月面探测器月夜休眠自主唤醒方法

提出一种月面探测器休眠自主唤醒方法:月夜来临时通过地面控制对月面探测器所有设备进行休眠操作;月昼来临时靠太阳光触发唤醒功能,由休眠唤醒电路自主发送指令唤醒探测器,解决月面探测器安全可靠度过月夜的能源供给问题。该方法已通过在轨验证,可为其他深空探测任务提供参考。     

行星着陆复杂形貌特征匹配与自主导航研究进展

基于行星定点软着陆探测任务的需求,围绕复杂形貌行星着陆过程环境特点,首先分析了行星着陆复杂形貌特征匹配与自主导航所面临的主要技术挑战,随后综述了行星着陆复杂形貌特征匹配与自主导航的研究现状,并概括了行星着陆复杂形貌特征匹配与自主导航所涉及的关键技术。最后对未来行星着陆探测复杂形貌特征匹配与自主导航发展方向进行了展望。     

自由返回轨道的P平面参数快速设计方法

针对自由返回轨道求解过程中地心轨道类型变化造成的B平面参数方法计算失败问题,提出一种基于P平面参数的自由返回轨道快速设计方法。首先,基于轨道半通径参数的普适性,给出了不同轨道类型的P平面参数定义,建立了以P平面参数为求解目标量的自由返回轨道求解模型。其次,给出了基于P平面参数的自由返回轨道快速设计方法,在构建的瞬时地月惯性系下,以平面双二体自由返回轨道作为初值,实现了高精度力模型下的自由返回轨道快速求解。对8种构型自由返回轨道的设计结果表明,P平面参数具有类似于B平面参数的大收敛域,且有效解决了轨道类型变化对计算的影响,可直接应用于中国后续月球探测任务轨道设计。     

2013 年国外载人航天发展综合分析

2013年,各主要航天国家依据本国具体国情,以审慎务实的态度持续推进载人航天活动。基于此背景,综述了2013年国外载人航天领域发展动态,梳理了国际空间站及深空探索领域的系列成果,分析了重型运载火箭、新型飞船、空间商业运输能力的发展趋势。     

新一代载人月面着陆器发展趋势研究

月面着陆器是实现载人探月任务的重要组成部分,从任务规划和着陆器参数两个方面对早期美国阿波罗计划中的月面着陆器（ LM）、苏联N1-L3登月计划中的月面着陆器（ L3登月系统）以及最近美国星座计划中的月面着陆器（ Altair）的相关情况进行了分析,并从任务需求、月面环境和研究经费及基础设施方面对LM与Altair月面着陆器进行详细比较,通过比较分析总结出新一代载人月面着陆器将沿着提高乘员运送能力、扩大到达范围、延长航天员生活时间及功能模块化的方向发展,并提出研制新一代月面着陆器应着重解决着陆器推进、结构、着陆障碍检测及缓冲以及月尘防护等关键技术。     

Conceptual study and key technology development for Mars Aeroflyby sample collection

Conceptual study of Mars Aeroflyby Sample Collection (MASC) is conducted as a part of the next Mars exploration mission currently entertained in Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. In the mission scenario, an atmospheric entry vehicle is flown into the Martian atmosphere, collects the Martian dust particles as well as atmospheric gases during the guided hypersonic flight, exits the Martian atmosphere, and is inserted into a parking orbit from which a return system departs for the earth to deliver the dust and gas samples. In order to accomplish a controlled flight and a successful orbit insertion, aeroassist orbit transfer technologies are introduced into the guidance and control system. System analysis is conducted to assess the feasibility and to make a conceptual design, finding that the MASC system is feasible at the minimum system mass of 600 kg approximately. The aerogel, which is one of the candidates for the dust sample collector, is assessed by arcjet heating tests to examine its behavior when exposed to high-temperature gases, as well as by particle impingement tests to evaluate its dust capturing capability.     

Performance of a small and low-cost chamber to simulate lunar surface environment

The performance of a small and low-cost metal chamber built to simulate the pressure and temperature conditions of lunar surface was assessed and the results are presented. This chamber is intended for studying the physical properties of lunar surface and subsurface (using soil simulants) and also to validate the technology readiness of certain newly developed payloads planned for future lunar surface missions (Lander/Rover). It is possible to reach down to ∼10⁻⁷ Pa under specific conditions and maintain the temperature of the sample under investigation to lunar day and night temperatures. The designed system has been subjected to various tests to evaluate its performance and suitability for carrying out experiments in a simulated lunar environment.     

Role of the current young generation within the space exploration sector

The space sector gathers together people from a variety of fields who work in the industry on different levels and with different expertise. What is often forgotten is the impact and role of the current young generation. Their engagement is of great importance as undeniably today's young ‘space generation’ will be defining the direction of future space exploration.Today's vision of future human and robotic space exploration has been set out in the Global Exploration Roadmap (GER). This focuses on sustainable, affordable and productive long-term goals. The strategy begins with the International Space Station (ISS) and then expands human presence into the solar system, including a human mission to Mars.This paper presents a general overview of the role of today's youth within the space exploration sector and the challenges to overcome. To complete this perspective, we present results from a survey made among students and young professionals about their levels of awareness of the GER. The respondents presented their opinion about current aspects of the GER and prioritised the GER's objectives. It is hoped that the paper will bring a new perspective into the GER and a contribution to the current GER strategy.     

A permanent lunar base : Alternatives and choices

It appears virtually certain that humans will return to the lunar surface to stay and exploit the lunar resources. The only remaining question is who, when and how humankind will go there to establish a permanent lunar base. This article describes the decision-making process of determining the parameters of a lunar base. It offers modelling options as a frame of reference for planning the lunar base and its logistic support, and gives the reasons why a detailed analysis of the options and forward planning should have a high priority now.