Study of water-salt metabolism and renal function in cosmonauts

In manned space flights the renal function and water-salt metabolism undergo substantial changes. With the reserve capabilities of kidneys in mind, their function and regulation of the water-salt balance were investigated in cosmonauts postflight and in Earth-bound simulation experiments with the aid of water loading, hormonal injections (pituitrin, engiotensin, DOCA, ACTH); water- and ion-release were also studied during LBNP and physical exercises. The cosmonauts who performed space flights of 2 to 5 days showed water retention and increased urine excretion of salts during the first postflight days in response to a water load. After the 18-day flight water excretion remained unchanged whereas salt excretion increased. The capacity for osmotic concentration and urine dilution did not alter. The study of the hormonal effect in simulation experiments of different duration demonstrated a normal renal response to the hormonal excretion. After the LBNP tests and physical exercises the water- and salt-excretion declined; a correlation between the level of water- and salt-excretion and the level of these loads was established. The data on the blood- and urine-ionic composition, excretion of nitrogen metabolites, and hormones postflight as well as the results of load and functional tests suggest that changes in the renal function of cosmonauts in weightlessness are associated with regulatory effects on the kidney rather than disturbances in the function of nephron cells.     

Effect of geomagnetic field disturbances on the adaptive stress reaction of cosmonauts

Investigations of the effect of geomagnetic activity factors on the cardiac rhythm regulation and arterial pressure of cosmonauts during the expeditions onboard the Soyuz spacecraft, and the MIR and ISS orbital space stations was carried out for various durations of flight in weightlessness and, under control. Groups of cosmonauts were inspected under flight conditions outside the geomagnetic disturbances and in ground preflight conditions, during disturbances without them. The presence of specific effect of geomagnetic disturbances on the system of vegetative regulation of blood circulation of cosmonauts during the flight was demonstrated for the first time. The response of cosmonauts’ cardiac rhythm on the magnetic storm is definitely revealed; however, it depends on the initial functional background and, in particular, on the state of mechanisms of vegetative regulation (the duration of flight and adaptation to it).     

T-cell immunity and cytokine production in cosmonauts after long-duration space flights

Long-duration spaceflight effects on T-cell immunity and cytokine production were studied in 12 Russian cosmonauts flown onto the International Space Station. Specific assays were performed before launch and after landing and included analysis of peripheral leukocyte distribution, analysis of T-cell phenotype, expression of activation markers, apoptosis, proliferation of T cells in response to a mitogen, concentrations of cytokines in supernatants of cell cultures. Statistically significant increase was observed in leukocytes’, lymphocytes’, monocytes’ and granulocytes’ total number, increase in percentage and absolutely number of CD3⁺CD4⁺-cells, CD4⁺CD45RA⁺-cells and CD4⁺CD45RA⁺/CD4⁺CD45RО⁺ ratio, CD4⁺CD25^+Bright regulatory cells (p<0,05) in peripheral blood after landing. T-lymphocytes’ capacity to present CD69 and CD25 on its own surfaces was increased for the majority of crewmembers. Analysis of T-cell response to PHA-stimulation in vitro revealed there were some trends toward reduced proliferation of stimulated T-lymphocytes. There was an apparent post flight decrease in secreted IFN-g for the majority of crewmembers and in most instances there was elevation in secreted IL-10. It revealed depression of IFN-g/IL-10 ratio after flight. Correlation analysis according to Spearman’s rank correlation test established significant positive correlations (p<0.05) between cytokine production and T-cell activation (CD25+, CD38+) and negative correlation (p<0.05) between cytokine production and number of bulk memory CD4+T-cells (CD45RO+). Thus, these results suggest that T-cell dysfunction can be conditioned by cytokine dysbalance and could lead to development of disease after long-duration space flights.     

The visual stress model--a psycho-physiological method for the evaluation of operational reliability of pilots and cosmonauts.

An experimental psycho-physiological method is presented for the evaluation of visual-cognitive performance preconditions and operational reliability of pilots and cosmonauts. As visual-cognitive stress are used tachistoscopically presented instrument symbols under conditions of individual speed of work and time pressure. The results of the compared extreme groups consisting of pilots with good and insufficient flight performance showed that the pilots with impairments to the quality of flight activity differ already before the test in their individual habitual characteristics and actual motivation, during the stress in their operational parameters, in the dimensions of their cardiorespiratory activation as well as in their efficiency and after the stress in their subjective experience of the stress. Conclusions are drawn for the evaluation of the aptitude of pilots and cosmonauts.     

Plasma and urine catecholamine levels in cosmonauts during long-term stay on Space Station Salyut-7.

The activity of the sympathetic adrenal system in cosmonauts exposed to a stay in space lasting for about half a year has so far been studied only by measuring catecholamine levels in plasma and urine samples taken before space flight and after landing. The device "Plasma 01", specially designed for collecting and processing venous blood from subjects during space flight on board the station Salyut-7 rendered it possible for the first time to collect and freeze samples of blood from cosmonauts in the course of a long-term 237-day space flight. A physician-cosmonaut collected samples of blood and urine from two cosmonauts over the period of days 217-219 of their stay in space. The samples were transported to Earth frozen. As indicators of the sympathetic adrenal system activity, plasma and urine concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine as well as urine levels of the catecholamine metabolites metanephrine, normetanephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid were determined before, during and after space flight. On days 217-219 of space flight plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were slightly increased, yet not substantially different from normal. During stress situations plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels usually exhibit a manifold increase. On days 217-219 of space flight norepinephrine and epinephrine levels in urine were comparable with pre-flight values and the levels of their metabolites were even significantly decreased. All the parameters studied, particularly plasma norepinephrine as well as urine norepinephrine, normetanephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid, reached the highest values 8 days after landing. The results obtained suggest that, in the period of days 217-219 of the cosmonauts stay in space in the state of weightlessness, the sympathetic adrenal system is either not activated at all or there is but a slight activation induced by specific activities of the cosmonauts, whereas in the process of re-adaptation after space flight on Earth this system is considerably more markedly activated.     

The dynamics of blood biochemical parameters in cosmonauts during long-term space flights

Most of the previously obtained data on cosmonauts' metabolic state concerned certain stages of the postflight period. In this connection, all conclusions, as to metabolism peculiarities during the space flight, were to a large extent probabilistic. The purpose of this work was study of metabolism characteristics in cosmonauts directly during long-term space flights. In the capillary blood samples taken from a finger, by "Reflotron IV" biochemical analyzer, "Boehringer Mannheim" GmbH, Germany, adapted to weightlessness environments, the activity of GOT, GPT, CK, gamma-GT, total and pancreatic amylase, as well as concentration of hemoglobin, glucose, total bilirubin, uric acid, urea, creatinine, total, HDL- and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides had been determined. HDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio also was computed. The crewmembers of 6 main missions to the "Mir" orbital station, a total of 17 cosmonauts, were examined. Biochemical tests were carried out 30-60 days before launch, and in the flights different stages between the 25-th and the 423-rd days of flights. In cosmonauts during space flight had been found tendency to increase, in compare with basal level, GOT, GPT, total amylase activity, glucose and total cholesterol concentration, and tendency to decrease of CK activity, hemoglobin, HDL-cholesterol concentration, and HDL/LDL - cholesterol ratio. Some definite trends in variations of other determined biochemical parameters had not been found. The same trends of mentioned biochemical parameters alterations observed in majority of tested cosmonauts, allows to suppose existence of connection between noted metabolic alterations with influence of space flight conditions upon cosmonaut's body. Variations of other studied blood biochemical parameters depends on, probably, pure individual causes.     

Methodological approach to study of cosmonauts errors and its instrumental support

The methodological approach to the study of cosmonauts errors is discussed in the paper. Within its framework an error is considered in psychophysiological aspect as consequence of cosmonaut "psychophysiological troubles" caused by combined effect of flight extreme conditions on his/her organism. This approach was used for the investigation of interrelation between cosmonauts errors, their psychophysiological state and work-rest schedule peculiarities. It includes procedures of expert analysis of data received in the course of radio and TV sessions with crew, analysis of timelines as well deviations in "crew-spacecraft" system functioning. These data are accumulated, systematized and processed in data base. Realization of the suggested approach does not require specialized onboard equipment and crew members time expenditure. Some results of inflight data analysis are presented to illustrate its potentials.     

Study of values and interpersonal perception in cosmonauts on board of international space station

The increased heterogeneity of International Space Station (ISS) crews′ composition (in terms of nationality, profession and gender) together with stressful situations, due to space flight, can have a significant impact on group interaction and cohesion, as well as on communications with Mission Control Center (MCC) and the success of the mission as a whole. Culturally related differences in values, goals, and behavioral norms could influence mutual perception and, thus, cohesive group formation. The purpose of onboard “Interaction-Attitudes” experiment is to study the patterns of small group (space crew) behavior in extended space flight. Onboard studies were performed in the course of ISS Missions 19–30 with participation of twelve Russian crewmembers. Experimental schedule included 3 phases: preflight training and Baseline Data Collection; inflight activities once in two weeks; post-flight measurement. We used Personal Self-Perception and Attitudes (PSPA) software for analyzing subjects′ attitudes toward social environment (crewmembers and MCC). It is based on the semantic differential and the repertory grid technique. To study the content of interpersonal perception we used content-analysis with participation of the experts, independently attributing each construct to the 17 semantic categories, which were described in our previous study. The data obtained demonstrated that the system of values and personal attitudes in the majority of participated cosmonauts remained mostly stable under stress-factors of extended space flight. Content-analysis of the important criteria elaborated by the subjects for evaluation of their social environment, showed that the most valuable personal traits for cosmonauts were those that provided the successful fulfillment of professional activity (motivation, intellectual level, knowledge, and self-discipline) and good social relationships (sociability, friendship, and tolerance), as well. Post-flight study of changes in perceptions, related to Real Self-image, did not reveal significant differences between the images of Russian crew-members and representatives from foreign space agencies. A certain difference in perceptions was found in cosmonauts with more integrated system of evaluations: after space flight they perceived foreign participants as “closer” to their Ideal, while Russian crew-members were perceived mostly as “distant” from Ideal Self of these subjects. Perceptions of people from Earth were also more critical. These differences are likely to be manifestations of interpersonal perception stereotypes. Described patterns of changes in perceptions of cosmonauts, who have performed space flight as a part of ISS multinational crew, allow us to suggest the recommendations for development of ISS crew training, in particular, it seems useful to increase the time of joint training for deepening of intercultural interaction.     

Microbiological status of cosmonauts during orbital spaceflights on Salyut and Mir orbital stations

The main feature of the human–microorganism eco-system forming in the environment of manned space vehicles is the periodic accumulation of the potential for pathogenicity. This process is characterized by the activation of opportunistic pathogens, representatives of which grow in large number within the system, settle in various niches, and demonstrate expansion, intruding into microbiocenoses of open biotopes of humans who, until contamination, have been clean of these microorganisms. Clones (similar to hospital strains) arising out of these populations exhibit the ability to spread “epidemically” within isolated teams.     

Whipple防护屏弹道极限参数试验

在中国空气动力研究与发展中心FD-18A超高速碰撞靶上进行了Whipple防护屏的超高速撞击试验。弹丸为LY12铝球,撞击速度为4.5km/s,撞击角为0°。通过固定弹丸速度、变弹丸直径、寻找弹丸临界直径的办法获得了该Whipple防护屏在试验条件下的弹道极限参数。试验结果表明速度为4.5km/s时的弹丸临界直径为0.35cm,大于用Christiansen方程预测的0.27cm。     

Anthropic selection for the Moon's mass

This paper investigates whether anthropic selection explains the unusually large size of our Moon. It is shown that obliquity stability of the Earth is possible across a wide range of different starting conditions for the Earth-Moon system. However, the lunar mass and angular momentum from the actual Earth-Moon system are remarkable in that they very nearly produce an unstable obliquity. This may be because the particular properties of our Earth-Moon system simultaneously allow a stable obliquity and a slow rotation rate. A slow rotation rate may have been anthropically selected because it minimizes the equator-pole temperature difference, thus minimizing climatic fluctuations. The great merit of this idea is that it can be tested using extrasolar planet search programs planned for the near future. If correct, such anthropic selection predicts that most extrasolar planetary systems will have significantly larger perturbation frequencies than our own Solar System.     

推进剂贮罐干燥方式的选择

参考目前天然气管道中常用的干燥方法,并以此为基础,简述了干燥剂法、流动气体蒸发法和真空干燥法的原理。通过对几种干燥方法的比较并且计算了真空干燥的时间,最终决定采用氮气干燥和真空干燥相结合的方式来完成对推进剂贮罐的干燥。     

液体火箭发动机试验动应变参数测量工艺技术

介绍了液体火箭发动机地面试验中动应变测量系统的测量工艺技术。分析了长电缆对应变片灵敏度的影响因素,介绍了应变片的粘贴工艺,分析了动应变测量系统干扰信号的来源和抗干扰的技术措施,同时分析了温度对动应变测量系统的影响及工艺改进方法。     

多孔C/C材料发汗冷却实验研究

发汗冷却是解决高超声速飞行器关键部位热防护问题的有效方法,文章开展了以未完全致密化C/C材料作为多孔介质、水作为冷却剂的发汗冷却实验研究。设计并制备了发汗冷却平头实验模型,分别在热流密度1.1 MW/m2和1.45 MW/m2的氧-丙烷热结构考核条件下,通过测量模型内外壁温度响应,评估其发汗冷却速率。实验结果表明,冷却剂的引入极大地降低了模型内外壁温度,外壁面冷却速率高达8.8℃/s以上,未出现明显烧蚀现象。内壁面温度均保持在水沸点100℃以下,达到了可重复使用、耐长时加热的热防护要求,进一步表明了发汗冷却的巨大应用潜力。     

Mental representation of spatial cues in microgravity: Writing and drawing tests

Humans have mental representation of their environment based on sensory information and experience. A series of experiments has been designed to allow the identification of disturbances in the mental representation of three-dimensional space during space flight as a consequence of the absence of the gravitational frame of reference. This NASA/ESA-funded research effort includes motor tests complemented by psychophysics measurements, designed to distinguish the effects of cognitive versus perceptual-motor changes due to microgravity exposure. Preliminary results have been obtained during the microgravity phase of parabolic flight. These results indicate that the vertical height of handwritten characters and drawn objects is reduced in microgravity compared to normal gravity, suggesting that the mental representation of the height of objects and the environment change during short-term microgravity. Identifying lasting abnormalities in the mental representation of spatial cues will establish the scientific and technical foundation for development of preflight and in-flight training and rehabilitative schemes, enhancing astronaut performance of perceptual-motor tasks, for example, interaction with robotic systems during exploration-class missions.     

多业务接入平台中VHF语音信号优选技术的应用

引言空中交通管制过程中关键的技术环节之一就是语音地空通信,而通信语音信号的质量则是关键中的关键。然而随着空中航路的增加,同一频率电台设置于不同的地理位置(同频异址)的情况也随之增加,将会有越来越多的语音信号接入到民航多业务平台中。这时保障     

Lessons learned from the dynamic identification/qualification tests on the ESC-A upper stage model

The dynamic qualification of the new cryogenic upper stage ESC-A of the ARIANE 5 is supported by several tests in order to verify the assumptions and the modeling approach made at the beginning of the development. The stage contains a large amount of equipment such as propellant lines, acceleration rockets, batteries, fluid control equipment etc. For the low frequency domain the verification of the equipment responses in the integrated state was done by a sine vibration test, excited to levels representing the predicted flight loads including a qualification factor. Acoustic tests with the upper stage were performed to verify the random vibration responses in the frequency range up to 2000 Hz. To verify the shock response level induced by stage separation (pyro-shock) a stage separation test was performed. The paper concentrates on the experience made with the modal identification and sine vibration test of the stage. For the sine vibration test an electro-dynamic multi-shaker table was used. It was able to produce the required input precisely up to as specified, not an easy task for a test set-up of 20 tons weight. The paper presents the approach of how the dynamic qualification was reached successfully and highlights the experience accomplished.     

液氧/甲烷燃气发生器试验研究

为了研究液氧/甲烷的点火和燃烧特性,进行了液氧/甲烷燃气发生器热试验研究。介绍了液氧/甲烷燃气发生器热试验的试验装置、试验方案和试验情况,分析了试验结果。试验结果表明燃气发生器设计方案和点火方案可行,点火品质较好,能够在较宽的工作条件下稳定工作,燃烧组织合理,燃烧品质良好,温度均匀性较好,积碳轻微。     

液体火箭发动机故障诊断中的特征优选策略

针对液体火箭发动机故障诊断中的特征选择问题,提出了一类最小代价模糊决策模型。在应用中,该模型能够融合各个故障特征参数的先验信息、故障程度,并允许故障间的关联存在,从而比现有特征选择方法具有广泛的适用性,特征选择结果更贴近工程实际。同时,给出了基于贪婪算法的模型求解方法,并对某发动机的故障特征集进行了特征优选实验。实验证明了该方法的有效性。