C.E.B.A.S., a closed equilibrated biological aquatic system as a possible precursor for a long-term life support system?

C.E.B.A.S.-AQUARACK is a long-term multi-generation experimental device for aquatic organisms which is disposed for utilization in a space station. It results from the basic idea of a space aquarium for maintaining aquatic animals for longer periods integrated in a AQUARACK which consists of a modular animal holding tank, a semi-biological/physical water recycling system and an electronical control unit. The basic idea to replace a part of the water recycling system by a continuous culture of unicellular algae primarily leads to a second system for experiments with algae, a botanical AQUARACK consisting of an algal reactor, a water recyling and the electronical control unit. The combination of the zoological part, and the botanical part with a common control system in the AQUARACK, however, results in a "Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System" (C.E.B.A.S.) representing an closed artificial ecosystem. Although this is disposed primarily as an experimental device for basic zoological, botanical and interdisciplinary research it opens the theoretical possibility to adapt it for combined production of animal and plant biomass on ground or in space. The paper explains the basic conception of the hardware construction of the zoological part of the system, the corresponding scientific frame program including the choice of the experimental animals and gives some selected examples of the hardware-related research. It further on discusses the practical and economical relevance of the system in the development of a controlled aquatical life support system in general.     

背景噪声和脉冲干扰下的SDH误块性能

误码性能是光纤数字传输系统的重要性能指标,而通常光同步数字传输系统(SDH, Synchronous Digital Hierarchy)又以误块性能来衡量其误码性能.通过分析光同步数字传输系统在背景噪声(用泊松分布来描述)和脉冲干扰(用A型传染病分布来描述)影响下的系统误块性能,推导出了泊松分布和传染病分布下误块率的一般关系式.      

Development of a ground-based space micro-algae photo-bioreactor

The purpose of the research is to develop a photo-bioreactor which may produce algae protein and oxygen for future astronauts in comparatively long-term exploration, and remove carbon dioxide in a controlled ecological life support system. Based on technical parameters and performance requirements, the project planning, design drafting, and manufacture were conducted. Finally, a demonstration test for producing algae was done. Its productivity for micro-algae and performance of the photo-bioreactor were evaluated. The facility has nine subsystems, including the reactor, the illuminating unit, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) production unit and oxygen (O₂) generation unit, etc. The demonstration results showed that the facility worked well, and the parameters, such as energy consumption, volume, and productivity for algae, met with the design requirement. The density of algae in the photo-bioreactor increased from 0.174 g (dry weight) L⁻¹ to 4.064 g (dry weight) L⁻¹ after 7 days growth. The principle of providing CO₂ in the photo-bioreactor for algae and removing O₂ from the culture medium was suitable for the demand of space conditions. The facility has reasonable technical indices, and smooth and dependable performances.     

Optical oxygen sensor instrumentation based on the detection of luminescence lifetime.

Optical oxygen sensors are mainly based on the principle of luminescence quenching. In contrast to arready existing intensity-based systems, the measurement of the luminescence lifetime provides certain advantages, such as insensitivity to photobleaching or leaching of the dye, or changes in the intensity of excitation light. This facilitates the use of simple optical systems or optical fibres. A new family of oxygen-sensitive dyes, the porphyrin-ketones, has been introduced, which exhibits favorable spectral properties and decay times in the order of tens and hundreds of microseconds. This allows the use of simple optoelectronic circuitry and low-cost processing electronics. An optical oxygen sensor module has been developed with the dimensions of only 120 x 60 x 30 mm. The prototype is based on the measurement of the decay time of the luminophore by measuring the phase shift between the square-wave excitation and the detected square-wave of the emission coming from the sensor. The instrument is based on semiconductor devices (light-emitting diodes, photodiodes) and may be used for the detection of oxygen in gaseous or liquid samples. The measurement range of the device is from 0 to 200 hPa oxygen partial pressure with a resolution of < 1 hPa over the whole measurement range. The overall measurement accuracy of < +/- 1 hPa has been obtained for periods of 24 h of continuous measurement in a thermostatted environment. The sensor response times t90 are typically < 1 s for gases and 0.5 to 5 min for liquid samples.     

Advances in auroral imaging from space

Space imaging of the aurora provides unique quantitative information on the instantaneous global distribution and pattern of the aurora - a direct result of particle acceleration and precipitation processes occurring throughout the magnetosphere. Techniques for imaging from space have usually involved systematically scanning a detector across the earth using some combination of satellite motion and spin, scanning mirrors, and/or electronic scanning. The recent advent of CCD image sensor arrays opens up possibilities for vastly improved sensitivity and resolution in satellite imagers, although scanning systems retain significant advantages in situations where scattered light is a problem and where narrow band optical interference filters are needed.A new type of imaging instrument being built in Canada for the Swedish Viking satellite will employ a two-dimensional CCD array detector which is fibre-optically coupled to a micro-channel plate intensifier. It will produce images of low light level auroral emissions at the rate of one image per spin of the satellite (20 seconds). The instrument operates in the vacuum ultraviolet and uses a fast inverse Cassegrain optical system. Charge is shifted in the CCD imaging array in synchronism with the moving image so that exposure times of approximately one second will be achieved.     

空间目标在天基光学探测中的特性分析与仿真

分析了空间目标的分布及几何特性,研究了空间目标光学特性与天基探测系统、太阳以及目标自身参数的关系,提出了空间目标光学特性仿真的思路,建立的天基空间目标光学特性分析系统可以计算并绘制相对距离、太阳相位角及目标星等变化曲线.由于很难获取准确的空间目标实际光度数据,文中提出了对仿真结果的验证方法.通过对仿真结果的分析,得出了天基空间目标光学探测的特点,为天基光学探测和识别的研究提供了参考.      

A flow sheet for the conversion of lunar regolith using fluorine gas

This work reviews and expands upon the previous fluorination processes for in situ production of oxygen and silicon from lunar regolith. The process units were simulated and a flow sheet was developed to determine the product distribution and energy requirements. Our results show that 0.21 kg silicon and 0.32 kg oxygen can be produced per kg regolith processed with a total cooling duty of 17 MJ/kg regolith and electrical duty of 29 MJ/kg regolith. The payload mass required for the process is estimated as 16 kg/kg regolith processed per day.     

星敏感器光谱探测能力用地面模拟测试系统设计

为实现对星敏感器光谱探测能力的测试和标定, 研制了一套可模拟恒星光谱的地面标定系统, 要求其光谱模拟精度优于10%. 采用光谱分布可控、光强可调的模拟照明系统作为地面标定系统的核心器件来模拟恒星光谱变化, 设计高成像质量准直光学系统使模拟星图成平行光出射, 在光学系统出瞳处产生星图, 完成具有恒星光谱信息的高精度星图模拟. 进而利用Lighttools建立标定系统的光谱仿真模型, 仿真结果表明恒星光谱模拟精度优于10%.      

基于射频的导航卫星星间链路信息传输与仿真研究

星间链路是导航卫星实现精密定轨和自主导航的关键技术之一。导航卫星通过星间链路完成伪距测量和数据交换,维持系统稳定运行的时空基准,保证系统持续提供精准导航服务。根据全球导航卫星系统的建设情况和发展趋势,首先介绍星间观测和信息传输频段,并从天线特征、多址控制方式和网络拓扑结构等角度分析了射频链路的工作体制。最后,针对实际导航卫星星座,应用OPNET平台建立导航信息传输仿真模型,通过分析信息传输效率,验证了基于射频链路导航信息传输的可行性和有效性,对全球导航卫星系统的星间链路研究具有一定的参考价值。     

基于射频的导航卫星星间链路信息传输与仿真研究

星间链路是导航卫星实现精密定轨和自主导航的关键技术之一。导航卫星通过星间链路完成伪距测量和数据交换,维持系统稳定运行的时空基准,保证系统持续提供精准导航服务。根据全球导航卫星系统的建设情况和发展趋势,首先介绍星间观测和信息传输频段,并从天线特征、多址控制方式和网络拓扑结构等角度分析了射频链路的工作体制。最后,针对实际导航卫星星座,应用OPNET平台建立导航信息传输仿真模型,通过分析信息传输效率,验证了基于射频链路导航信息传输的可行性和有效性,对全球导航卫星系统的星间链路研究具有一定的参考价值。     

气液鼓泡床反应器中气泡行为光纤探针测量方法

本文分别采用电导探针和光纤探针测量气液鼓泡床反应器中的气含率、气泡速率和气泡弦长等气泡行为,结果表明光纤探针对气泡具有响应迅速、阶跃显著的特点。将光纤探针信号进行方波化处理,探针在气相中的采样点数与总采样点数之比即为局部气含率,再沿径向积分可得平均气含率,以压差法测得的平均气含率为基准,光纤探针比电导探针准确性更高。将改造后的光纤探针应用于高温、高压、液相为有机体系的气液鼓泡床反应器,测得该反应器的气含率呈中心及边壁低、0.4倍半径处最大的抛物形分布。因此,开发的光纤探针可用于高温、高压、液相有机体系中气泡行为的测量。     

Operation of an experimental algal gas exchanger for use in a CELSS.

Concepts of a CELSS anticipate the use of photosynthetic organisms (higher plants and algae) for air revitalization. The rates of production and uptake of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the crew and the photosynthetic organisms are mismatched. An algal [correction of aglal] system used for gas exchange only will have the difficulty of an accumulation or depletion of these gases beyond physiologically tolerable limits (in a materially closed system the mismatch between assimilatory quotient (AQ) and respiratory quotient (RQ) will be balanced by the operation of the waste processor). We report the results of a study designed to test the feasibility of using environmental manipulations to maintain physiologically appropriate atmospheres for algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) and mice (Mus musculus strain DW/J) in a gas-closed system. Specifically, we consider the atmosphere behavior of this system with Chlorella grown on nitrate or urea and at different light intensities and optical densities. Manipulation of both the photosynthetic rate and AQ of the alga has been found to reduce the mismatch of gas requirements and allow operation of the system in a gas-stable manner. Operation of such a system in a CELSS may be useful for reduction of buffer sizes, as a backup system for higher plant air revitalization and to supply extra oxygen to the waste processor or during crew changes. In addition, mass balance for components of the system (mouse, algae and a waste processor) are presented.     

基于直线光路布局的纹影法测量火焰温度

测量火焰不同位置的温度对研究火焰结构具有重要意义.目前纹影法测量火焰温度多采用Z型布局的光路.为了在未来空间实验中将纹影法与其他光学方法集成开展多类型实验观测,摒弃了纹影法传统的Z型光路,采用直线型光路布局,针对光源、透镜、刀口切割量等因素对纹影系统灵敏度的影响开展研究,优化了直线型纹影系统.以蜡烛火焰为研究对象,对优化后的纹影系统进行标定,观测了其纹影图像,计算了蜡烛火焰中多处位置的火焰温度,并将计算结果与实测结果进行比较.结果表明,采用本研究设计的直线型纹影系统可以实现对火焰温度的精确测量.      

紧凑型横向变焦系统关键器件的设计方法与功能验证

变焦系统可实现连续的光学变焦,可对不同景深的目标实现连续成像。在焦深延拓和光学检测等领域具有广泛地应用和发展潜力。本文提出了一种紧凑型可实现连续变焦功能的扁平化位相衍射元件,并设计分析和验证了横向调制相位型变焦衍射元件的功能。通过标量衍射基本理论模型,借助菲涅尔波带和多台阶相位衍射元件的设计方法,实现了横向变焦关键器件的设计仿真和实验验证。并以多波长响应的空间光调制器为基础,搭建了器件相位调制验证实验系统,通过测试证明了所设计器件的变焦能力,仿真和实验测试均可实现5倍变焦目标的有效调制。     

氧化锌色素在真空紫外辐照下降解机理的研究

研究氧化锌色素在真空紫外辐照下的降解机理,目的是为设计在宽间环境下稳定的氧化锌热涂层提供理论依据。仔细研究了自由电子在氧化锌中的吸收特性及真空紫外辐照对氧化锌电导的贡献,认为真空紫外辐照引起氧化锌色素表面化学吸附氧的解析,同时在氧化锌色素表面产生大量的氧空位,氧空位提供了导带中的自由电子,自由电子在导带内跃迁吸收近红外光子引起氧化锌色素光学性能的退化。     

Performance of the CELSS Antarctic Analog Project (CAAP) crop production system.

Regenerative life support systems potentially offer a level of self-sufficiency and a decrease in logistics and associated costs in support of space exploration and habitation missions. Current state-of-the-art in plant-based, regenerative life support requires resources in excess of allocation proposed for candidate mission scenarios. Feasibility thresholds have been identified for candidate exploration missions. The goal of this paper is to review recent advances in performance achieved in the CELSS Antarctic Analog Project (CAAP) in light of the likely resource constraints. A prototype CAAP crop production chamber has been constructed and operated at the Ames Research Center. The chamber includes a number of unique hardware and software components focused on attempts to increase production efficiency, increase energy efficiency, and control the flow of energy and mass through the system. Both single crop, batch production and continuous cultivation of mixed crops production studies have been completed. The crop productivity as well as engineering performance of the chamber are described. For each scenario, energy required and partitioned for lighting, cooling, pumping, fans, etc. is quantified. Crop production and the resulting lighting efficiency and energy conversion efficiencies are presented. In the mixed-crop scenario, with 27 different crops under cultivation, 17 m2 of crop area provided a mean of 515 g edible biomass per day (85% of the approximate 620 g required for one person). Enhanced engineering and crop production performance achieved with the CAAP chamber, compared with current state-of-the-art, places plant-based life support systems at the threshold of feasibility.     

A mars communication constellation for human exploration and network science

This paper analyses the possibility of exploiting a small spacecrafts constellation around Mars to ensure a complete and continuous coverage of the planet, for the purpose of supporting future human and robotic operations and taking advantage of optical transmission techniques. The study foresees such a communications mission to be implemented at least after 2020 and a high data-rate requirement is imposed for the return of huge scientific data from massive robotic exploration or to allow video transmissions from a possible human outpost.     

Design of Optical and Mechanical Structure for Lunar Simulator Based on Variable Shape and Adjustable Radiance

To simulate the different lunar phases and ensure continuous adjustability of the radiant brightness, a new broad spectrum light and frosted glass were applied and designed in the optical system for lunar simulator with the shapes and radiance being able to be adjusted. According to the engineering demand and index requirements of the optical system, three major design aspects are addressed, including the high reliability and maintainability for broad-spectrum light, heat dissipation in lunar simulator for long working hours, and bearing of the main frame under different working conditions. By designing a reasonable machine structure, and through the structure itself with the matrix arrangement of 48 axial flow fans, an effectively cooling air duct is established. Deformation and temperature were calculated by the finite element software ANSYS. The results showed that the displacement deformation reached 0.33mm and stress deformation reached 0.02MPa at the temperature of 20℃; when the main frame was in the temperature field between 20℃ and 65℃, the maximum displacement deformation reached 13.30mm and maximum stress deformation is 97.90MPa, and the amount of this deformation is very small in considering of the mechanical structure dimensions and weight of the lunar simulator.      

火星沙尘环境光学图像增强方法

针对火星探测器着陆时沙尘天气对机器视觉的影响,提出一种去除沙尘天气对光学成像影响的方法,为视觉系统提供清晰输入图像。首先对受沙尘天气影响的图像建立模型,然后求取模型中大气光值与透射系数值。对于大气光值的计算采用基于四叉树细分的方法,在最小值图像上搜寻指定阈值面积中灰度均值最大的区域,在初始图像中相同区域计算各通道均值,作为大气光值。在此基础上计算透射系数,完成清晰图像的恢复。通过对受沙尘影响图像测试表明,该方法能够将受沙尘影响的图像恢复成清晰的图像。即使在复杂的环境中,该方法对光照变化、沙尘强度变化和场景变化等仍具有较好的效果。与其他方法相比,本文方法在去除沙尘对光学图像影响方面效果较好,在恢复图像评价指标等方面优于其他方法,能够进一步提高图像清晰度,为光学图像的后期处理提供更丰富信息。