Space Life Science of China in 2013

In the past two years, space life science research in China is characterized by a wide area of basic researches for providing foundation for the future China Space Station. The effect of microgravity and radiation was further studied from physiology phenomena to the level of bio-molecule mechanisms. Chinese space life science is maturing in a new era of comprehensive development. Here, we review and summarize researches on space life sciences which were contributed by Chinese scientists.      

Exobiology revisited

The term “Exobiology” was introduced about 25 years ago, at a time when intensive discussions were under way concerning plans for the biological exploration of Mars. The search for life on Mars was to be a critical test of the concept of chemical evolution- not an end in itself. After the Viking mission, when it became apparent that prospects were dim for the discovery of extraterrestrial life within our solar system, many people concluded that this new field of endeavor would soon expire. Quite the contrary, over the past decade, the field has broadened considerably into a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the circumstances that led to the origin of life and the interplay between the evolution of this planet and its biota.     

Space Life Science of China

With the human space exploration activities, space life science is an emerging interdiscipline, which covers a wide range of researches. Based on our country's manned space station and recoverable satellite science experimental platform, the development of space life science research is very important to acquire new knowledge or new technological innovation, to give further services to the human space exploration activities, to improve the national economic and social development. Both ground-based and flight applied studies were continuously performed in the previous 2 years. Here, we review and summarize the researches on space life sciences contributed by Chinese scientists.      

Space Life Science of China in 2015

With the human space exploration activities, space life science is an emerging interdisciplinary and it covers a wide range of research. Based on our country's manned space station and recoverable satellite science experimental platform, the development of space life science research is very important to acquire new knowledge or new innovation in technology, to give further services to the human space exploration activities, to improve the national economic and social development. Based on present situation, both theoretical and applied researches were continuously performed in 2015. Here, we review and summarize the researches on space life sciences which were contributed by Chinese scientists.      

On initial steps of chemical prebiotic evolution: Triggering autocatalytic reaction of oligomerization

Searching for extraterrestrial life attracts more and more attention. However this searching hardly can be effective without sufficiently universal concept of life origin, which incidentally tackles a problem of origin of life on the Earth. A concept of initial stages of life origin is stated in the paper. The concept eliminates key difficulties in the problem of life origin, and allows experimental verification of it. According to the concept the predecessor of living beings has to be sufficiently simple to provide non-zero probability of self-assembling during short (in geological or cosmic scale) time. In addition the predecessor has to be capable of autocatalysis, and further complication (evolution). A possible scenario of initial stage of life origin, which can be realized both on other planets, and inside experimental facility is considered. In the scope of the scenario a theoretical model of multivariate oligomeric autocatalyst is presented. Results of computer simulation of two versions of oligomeric autocatalytic reactions are presented. It is shown that the contribution of monomer activation reaction is essential, and in some cases autocatalysis in polymerizing reaction can be achieved without catalyzing proper monomer binding reaction.     

Life as a set of matter transformation cycles: ecological attributes of life.

An approach to searching for extraterrestrial life on the base of "autotroph" concept of the origin of life is presented in the paper. According to this concept the origin of life took place in three stages. The first stage was developed inside the global geochemical cycle in which the turnover of different chemical transformations was implemented by solar radiation and/or heat energy of bowels of the Earth. At the second stage, after the autocatalytic systems have emerged these systems evolved as a result of "natural selection" by autocatalysis parameters up to emergence of special inheritance systems that drastically improved the autocatalysis parameters. The best in terms of autocatalysis parameters were the autocatalysis systems based on phase-separated particles where complex structures can form not only on the basis of covalent interactions. Such autocatalysis systems can emerge only in liquid in a certain range of temperatures and pressures. At this stage the geochemical cycle complicated involving new substances. At the third stage the evolution involved improvement of inheritance systems resulting in formation of the modern type of genetic apparatus. This concept formed the basis to consider approaches to experimental modeling of major aspects of the origin of life and to outlining some general features of life that can extend the sensitive horizon of searching for extraterrestrial life.     

New results and questions of lunar exploration from SELENE,Chang’E-1, Chandrayaan-1 and LRO/LCROSS

The moon has longstanding questions such as lunar environments, origin, formation and evolution, magnetization of crustal rocks, internal structure and possible life. The recent lunar missions, e.g., SELenological and ENgineering Explorer “KAGUYA” (SELENE), Chang’E-1, Chandrayaan-1, and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter/Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LRO/LCROSS), have provided new opportunities to explore and understand these issues. In this paper, we reviewed and presented the results and findings in the fields of lunar gravity, magnetic field, atmosphere, surface geomorphology and compositional variations, volcano, craters, internal structure, water and life science from new lunar exploration missions. In addition, the new objectives and scientific questions on lunar explorations in near future are presented and discussed.     

基于电离层加热的人工沿场散射RCS估计

在电离层加热理论研究和试验研究的基础上, 根据F层散射体的特征和不均匀体散射理论, 建立了人工沿场散射(AFAS)中散射体的散射截面积数学模型. 通过与国际上理论结果对比, 证明了模型的适用性. 利用模型估算了中国人工沿场散射通信中, 通信频段在20~100 MHz时散射体的散射截面积, 结果显示, 甚高频率(VHF)的低端可达80 dB•m2. 另外, 通过计算验证了雷达波束垂直地磁场方向时可获得最大散射截面积的理论.      

代谢起源进化的分子模拟研究

新陈代谢为生命提供了物质和能量基础，与生命起源和进化密切相关.然而，由于缺乏化石证据，代谢的起源及其影响生物进化的分子机制等重要问题尚待解决.近年来，网络扩张算法等分子模拟方法的出现为解决这些问题提供了新途径.本文综述了近年来代谢起源进化的分子模拟研究，以期为相关领域学科发展提供新思路.      

Emergence of adaptable systems and evolution of a translation device

An over-all organizational framework for the origin of life is outlined and attemps for realization are given. Evolution can be described as a process resulting in an increase of “knowledge” where knowledge is the number of carriers of genetic information discarded, on the average, until the evolutionary state under consideration is reached. A model for the evolution of a translation device, a crucial event in the origin of life, is described in detail. Aggregates of short polynucleotide strands in a hairpin conformation play a major role in this model. Experimental evidence for the selectivity of aggregation supports the idea of aggregates as error filters. Chromatographic separation as selection process during chemical evolution supports the model of the early translation device leading to the origin of the genetic code.     

Progress of microgravity material research during the period of 2007—2009

Orbital experimental researches on crystal growth of Mn-doped GaSb and Bi2Se0.21Te2.79 are briefly summarized. The space experiments were completed in September of 2007 on broad the Foton-M3 satellite of Russia. Ground-based researches on the solidification behaviors of Al-Al3Ni, Al-Al2Cu, Ag-Cu eutectic, Al-Pb monotectic and Cu-Co peritectic alloys in a 50-meter-high drop tube were investigated. New experimental results on the ultrasonic field and the temperature recycling induced to chiral symmetry breaking of NaClO3 crystal also were reported in the present paper.      

液压泵综合应力寿命试验方法研究

针对液压泵这种典型机电产品的特点,在分析了液压泵故障机理的基础上, 确定了能诱发产品关键故障模式的敏感应力.通过分析敏感应力对液压泵故障的影响及美军标寿命试验载荷谱的发展,得出了利用综合敏感应力可以进行液压泵综合应力寿命验证的结论.还针对液压泵价格贵、寿命长、试验样本少的特点,分析了液压泵综合应力寿命试验统计方法,通过试验证明了它的有效性.     

Importance of electric field measurement over low latitudes at stratospheric heights by balloons

The vertical field in the stratosphere around 35 km is predominantly of atmospheric origin whereas the horizontal electric field at these altitude is mainly of ionospheric origin. The electrical coupling between ionosphere and atmosphere is not known for low latitudes. Balloon borne electric field measurements are planned from Hyderabad, India (geographic latitude 17.5° N) to understand this coupling. Measurement of stratospheric electric fields are also important from the point of view of the sun-weather relationship. It si suggested that the balloon borne electric field measurements are important to understand the electrodynamics of the middle atmosphere.     

深空探测磁动力技术研究进展

开展深空探测对人类研究宇宙起源与发展、生命存在与进化等重大科学问题具有重要的意义。深空探测有很多关键技术有待突破,先进推进技术是其中最为重要的一个。而可用于深空探测的无需携带推进剂的磁动力推进技术,是利用太阳系和宇宙中广泛存在的等离子体流,使探测器所携带的低密度超导材料制作的线圈通电,在探测器周围形成一个磁场区域,通过该磁场与太阳风等离子流相互作用产生推动力的一种先进技术。文章介绍了磁动力技术的国内外发展现状、磁帆与等离子体流增强型磁帆的基本原理、技术特点以及在未来深空探测中的潜在应用,为我国未来深空探测任务的工程实施提供一种新的方法。     

Solar ring mission: Building a panorama of the Sun and inner-heliosphere

Solar Ring (SOR) is a proposed space science mission to monitor and study the Sun and inner heliosphere from a full 360° perspective in the ecliptic plane. It will deploy-three 120°-separated spacecraft on the 1-AU orbit. The first spacecraft, S1, locates 30° upstream of the Earth, the second, S2, 90° downstream, and the third, S3, completes the configuration. This design with necessary science instruments, e.g., the Doppler-velocity and vector magnetic field imager, wide-angle coronagraph, and in-situ instruments, will allow us to establish many unprecedented capabilities: (1) provide simultaneous Doppler-velocity observations of the whole solar surface to understand the deep interior, (2) provide vector magnetograms of the whole photosphere — the inner boundary of the solar atmosphere and heliosphere, (3) provide the information of the whole lifetime evolution of solar featured structures, and (4) provide the whole view of solar transients and space weather in the inner heliosphere. With these capabilities, Solar Ring mission aims to address outstanding questions about the origin of solar cycle, the origin of solar eruptions and the origin of extreme space weather events. The successful accomplishment of the mission will construct a panorama of the Sun and inner-heliosphere, and therefore advance our understanding of the star and the space environment that holds our life.     

月球表面太空风化作用及其效应

太空风化作用普遍发生在月球、小行星等一些无大气层的天体表面, 主要包括太阳风离子辐射和微陨石撞击等作用. 通过对真实月球样品太空风化作用的研究成果以及低能离子和激光照射等地面模拟实验结果的系统综述和分析, 重点分析了月壤颗粒中非晶质层和纳米铁的成因, 指出太空风化研究中存在的太阳风离子辐射和微陨石撞击贡献难以区分及模拟实验模拟效果尚不充分的问题.进而提出月球太空风化研究不能简单套用其他天体的模型, 并建议未来开展更多月球和陨石样品的精细化学分析.      

Exobiology and future Mars missions: The search for Mars'' earliest biosphere

The primordial Mars may have possessed a thick carbon dioxide atmosphere, with liquid water common on the surface, similar in many ways to the primordial Earth. During this epoch, billions of years ago, the surface of Mars could have been conducive to the origin of life. It is possible that life evolved on Mars to be later eliminated as the atmospheric pressure dropped. Analysis of the surface of Mars for the traces of this early martian biota could provide many insights into the phenomenon of life and its coupling to planetary evolution.     

Science Researches of Chinese Manned Space Flight

With the complete success of the 2nd stage of Chinese Manned Space Program (CMSP), several science researches have been performed on Tiangong-1 experimental spacelab, which was docked with three Shenzhou spaceships one after another. The China's real spacelab, Tiangong-2 will be launched in 2015, docked with a Shenzhou spaceship soon. After six months, it will be docked with the first Chinese cargo ship (Tianzhou-1). More space science researches, involving with space biology, fluid physics, fundamental physics, materials science, Earth science, astronomy and space environmental science, will be operated on Tiangong-2 spacelab, and crewed and cargo spaceships. Furthermore, the considerable large-scale space utilization of Shina's Space Station is planned. The research fields include yet not limited to space medicine and physiology, space life science and biotechnology, fluid physics and combustion in microgravity, space material science, and fundamental physics in microgravity, space astronomy, Earth science, space physics and space environment utilization, technology demonstration.      

小行星探测发展综述

小天体上保存着太阳系形成初期的原始成分,同时可能蕴含着地球生命与水起源的重要线索,是研究太阳系起源和演化历史的活化石。近年来,小行星探测已成为主要航天国家深空探索领域的重点发展目标之一。简要总结了国际上小天体探测历程,对小行星探测的研究和发展趋势进行了综述,重点探讨了未来小行星探测任务面临的主要关键技术,并对中国后续开展小行星探测活动提出了相关建议。