Study of vibration microaccelerations onboard the International Space Station

The results of studying vibration microaccelerations aboard the International Space Station are presented. The study was performed using the measurement data of the MAMS low-frequency and the SAMS high-frequency accelerometers. For the study, six intervals of measurements were selected, performed in 2005. During these intervals the station was flying in the standard orbital orientation, attitude control engines were not switched on, and the crew rested. Discrete and continuous spectra were analyzed on selected intervals. The most significant disturbances with the discrete spectrum (cyclic trends) have been found. Using the second order autoregression model, parameters of the most significant disturbances with the continuous spectrum were determined. This study was carried out as a part of the technical experiment “The ISS environment”.     

Absorbed doses in October–November 2003 onboard the Russian segment of the International Space Station according to the data of radiation control system

The results of radiation control onboard the Service Module of the International Space Station are considered for the period of increased radiation background from 28 to 30 October, 2003. The values of additional irradiation dose caused by strong solar proton events on October 28 and 29, 2003 are obtained. A comparison is made with similar data obtained in the periods of disturbed radiation conditions of fall 2001. The results of estimating the dependence of the absorbed dose on the shield thickness, based on the onboard measurements, are presented. It is established that the daily-averaged dose power onboard the International Space Station increased after the solar proton events of October 2003.     

Determination of the Microacceleration Quasisteady Component onboard the International Space Station

A comparison of two methods of determination of the microacceleration quasisteady component arising onboard the International Space Station was performed. In the first method the acceleration was calculated using the relative motion of the station reconstructed on the basis of telemetry data. The second method was a direct measurement of the microacceleration by a low-frequency accelerometer and a smoothing of the data obtained. The used measurements were made by the American accelerometer MAMS. The above comparison can theoretically be used to refine the position of the station center of mass relative to its body.     

The Second Stage of BTN Neutron Space Experiment onboard the Russian Section of the International Space Station: the BTN-M2 Instrument

Cosmic Research - As recent studies onboard various spacecraft have shown, one unresolved technical problem of manned interplanetary flights at the moment is the high radiation background of...     

Application of GFP technique for cytoskeleton visualization onboard the International Space Station

Cytoskeleton recently attracted wide attention of cell and molecular biologists due to its crucial role in gravity sensing and trunsduction. Most of cytoskeletal research is conducted by the means of immunohistochemical reactions, different modifications of which are beneficial for the ground-based experiments. But for the performance onboard the space vehicles, they represent quite complicated technique which requires time and special skills for astronauts. In addition, immunocytochemistry provides only static images of the cytoskeleton arrangement in fixed cells while its localization in living cells is needed for the better understanding of cytoskeletal function. In this connection, we propose a new approach for cytoskeletal visualization onboard the ISS, namely, application of green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria, which has the unique properties as a marker for protein localization in vivo. The creation of chimerical protein-GFP gene constructs, obtaining the transformed plant cells possessed protein-GFP in their cytoskeletal composition will allow receiving a simple and efficient model for screening of the cytoskeleton functional status in microgravity.     

The Russian experience in medical care and health maintenance of the International Space Station crews

The main purpose of the medical support system aboard International Space Station (ISS) is crew health maintenance and high level of work capability assurance prior to during and after in space flights. In the present communication the Russian point of view dealing with the problems and achievements in this branch is presented. An overview on medical operations during flight and after finalization of the space missions based on Russian data of crew health and environment state monitoring, as well as data on the inflight countermeasures (prophylaxis) jointly with data on operational problems that are specific to ISS is presented. The report summarizes results of the medical examination of Russian members of the ISS and taxi crews during and after visits to the ISS.     

Russian system of countermeasures on board of the International Space Station (ISS): the first results

The system of countermeasures used by Russian cosmonauts in space flights on board of International Space Station (ISS) was based on the developed and tested in flights on board of Russian space stations. It included as primary components: physical methods aimed to maintain the distribution of fluids at levels close to those experienced on Earth; physical exercises and loading suits aimed to load the musculoskeletal and the cardiovascular systems; measures that prevent the loss of fluids, mainly, water-salt additives which aid to maintain orthostatic tolerance and endurance to gravitational overloads during the return to Earth; well-balanced diet and medications directed to correct possible negative reactions of the body to weightlessness. Fulfillment of countermeasure's protocols inflight was thoroughly controlled. Efficacy of countermeasures used were assessed both in- and postflight. The results of studies showed that degrees of alterations recorded in different physiological systems after ISS space flights in Russian cosmonauts were significantly higher than those recorded after flights on the Russian space stations. This phenomenon was caused by the failure of the ISS crews to execute fully the prescribed countermeasures' protocols which was as a rule excused by technical imperfectness of exercise facilities, treadmill TVIS particularly.     

The intergovernmental agreement on the International Space Station

After Russia joined the ISS programme in 1994 it was realized that a new intergovernmental agreement would be needed in order to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all the partners. The Head of the Russian delegation to the negotations on the agreement between 1994 and 1998 here describes the various steps taken to reach it. As well as requiring legislation on new areas such as national criminal jurisdiction, the negotiations had to take account of the differing legal norms and cultures in all the various countries party to the agreement, but principally Russia and the USA. The final part of the article presents an up-to-date overview of the vital statistics and capabilities of, and type of work expected to be performed on, the ISS.     

亚特兰蒂斯号执行空间站任务

美国东部时间５月１９日晨６时１１分１０秒，亚特兰蒂斯号航天飞机在晨曦中离开了肯尼迪航天中心的发射台，开始执行国际空间站的维修和后勤补给任务。这次编号ＳＴＳ—１０１的飞行是美国航天飞机历史上的第９８次飞行，也是航天飞机第３次飞往国际空间站。航天飞机上次升空执行国际空间站任务是在去年的５月２７日，至今已有将近一年时间。 此次飞行是亚特兰蒂斯号的第２１次飞行，也是它１９９７年９月以来的首次飞行。当时亚特兰蒂斯号执行了编号ＳＴＳ—８６的第７次航天飞机－和平号空间站对接任务。此后，这架航天飞机到波音公司的…     

“国际空间站”系统特点分析

介绍了＂国际空间站＂的总体设计;分析了＂国际空间站＂系统设计的特点和不足,其中包括重视成熟技术和冗余设计,众多系统故障暴露出技术薄弱性,机器人系统自动化水平有待提高,以及许多先进技术规划未能实施;提出了发展中国空间站的启示与建议,如借鉴国外协力合作系统先进设计经验和科学评估安全性方法,权衡技术继承性与先进性,注重空间站系统设备的设计、维修、机器人开发和延寿问题。     

Microdisturbances on the International Space Station during dynamic operations

The results of analysis of microdisturbances on the International Space Station (ISS) at performing various dynamic operations are presented. Docking of transfer manned and cargo vehicles Progress and Soyuz to various docking modules of the ISS, docking of the Space Shuttle Discovery, the ISS orbit correction and, also, disturbances at “EVA” (Extra Vehicular Activity) operations during astronauts working on the external ISS surface are considered. The results of measuring microaccelerations by sensors of both Russian and American segments are analyzed.     

International Cooperation on the Chinese Space Station Officially Initiated

正The announcement of the opportunity for international cooperation on the Chinese Space Station(CSS)was made at a ceremony hosted by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs(UNOOSA)and the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna on 28 May.China officially initiated     

俄罗斯空间站推进剂补加程序分析

补加程序是推进剂补加系统的关键技术之一,而目前也仅有俄罗斯有成功应用的经验.根据目前获取的资料,经过计算、仿真和论证,对俄罗斯空间站的补加系统进行了研究,分析了ATV对空间站进行推进剂补加的程序,初步得到了俄罗斯空间站推进剂补加的特点,可作为目前我国空间站方案论证期间补加程序的参考.     

Research progress and accomplishments on International Space Station

The first research payloads reached the International Space Station (ISS) more than two years ago, with research operating continuously since March 2001. Seven research racks are currently on-orbit, with three more arriving soon to expand science capabilities. Through the first five expeditions, 60 unique NASA-managed investigations from 11 nations have been supported, many continuing into later missions. More than 90,000 experiment hours have been completed, and more than 1,000 hours of crew time have been dedicated to research, numbers that grow daily. The multidisciplinary program includes research in life sciences, physical sciences, biotechnology, Earth sciences, technology demonstrations as well as commercial endeavors and educational activities. The Payload Operations and Integration Center monitors the onboard activities around the clock, working with numerous Principal Investigators and Payload Developers at their remote sites. Future years will see expansion of the station with research modules provided by the European Space Agency and Japan, which will be outfitted with additional research racks.     

Solar particle events and the International Space Station

The high inclination orbit for the International Space Station poses a risk to astronauts on EVA during occasional periods of enhanced high energy particle flux from the sun known as Solar Particle Events. We are currently unable to predict these events within the few-hour lead time required for evasive action. Compounding the threat is the fact that station construction occurs during increasing solar activity and through the peak of the solar cycle. In this paper we present an overview of the risk, the current methods to provide forecasts of SPEs, and potential risk mitigation options.     

Dextre: Improving maintenance operations on the International Space Station

The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), known as “Dextre”, is currently slated to launch in February 2008 for deployment on the International Space Station (ISS) as the final component of Canada's Mobile Servicing System (MSS). Dextre's primary role on the Space Station is to perform repair and replacement (R&R) maintenance tasks on robotically compatible hardware such as Orbital Replaceable Units (ORUs), thereby eventually easing the burden on the ISS crew.This burden on the on-orbit crew translates practically into crew time being a limited resource on the ISS, and as such, finding ways to assist the crew in performing their tasks or offloading the crew completely when appropriate is a bonus to the ISS program. This is already accomplished very effectively by commanding as many non-critical robotics tasks as possible, such as powering up and free-space maneuvering of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), known as “Canadarm2”, from the Ground.Thus, beyond its primary role, and based on an increasing clarity regarding the challenges of external maintenance on the ISS, Dextre is being considered for use in a number of ways with the objective of improving ISS operations while reducing and optimizing the use of crew time through the use of ground control for various tasks, pre-positioning hardware, acting as a temporary storage platform to break an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) day into manageable timelines, and extending the physical reach and range of the Canadarm2.This paper discusses the planned activities and operations for Dextre an rationale for how these will help optimize the use of crew resources on the ISS.     

Integration of multiple research disciplines on the International Space Station.

The International Space Station will provide an extremely high-quality, long-duration microgravity environment for the conduct of research. In addition, the ISS offers a platform for performing observations of Earth and Space from a high-inclination orbit, outside of the Earth's atmosphere. This unique environment and observational capability offers the opportunity for advancement in a diverse set of research fields. Many of these disciplines do not relate to one another, and present widely differing approaches to study, as well as different resource and operational requirements. Significant challenges exist to ensure the highest quality research return for each investigation. Requirements from different investigations must be identified, clarified, integrated and communicated to ISS personnel in a consistent manner. Resources such as power, crew time, etc. must be apportioned to allow the conduct of each investigation. Decisions affecting research must be made at the strategic level as well as at a very detailed execution level. The timing of the decisions can range from years before an investigation to real-time operations. The international nature of the Space Station program adds to the complexity. Each participating country must be assured that their interests are represented during the entire planning and operations process. A process for making decisions regarding research planning, operations, and real-time replanning is discussed. This process ensures adequate representation of all research investigators. It provides a means for timely decisions, and it includes a means to ensure that all ISS International Partners have their programmatic interests represented.     

国际空间站上使用的两种计算机

欧空局为国际空间站研制了两个新型的计算机 :容错计算机 ( FTC)和标准有效载荷计算机 ( SPLC) ,它们可以满足空间站对计算机的需要 ,可以方便地构成各分种布式数据管理结构。文中介绍这两种不同类型的计算机设计