MIR program.

A number of space-based experiments have been conducted to assess the impact of microgravity on plant growth and development. In general, these experiments did not identify any profound impact of microgravity on plant growth and development, though investigations to study seed development have indicated difficulty in plants completing their reproductive cycle. However, it was not clear whether the lack of seed production was due to gravity effects or some other environmental condition prevailing in the unit used for conducting the experiment. The ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit contains a totally enclosed plant chamber in which all the critically important environmental conditions are controlled. Normal wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and development in the ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit was observed during a ground experiment conducted prior to the space experiment. Subsequent to the ground experiment, the flight unit was transported to MIR by STS-89, as part of the U.S. Shuttle/MIR program, in an attempt to determine if super dwarf wheat plants that were germinated in microgravity would grow normally and produce seeds. The experiment was initiated on-orbit after the flight unit was transferred from the Space Shuttle to MIR. The ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit performed nominally for the first 24 hours after the flight unit was activated, and then the unit stopped functioning abruptly. Since it was not possible to return the unit to nominal operation it was decided to terminate the experiment. On return of the flight unit, it was confirmed that the control computer of the ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit sustained a radiation hit that affected the control software embedded in the computer. This experience points out that at high orbital inclinations, such as that of MIR and that projected for the International Space Station, the danger of encountering harmful radiation effects are likely unless the electronic components of the flight hardware are resistant to such impacts.