The future of human spaceflight.

After the Apollo Moon program, the international space station represents a further milestone of humankind in space, International follow-on programs like a manned return to the Moon and a first manned Mars Mission can be considered as the next logical step. More and more attention is also paid to the topic of future space tourism in Earth orbit, which is currently under investigation in the USA, Japan and Europe due to its multibillion dollar market potential and high acceptance in society. The wide variety of experience, gained within the space station program, should be used in order to achieve time and cost savings for future manned programs. Different strategies and roadmaps are investigated for space tourism and human missions to the Moon and Mars, based on a comprehensive systems analysis approach. By using DLR's software tool FAST (Fast Assessment of Space Technologies), different scenarios will be defined, optimised and finally evaluated with respect to mission architecture, required technologies, total costs and program duration. This includes trajectory analysis, spacecraft design on subsystem level, operations and life cycle cost analysis. For space tourism, an expected evolutionary roadmap will be described which is initiated by short suborbital tourism and ends with visionary designs like the Space Hotel Berlin and the Space Hotel Europe concept. Furthermore the potential space tourism market, its economic meaning as well as the expected range of the costs of a space ticket (e.g. $50,000 for a suborbital flight) will be analysed and quantified. For human missions to the Moon and Mars, an international 20 year program for the first decades of the next millennium is proposed, which requires about $2.5 Billion per year for a manned return to the Moon program and about $2.6 Billion per year for the first 3 manned Mars missions. This is about the annual budget, which is currently spend by the USA only for the operations of its Space Shuttle fleet which generally proofs the affordability of such ambitious programs after the build-up of the International Space Station, when corresponding budget might become again available.     

Study on JAXA elements for international lunar vicinity mission

JAXA has commenced technical research for contributing as a part of international partnership for the space exploration in Lunar vicinity. One of the candidates is the cargo transport mission with the combination of Cryogenic Propulsion Stage(s) (CPS) and a transfer vehicle derived from Japanese un-manned vehicle used for ISS. The CPS needs advanced technologies to keep the propellant for long mission duration and they will be useful in further missions beyond moon. This paper reports the profile of the mission, vehicle configurations, and the transport capabilities.     

European spaceflight at the crossroads

Plans for Europe's future participation in space development are still under active discussion. This article offers a contribution to the debate, considering how Europe can best fulfil its own objectives. Choice of launch vehicle and its payload, as well as of other tools such as space station, re-entry vehicle, and launch site equipment are analysed. The article also discusses the purposes of space research for Europe, and the costs of a useful programme. A far-reaching European space programme still needs to be drawn up if Europe is not to lose out.     

Maiden Flight of Long March 7——The New Generation Medium Launch Vehicle in China

On June 25, 2016, the Long March 7(LM-7) launch vehicle completed its maiden flight successfully. LM-7, as a new generation of medium and basic launch vehicle based on the design concepts of non-toxic and nonpolluting, was developed for the purpose of launching a cargo spacecraft to the Chinese space station. Based on the experience on launching cargo spacecraft and satellites, LM-7 can be adapted for mainstream satellite launch missions in the future with its characteristics of serialization and continuous optimization. LM-7 is expected to be used to launch manned spacecraft in the future. This paper presents a general review of LM-7 with regard to the general scheme and provides references for the development prospects of a medium launch vehicle series in China.     

中继卫星在轨动态捕获跟踪试验方法研究

针对中继卫星在轨捕获跟踪高速运动目标的动态性能测试难题,提出了一种基于静止目标（中继卫星地面站）,利用中继卫星姿态连续偏置运动模拟中继卫星与用户航天器之间的相对运动,开展中继卫星在轨动态捕获跟踪测试方法的研究。仿真分析和在轨试验结果验证了该方法的有效性,从而为我国首次天基数据中继试验任务的顺利完成奠定了基础。     

Space for defence: A European vision

A common European defence policy is still at a very preliminary stage, and although some limited progress has recently been made, it is a politically sensitive issue. In contrast to scientific research or large industrial ventures such as aircraft development, where Europe has moved forward rather well, obstacles to further integration in defence and security matters are numerous. Space systems could be used to facilitate such integration as their duplication is costly and so much remains to be done in Europe in this field. A common European ‘vision’ for the role of space systems in security and defence thus needs to be developed. This article reviews the role of space in security and defence missions, the technology and industrial base Europe needs, and its capability and autonomy in achieving access to space. Space system vulnerability and the means of minimizing it are addressed, including measures to prevent the weaponization of space. The possible role of ESA in support of the European Defence Agency for defence space systems development is identified, along with the need for ad hoc organizations for operational exploitation. Ten recommendations are made that would permit progress at the European level, following the path already successfully achieved in the civilian domain.     

Ariane transfer vehicle in service of man in orbit

The Ariane transfer vehicle (ATV), an Ariane 5 borne, unmanned propulsion vehicle, is designed to transport the logistics needed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) and the man tended free flyer (MTFF) step 2 with pressurized and unpressurized cargo and to dispose the waste. The ATV is an expendable vehicle and is disposed of by a safe atmospheric burn up. In accordance with the AR5 schedule it should be operational in 1996 for missions toward ISS and beyond the year 2000 for MTFF 2 missions. The main constituents of the proposed ATV are the modified AR5 third stage L5, an upgraded VEB steering the launcher as well as the ATV and the P/L-adaptor providing mechanical and umbilical links to the payload. The mechanical part of the RVD-kit will be placed on the payload-module, the main RVD sensors are located on the adaptor and the needed computer intelligence will be integrated on the VEB. To minimize the development, and recurring costs, the ATV concept fully complies to the idea of maximum use of existing hardware and software, mainly from the AR5, Hermes and Columbus programs thus minimizing development and recurring costs. The ATV is compatible to ISS, MTFF and OMV and is able to transport logistic modules compatible with NSTS and U.S.-expendable launchers.     

Commercializing the International Space Station: current US thinking

This article provides an overview of NASA's plans to encourage commercial use of the International Space Station (ISS). It examines the reasons driving such commercialization and highlights those private companies currently most interested in undertaking profit-making operations on the station, as well as discussing those activities most likely to be seen as commercial possibilities. The steps NASA is taking to stimulate private interest are enumerated. Various unresolved issues are raised, such as the legal issues associated with commercial research, charging policy for in-orbit operations and ‘metering’ of in-orbit resources. It is noted that the international dimension of the ISS has thus far received little consideration in the USA.     

我国新一代中型高轨运载火箭发展研究

新一代火箭CZ-5、CZ-6和CZ-7陆续首飞成功,拉开了我国运载火箭更新换代的序幕。新一代中型运载火箭CZ-7于2016年6月和2017年4月圆满完成了两次飞行任务,为中型运载火箭的研制奠定了坚实的基础。在CZ-7火箭基础上,增加CZ-3A氢氧三子级,在海南文昌发射GTO轨道卫星,运载能力不低于7.0t,可快速形成更新换代能力,填补我国GTO轨道该吨位的运载能力的空白。为了进一步提升我国运载火箭的竞争力,对标国际先进水平,针对新一代中型高轨运载火箭开展构型优化研究,以提高火箭性能,降低火箭成本,提升火箭的使用维护性能,满足后续GTO发射任务需求。     

月球返回再入着陆场位置选择限定因素分析

月球返回再入着陆场不仅影响月-地返回转移和返回再入飞行,同时也影响整个月球飞行任务的规划和设计.文章首先分析了航天器与地-月间的相对位置关系;结合月-地返回转移及返回再入轨道特性,理清了月球、地球着陆场和航天器三者在惯性空间内相对位置的内在约束关系;最后分析并通过仿真研究,明确了制约航天器返回再入着陆场位置选择的限定因...     

发展X-37B空间飞机的背后动因分析

文章通过对X-37B飞行器的飞行试验任务分析,指出了X-37B飞行器不是空天飞机,也不是全球快速打击平台,而是一种低成本太空进入能力的飞行验证器,它的作用定位在空间而不是在空中。通过飞行试验和验证试验,旨在打造一个可重复使用的轨道转移运载器。将美国2010年航天战略的重大调整、国际空间站的运行延期和航天飞机退役等事件结合起来,对X-37B发展的背后动因进行分析,有助于了解美国航天发展的未来趋势。经过动因的详尽分析,指出要特别关注美国航天战略调整的两个重心转向,尤其是两个转向背后的动机。如何正确地认识国际空间站的作用定位,对于审视载人航天的未来发展有重要意义。美国航天战略的调整使载人航天的重心回到近地轨道上。基于中国目前的能力现实,建议中国的载人航天重心放在地球轨道上,做好各种能力的建设,并利用这些能力把地球轨道上的事做得更好。     

基于气动辅助变轨的变气动外形飞行器概念研究--最优控制律问题

从一个天地往返飞行器的上升轨道和再入返回轨道的优化，以及适用不同飞行任务的变轨要求的气动外形问题，提出一项基于气动力辅助变轨的变气动外形飞行器的新概念研究。对于一个固定气动外形飞行器要同时满足上升轨道有效载荷最大和再入轨道热流峰值、过载峰值及机动性能约束下的成本最低往往是困难的。若同时满足不同飞行任务：飞往太空站的运输任务，空间拦截和交会机动巡航任务及星际探测任务，则更为困难，实际上是不可能的。文章研究基于气动力辅助变轨，在热流约束下，气动外形参数变化对最优控制的影响。其结论为：热流约束下的最优控制解，包括考虑推力协同变轨，除了在非约束弧的滚转角不直接受气动外形影响外，其余的控制律，升力系数和滚转角都是气动外形参数和攻角的函数。因而变气动外形可作为一项新技术，即通过气动外形参数变化和相应的变轨策略而获得性能和成本都最佳的用途很广的一种新型飞行器。     

星载激光通信终端在轨机动对温度影响

对激光通信终端在轨瞬态温度变化开展了仿真,以期研究在轨机动的影响、热分析和热试验时机动模式的简化模拟。通过合理地分析与简化,建立终端的轨道热分析模型,准确模拟在轨机动,根据典型机动模式、外热流和涂层退化等因素设计了计算工况,得出了终端在轨运行过程中的温度场随时间和姿态变化规律。结果表明：不同机动模式下的温度变化存在差异,最大可达23.0℃,采用固定姿态或一维转动的简化热分析或热试验不能准确模拟实际飞行温度,甚至不能部分替代二维转动热分析或热试验;光学天线和反射镜的温度控制是制约终端工作的瓶颈,为终端设计合适的避光机动策略,可大幅度提高温度稳定度和均匀度。研究结果可以为光机电设备在轨机动策略的设计和改进提供参考。     

Space: a challenge for Europe

This Viewpoint presents an industrial perspective of the policies needed to support and advance the capabilities and competitiveness of the European space industry. It is argued that Europe needs a coordinated longterm space policy to help create the climate in which industry can invest in and exploit space. Europe must also accelerate the development of advanced technology products and services, improve its competitiveness in applications and commercial markets including launchers, and secure fair and reliable international partnerships in in-orbit infrastructure and manned space activities. To this end European governments are urged to acknowledge the increasing political, economic and military importance of space and their continuing governance of space activities, and to establish mechanisms that promote industrial competitiveness; the development of the commercial sector; autonomy in key technologies; and international partnerships which are fair and affordable.     

Europe's major challenge for the 21st century: Access to space

Like the other great space powers of the 21st century, Europe has its own means of accessing space: Ariane, which has guaranteed its independence in the launching of civil and military satellites for almost 30 years and has won a significant part of the highly competitive commercial market. This market provides the Ariane system with the production volume indispensable for its reliability, which also benefits institutional launches. Europe's commercial market share will be even larger if the launch system is flexible and adaptable to the diversity of demand. Probable future technological changes make flexibility more necessary still. Two technical characteristics will be key: a large enough payload capacity and the injection of satellites into energetic orbits, including final geostationary orbit. But carrying out such missions will only be possible if a new generation upper stage is used. The November 2008 ESA ministerial meeting opted to wait until 2011 to decide whether this is necessary, making it doubtful whether Arianespace will be able to maintain leadership in the commercial market. The authors urge a rethink of this position.     

迭代制导情况下姿态控制系统稳定性分析方法研究

为了提高火箭的入轨精度和轨道适应能力,我国在新一代运载火箭末级中采用了迭代制导技术,俯仰、偏航程序角根据火箭运动状态和目标轨道参数实时变化,目前工程设计中仍按照固定程序角方式开展稳定性分析。本文推导出迭代制导程序角与火箭速度、位置之间的线性关系式,在国内首次提出了迭代制导情况下的稳定性分析方法,并以新一代运载火箭为例进行了实例计算,结果表明此分析方法正确、可行,具有一定的参考价值。     

Cooperative research in microgravity sciences during the French manned MIR missions

During the past ten years the French laboratories working in the field of fluids and material sciences had access to regular, long-lasting manned missions onboard the Russian MIR Space Station. Beyond the French scientific program that was performed with the ALICE apparatus, a cooperative research program was developed with DLR, NASA and RSA. This cooperation was based on bartered agreements that included the joint utilization of the instruments onboard the MIR station (ALICE, TITUS furnace from DLR, vibration device from RKK Energia) and the funding of dedicated cartridges (DLR) or thermostats (DLR and NASA), as well as launch services (NASA) by the Cooperating Agencies. We present a review of this program with a particular emphasis on its scientific results and on the progress that has been achieved in science and applications. They covered a large field of condensed matter physics, from material sciences to near-critical and off-critical phase separation kinetics and near critical fluid hydrodynamics (thermoacoustic heat transport and vibrational convection). The high microgravity relevance of all these investigations naturally led to outstanding results that was published in the world's best scientific journals. The analysis of the latest experiments performed during the PEGASUS mission shows they will not be an exception to that evaluation. Off-critical phase separation with NASA, pressure-driven piston effect and equiaxed solidification with DLR, heat transport under calibrated vibrations with RKK Energia, all will be presented. The conclusion will stress the international character of this microgravity research program, the conditions of its success and what can be gained from it in the perspective of the space station utilization.     

Challenges and perspectives of transport cargo vehicles utilization for performing research in free flight

Russian Progress transport cargo vehicles have successfully been used in different space station programs since 1978. At present time, they play an important role in the International Space Station (ISS) project. Main tasks performed by the transport cargo vehicle (TCV) in the station program are the following: refueling of the station, delivery of consumables and equipment, waste removal, station attitude control and orbit correction maneuver execution.     

立方体纳卫星的发展及其启示

介绍了立方体纳卫星的发展概况;对“震动卫星”、Cute系列、“加拿大先进纳太空实验”卫星和Coral卫星平台等典型项目进行了分析,重点对立方体纳卫星的任务、姿态与轨道控制、电源系统、通信系统、星载综合电子和可靠性等方面进行了总结。结合立方体纳卫星快速发展的原因,提出了以下建议：结合在轨服务、深空探测和新技术空间飞行演示试验等应用需求,发展微电子技术、微机电系统技术的航天应用、微卫星平台技术和标准化辅载荷发射接口技术。     

核热火箭发动机系统循环方案分析与设计

核热火箭发动机是未来实现载人火星探测的首选动力方案,其具备高比冲、大推力和长工作寿命等优点。我国在此方面研究较少,亟需开展核热推进技术理论及方法的研究。核热火箭发动机系统循环分析与设计是关键问题之一,对推进系统总体设计有重要意义。分析了3种可用于核热火箭发动机系统循环的方案特点,基于闭式膨胀循环设计了比冲为910 s ...