An alternative algorithm for the spacecraft information system with magnetometer and solar sensor

The possibility of identification of motion parameters of a low-orbit spacecraft using readings of a three-axis magnetometer and solar position sensor, without integration of the Euler’s dynamic equations or direct measurement of the object’s angular velocity, is considered.     

Optimal control of the deployment process of solar wings on spacecraft

The optimal attitude control problem of spacecraft during the stretching process of solar wings is investigated in this paper. The dynamical equations of the nonholonomic system are derived from the conservation principle of the angular momentum of the multibody system. Attitude control of the spacecraft with internal motion is reduced to a nonholonomic motion planning problem. The spacecraft attitude control is transformed into the steering problem for a drift free control system. The optimal solution for steering a spacecraft with solar wings is presented. The controlled motion of spacecraft is simulated for two cases. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimal control approach.     

Power law distribution in statistics of failures in operation of spacecraft onboard equipment

The possibility of using the statistics of recurrence time for extreme events is studied in this paper having in mind the problems of control and prediction of failures in spacecraft operation. The information about failures onboard satellites of various types presented by the US National Geophysical Data Center was analyzed. It was found that the probability density of recurrence intervals followed a power law of the Pareto type with an index equal to 2.3. The obtained result is consistent both with the theory of normal catastrophes and with the principle of self-organization of criticality for metastable active heterogeneous environment. A practical consequence of the obtained result consists in the fact that predictions of these extreme events should not rely on traditional models with the second-order Pearson statistics. To make predictions, the models are necessary that take into account the power law distribution of recurrence intervals for failures on satellites. The failures should be considered in these models as extreme events connected with manifestation of the space environment factors.     

Electron guns for spacecraft

Studies of three versions of electron guns (0.3 kV, 0.14 A; 20 kV, 0.1 A; 40 kV, 0.05 A) intended to operate aboard spacecraft during various space experiments are presented. The computer simulation results of electron-optical systems are given, the optimization of cathode-heating units and heat removal system are performed, circuit design of the gun power supplies for both the stationary mode and using a special modulator are discussed.     

Space solar array reliability: A study and recommendations

Providing reliable power over the anticipated mission life is critical to all satellites; therefore solar arrays are one of the most vital links to satellite mission success. Furthermore, solar arrays are exposed to the harshest environment of virtually any satellite component. In the past 10 years 117 satellite solar array anomalies have been recorded with 12 resulting in total satellite failure. Through an in-depth analysis of satellite anomalies listed in the Airclaim's Ascend SpaceTrak database, it is clear that solar array reliability is a serious, industry-wide issue. Solar array reliability directly affects the cost of future satellites through increased insurance premiums and a lack of confidence by investors. Recommendations for improving reliability through careful ground testing, standardization of testing procedures such as the emerging AIAA standards, and data sharing across the industry will be discussed. The benefits of creating a certified module and array testing facility that would certify in-space reliability will also be briefly examined. Solar array reliability is an issue that must be addressed to both reduce costs and ensure continued viability of the commercial and government assets on orbit.     

Human and robotic repair of a solar array wing during ISS assembly mission 10A

With the installation of a new module and the relocation of three other modules, including multiple hand-offs from the station arm (SSRMS) to the shuttle arm (SRMS), International Space Station (ISS) assembly mission 10A/STS-120 was anticipated to be one of the most complicated ISS assembly missions ever attempted. The assembly operations became even more complex when a solar array wing (SAW) on the relocated Port-6 (P6) truss segment ripped while being extended. Repairing the torn SAW became the single most important objective for the remainder of STS-120, with future ISS assembly missions threatened by reduced power generation capacity if the SAW could not be repaired. Precise coordination between the space shuttle and ISS robotics teams led to an operational concept that combined the capabilities of the SRMS and SSRMS robotic systems in ways far beyond their original design capacities. Benefits of consistent standards for ISS robotic interfaces have been previously identified, but the advantages of having two such versatile and compatible robotic systems have never been quite so spectacular. This paper describes the role of robotics in the emergency SAW repair and highlights how versatility within space robotics systems can allow operations far beyond the intended design scenarios.     

Guidance of a spacecraft with low lift-to-drag ratio to a landing point

The problem of terminal control over a deorbiting spacecraft at the stage of its flight after leaving plasma (altitude of ∼40 km) is considered, the aim being to guide it to a preset landing point. The algorithm is based on a modification of the well-known method of proportional navigation, when a fixed point is the target. It is suggested to use satellite navigation systems (of the GLONASS or GPS types) and/or radio beacons, which should allow one to determine the spacecraft trajectory parameters with high precision. Single-channel control is performed by changing the roll angle according to current parameters of the trajectory, which ensures adaptability of the method. Examples of three-dimensional trajectories of flight are presented for a manned spacecraft with low lift-to-drag ratio (∼0.5), currently under design in Russia. The results of statistical modeling taking into account initial deviations of the trajectory parameters and wind disturbances are presented. A method of statistical choice of a reference trajectory for the guidance stage is suggested. A theoretical possibility of using the algorithm of spacecraft guidance (in case of in-light accident with a carrier launcher) to preset regions in the vicinity of launching route is demonstrated. A qualitative analysis of proportional navigation with a fixed target is presented.     

一种航天器用外热防护涂层材料研究

研制了一种由环氧改性有机硅树脂、聚酰胺类固化剂为基体,以隔热及耐热填料为添加剂的室温固化耐高温外热防护涂料体系;该外热防护涂层材料的拉伸强度3.15MPa,断裂伸长率26%;热导率0.271W/(m.K),比热容2.689 J/(g.K),而且具有优良的隔热性能、耐热性能以及良好的附着力。该涂层材料可用于T700/4319复合材料壳体表面的外防护,并可在350℃温度条件下短期使用。     

Changes of properties of the materials of spacecraft solar arrays under the action of atomic oxygen

A procedure is developed for physical and chemical modeling and investigation of the weight, geometrical, and thermo-optical characteristics of polymer paneling materials of solar arrays and of the electric power of solar cells under the prolonged action of supersonic fluxes of atomic oxygen in orbit. The behavior of changes in the material characteristics as a function of the integral fluence of atomic oxygen is found. It is established that the electric power of solar cells is virtually invariable within the errors of measurements under irradiation by atomic oxygen flux with a fluence of no higher than 5 · 10²¹ cm^?2.     

LEO星座网络动态源路由算法

近年来,在低轨(LEO)卫星星座通信网络中采用网际协议(IP)路由算法的研究已经取得了一系列进展,文章论述了LEO星座通信网络的特点、拓扑结构和虚拟节点策略。在此基础上提出了基于泛洪路由的LEO星座动态源路由算法DSR-LSN(Dynamic Source Routing algorithm in LEO Satellite Networks),星座网络仿真表明,DSR-LSN算法具有网络路由状态稳定性好、时延小的优点。     

具有优先级的LEO卫星网络路由研究

文章提出了带有优先级的最短时延卫星路由策略,将业务分为话音业务和数据业务,根据业务时延要求的不同,优先处理话音业务,再根据源卫星、目的卫星的位置,计算路径延时的度量标准,以此得到经过优劣排序的候选路径集合,并对最佳路径进行计算。仿真结果表明,算法显著降低了话音业务的时延水平,有效提高通话质量。     

Field emission performance of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for a low-power spacecraft neutraliser

Field electron emission from aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes has been assessed to determine if the performance, defined by power consumption, lifetime and emission current, is suitable for use in spacecraft charge neutralisation for field emission electric propulsion (FEEP). Carbon nanotubes grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) were mounted on a dual in line chip with a macroscopic (nickel mesh) extractor electrode mounted ～1 mm above the tubes. The nanotubes’ field emission characteristics (emission currents, electron losses and operating voltage) were measured at ～10^?4 Pa. An endurance test of one sample, running at a software-controlled constant emission current lasted >1400 h, approaching the longest known FEEP thruster lifetime. The emission corresponds to a current density of ～10 mA/cm² at a voltage of 150 V. These results, implementing mature extractor-electrode geometry, indicate that carbon nanotubes have considerable potential for development as robust, low-power, long-lived electron emitters for use in space.     

基于IP组网的低轨航天器大容量文件传输方法

空间科学的发展使航天测控中遥感和图像等数据量日益增大,如何实现天地间大容量文件的传输已成为一个重要问题。鉴于测控网正在向全IP化的方向发展,提出一种在IP组网基础上的低轨航天器大容量文件的传输方案,并就方案中文件的分块传输及卫星在测控站间切换时文件的续传等关键问题进行探讨。在此基础上,对提出的方案进行实验分析,验证了其可行性。     

LEO卫星电源系统拓扑研究

基于30个近地轨道（LEO）卫星任务及其电源系统应用情况,在系统层面上对5种电源系统拓扑进行了分析比较,包括配置方式、控制原理、效率及器件等。针对功率调节性能和器件组成规模,选择配有最大功率点跟踪（MPPT）的升一降压调节器（B2R）作为多适用的电源系统拓扑。此系统适应LEO卫星需求,属于拓扑用途广泛的电源系统,可通过合理配置热备份的功率调节模块来实现功率组合及可靠性设计,具有较高的兼容性,能够满足中国LEO卫星任务需求。     

基于GA-PSO的低轨星座传感器资源优化调度方法

针对低轨星座目标跟踪传感器资源调度,基于函数优化和组合优化理论,建立了传感器资源优化调度模型,并设计了基于遗传算法-粒子群优化(GA-PSO)的优化调度算法。仿真结果表明,与现有的构造优化调度算法相比,该算法的性能更优,但运算量有所增加。     

卫星管路加热带安装工艺方法探讨

卫星管路安装加热带是确保卫星发动机正常运转的重要热控措施,它的实施工艺过程复杂,要求高,操作难度大。文章描述了卫星管路加热带安装工艺过程;围绕工艺过程和材料特性,结合工程实践经验,详细分析了卫星管路安装加热带中的难点及质量控制技术。实践证明,此工艺方法及质量控制技术有效可行,能够满足产品质量要求。     

面向运动目标捕获的低轨卫星视场幅宽研究

通常低轨卫星过顶时间较短,而目标运动随机,因此捕获运动目标是较为困难的,只能通过长期的时间累计来提升捕获概率。文章基于目标运动速度、出动频率、全球分布位置,卫星工作寿命、视场幅宽、轨道重访频次和时长等复杂因素,给出了卫星过顶遭遇目标的概率计算方法。然后根据概率计算结果,提出了实现0.99的遭遇概率要求卫星视场幅宽的下限。研究结果可为论证面向运动目标探测的低轨卫星视场幅宽需求提供借鉴。