激光武器将成为21世纪新一代主战武器(中)

二、第一代普通型激光武器的最新进展第一代普通型激光武器的研制已历时30多年,美、俄、英、德、法、以色列等国在激光武器研制方面均已取得长足发展。其中尤以美国的发展最为突出与全面,目前已经具备各类激光武器的全面发展与部署能力,并可望于近期至未来15年中陆续部署使用地基、机载和天基等各类激光武器。(一)战略防御天基阿尔法化学激光武器     

21世纪的太空武器

据报道,去年2月,美国弹道导弹防御局(BMDO)出台了一项旨在进行天基激光器(SBL)集成飞行试验的计划,以确定在太空部署能摧毁处于发射段或助推段弹道导弹的激光器的技术可行性。尽管有关部门称2020年以前还不可能部署这种天基武器系统,但是该计划已经表明目前美国正在加紧研制天基武器,而且越来越相信“面对未来的军事威胁将需要空间武器化”。根据这一情况,本文将未来可能部署到太空中的武器简要介绍一下。     

高能激光武器对弹道导弹的威胁分析

美国导弹防御系统将强激光列为对导弹实施主动段拦截的主战武器。近几年，高能激光武器取得了迅猛发展，激光武器的许多关键技术取得了突破。本文针对天基激光、机载激光武器的作战性能．分析了弹道导弹所面临的威胁，同时提出了弹道导弹对抗高能激光武器的措施。     

天基激光对GEO卫星的毁伤效能分析与启示

为分析天基高能激光对地球同步轨道（geosynchronous orbit, GEO）卫星的威胁，为高价值GEO卫星的防护设计提供参考，根据机动战术激光武器的技术发展情况，采用理论分析和数值计算的方法对天基高能激光的毁伤效能进行了评估。结果表明，10 kW级天基战术激光武器对卫星造成硬毁伤的距离可达50 km以上，卫星的易损部件依次为星表热控材料、太阳电池阵、碳纤维复合材料结构件和光学敏感器。根据分析结果得出的启示有:1）天基激光武器对GEO卫星的威胁是现实的；2）卫星激光防护应围绕薄弱环节开展以获取最佳效费比；3）应从单机、分系统、系统层面综合采取措施以提高系统鲁棒性；4）应采取主被动防护相结合的方式提高综合防护效能。     

美国“天基自适应通信节点”项目进展及启示

<正>2022年8月,美国国防高级研究计划局(DARPA)“天基自适应通信节点”(Space-BACN)项目进入技术验证阶段,开始进行硬件风险降低验证和软件设计仿真。该项目研究构建星间光通信链路,连接低轨异构军民商及盟国卫星系统,形成跨系统的天基信息传输网络,以加速数据回传与融合共享,提升太空系统弹性抗毁能力,高效支撑美军联合全域作战。     

天基信息网络弹性评估方法研究

考虑到天基信息网络独具的网络拓扑周期性动态变化、星载网络设备难以按需替换、空间环境安全威胁复杂多样等特点,为了对网络故障、环境挑战或敌对行动时天基信息网络的弹性能力进行有效评估,提出了一种改进的天基信息网络弹性评估方法。首先,简述了一种包含时间、概率、系统能力的三维弹性分析模型;考虑到各种不利事件以及各种能力适变方法及其具体措施对天基网络弹性能力的影响,分别提出了在采用单能力适变方法、多能力适变方法时的天基信息网络弹性计算方法,并进一步给出了确定场景下的天基信息网络弹性计算方法。实例分析表明,所提方法可以定量的方式对天基信息网络弹性能力进行有效评估,为天基信息网络各种能力适变方法及其具体措施的选择提供有益参考。     

美国展出α激光发生器

1991年,美国战略防御倡议组织(SDIO)公开展出一种化学激光器试验装置,这种装置已反复作过兆瓦级的试验,准备把它加长而构成一种轻型天基反弹道导弹武器。SDIO把这种天基激光武器作为全球防御有限攻击系统的后续武器看待,估计到下一世纪初可投入     

光学遥感卫星的激光威胁及防护体制探讨

针对光学遥感器激光防护任务需求,文章分析了激光对光学遥感卫星的光学部件、光电探测器件、电子学部组件的辐照效应,结合地基、天基激光武器对卫星的作战场景和模式,梳理了激光武器对卫星光学遥感器不同程度的打击效能及相应的阈值.文章对自适应激光限幅防护和快速响应快门防护技术、对防护的原理、关键技术进行了阐述;对应用配置和防护效能...     

机载激光武器打击能力分析

美国以其强大的军事实力开发了基于各种发射平台的激光武器系统,使其成为目前激光武器技术发展最为先进的国家。在众多的激光武器中,用于拦截弹道导弹的机载激光武器(ABL)发展最为迅速、投资规模最大。按照目前的计划,ABL将很快投入战场应用,对弹道导弹构成拦截能力。本文在分析ABL作战性能的基础上,研究了ABL对弹道导弹的攻击能力,并通过激光破坏工作状态下的导弹发动机机理与阈值分析,进一步阐述了ABL对弹道导弹构成的威胁能力。     

SDI中的天基雷达

美国通用电气公司正在研究天基探测技术在战略防御计划(SDI)中的应用,重点是天基雷达的发射及接收电路以及信号和数据处理。本文介绍了天基雷达应具备的五个特点,即波束捷变、高分辨率、性能可靠、价钱便宜、识别目标能力强。文章中还提出了单片微波电路和雷达的设计方案。     

Distributed telemetry & telecommand for future sunsat missions

This paper will describe the conceptional design of a telemetry and telecommand system to be employed on the next generation SUNSAT microsatellite. The performance of the centralized, time division multiplexed telemetry system used on SUNSAT I can be optimized in terms of size, flexibility and bandwidth utilization. Therefore a method will be presented to implement a reliable, decentralized telemetry and telecommand (T&T) system based on experience gained from SUNSAT 1 and conforming to the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems recommendations. Controller Area Network technology will be evaluated as a possible solution to realize a robust, multi-master and fault-tolerant T&T system. The expected performance and system improvements of the new T&T system will be compared to the current system used on SUNSAT 1.     

Past, present and future implications of human supervisory control in space missions

Achieving the United States’ Vision for future Space Exploration will necessitate far greater collaboration between humans and automated technology than previous space initiatives. However, the development of methodologies to optimize this collaboration currently lags behind development of the technologies themselves, thus potentially decreasing mission safety, efficiency and probability of success. This paper discusses the human supervisory control (HSC) implications for use in space, and outlines several areas of current automated space technology in which the function allocation between humans and machines/automation is sub-optimal or under dispute, including automated spacecraft landings, Mission Control, and wearable extra-vehicular activity computers. Based on these case studies, we show that a more robust HSC research program will be crucial to achieving the Vision for Space Exploration, especially given the limited resources under which it must be accomplished.     

Potential of laser-induced ablation for future space applications

This paper surveys recent and current advancements of laser-induced ablation technology for space-based applications and discusses ways of bringing such applications to fruition. Laser ablation is achieved by illuminating a given material with a laser light source. The high surface power densities provided by the laser enable the illuminated material to sublimate and ablate. Possible applications include the deflection of Near Earth Objects – asteroids and comets – from an Earth-impacting event, the vaporisation of space structures and debris, the mineral and material extraction of asteroids and/or as an energy source for future propulsion systems. This paper will discuss each application and the technological advancements that are required to make laser-induced ablation a practical process for use within the space arena. Particular improvements include the efficiency of high power lasers, the collimation of the laser beam (including beam quality) and the power conversion process. These key technological improvements are seen as strategic and merit greater political and commercial support.     

Identification and status of design improvements to the NASA Shuttle EMU for International Space Station application

To meet the significant increase in EVA demand to support assembly and operations of the International Space Station (ISS), NASA and industry have improved the current Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), or "space suit", configuration to meet the unique and specific requirements of an orbital-based system. The current Shuttle EMU was designed to be maintained and serviced on the ground between frequent Shuttle flights. ISS will require the EMUs to meet increased EVAs out of the Shuttle Orbiter and to remain on orbit for up to 180 days without need for regular return to Earth for scheduled maintenance or refurbishment. Ongoing Shuttle EMU improvements have increased reliability, operational life and performance while minimizing ground and on-orbit maintenance cost and expendable inventory. Modifications to both the anthropomorphic mobility elements of the Space Suit Assembly (SSA) as well as to the Primary Life Support System (PLSS) are identified and discussed. This paper also addresses the status of on-going Shuttle EMU improvements and summarizes the approach for increasing interoperability of the U.S. and Russian space suits to be utilized aboard the ISS.     

National Space Biomedical Research Institute Education and Public Outreach Program: Education for the next generation of space explorers

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Education and Public Outreach Program (EPOP) is supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) new vision for space exploration by educating and inspiring the next generation of students through a seamless pipeline of kindergarten through postdoctoral education programs. NSBRI EPOP initiatives are designed to train scientists and to communicate the significance of NSBRI science, as well as other space exploration science, to schools, families and lay audiences. The NSBRI EPOP team is comprised of eight main partners: Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Binghamton University–State University of New York (BUSUNY), Colorado Consortium for Earth and Space Science Education (CCESSE), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM), Rice University and the University of Texas Medical Branch (RU–UTMB), and Texas A&M University (TAMU). The current kindergarten through undergraduate college (K-16) team, which was funded through an open national competition in 2004, consolidates the past 7 years of K-16 education activities and expands the team's outreach activities to more museums and science centers across the nation. NSBRI also recently expanded its education mission to include doctoral and postdoctoral level programs. This paper describes select K-16 EPOP activities and products developed over the past 7 years, and reports on new activities planned for the next 3 years. The paper also describes plans for a doctoral program and reports on 1st-year outcomes of the new postdoctoral program.     

EVA Suit 2000: a joint European/Russian space suit design

A feasibility study in 1992 showed the benefits of a common European Russian space suit development, EVA Suit 2000, replacing the Russian space suit Orlan-DMA and the planned European Hermes EVA space suit at the turn of the century. This EVA Suit 2000 is a joint development initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Space Agency (RKA). The main objectives of this development program are: first utilization aboard the Russian Space Station MIR-2; performance improvement with respect to current operational suits; development cost reduction. Russian experience gained with the present extravehicular activity (EVA) suit on the MIR Space Station and extensive application of European Technologies will be needed to achieve these ambitious goals. This paper presents the current status of the development activities, the space suit system design and concentrates in more detail on life support aspects. Specific subjects addressed will include the overall life support conceptual architecture, design features, crew comfort and operational considerations.     

Aerospace technology transfer to breast cancer imaging

In the United States in 1996, an estimated 44,560 women died of breast cancer, and 184,300 new cases were diagnosed. Advances in space technology are now making significant improvements in the imaging technologies used in managing this important foe. The first of these spinoffs, a digital spot mammography system used to perform stereotactic fine-needle breast biopsy, uses a backside-thinned CCD developed originally for the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrometer. This paper describes several successful biomedical applications which have resulted from collaborative technology transfer programs between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health (OWH). These programs have accelerated the introduction of direct digital mammography by two years. In follow-on work, RTI is now assisting the HHS Office on Women's Health to identify additional opportunities for transfer of aerospace, defense, and intelligence technologies to image-guided detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. The technology identification and evaluation effort culminated in a May 1997 workshop, and the formative technology development partnerships are discussed.     

Attached payloads on SPACEHAB, growing from the Space Shuttle to the Space Station

Although NASA's Space Shuttle is largely dedicated in the near term to Space Station assembly, 10–16 day flight opportunities still abound for spacecraft technology demonstration payloads, and experiments for the established earth and space science communities. This paper will present the latest developments of SPACEHAB flight systems in order to accommodate the flight needs of these communities on the Space Shuttle today and the Space Station tomorrow. In particular, some examples of payloads from these disciplines will be introduced together with the accommodation and experiment objectives.     

NASA''s small spacecraft technology initiative “Clark” spacecraft

The Small Satellite Technology Initiative (SSTI) is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) program to demonstrate smaller, high technology satellites constructed rapidly and less expensively. Under SSTI, NASA funded the development of “Clark,” a high technology demonstration satellite to provide 3-m resolution panchromatic and 15-m resolution multispectral images, as well as collect atmospheric constituent and cosmic x-ray data. The 690-Ib. satellite, to be launched in early 1997, will be in a 476 km, circular, sun-synchronous polar orbit. This paper describes the program objectives, the technical characteristics of the sensors and satellite, image processing, archiving and distribution. Data archiving and distribution will be performed by NASA Stennis Space Center and by the EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA.     

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute's education and public outreach program: Working toward a global 21st century space exploration society

Space Exploration educators worldwide are confronting challenges and embracing opportunities to prepare students for the global 21st century workforce. The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI), established in 1997 through a NASA competition, is a 12-university consortium dedicated to space life science research and education. NSBRI's Education and Public Outreach Program (EPOP) is advancing the Institute's mission by responding to global educational challenges through activities that: provide teacher professional development; develop curricula that teach students to communicate with their peers across the globe; provide women and minority US populations with greater access to, and awareness of science careers; and promote international science education partnerships.A recent National Research Council (NRC) Space Studies Board Report, America's Future in Space: Aligning the Civil Program with National Needs, acknowledges that “a capable workforce for the 21st century is a key strategic objective for the US space program… (and that) US problems requiring best efforts to understand and resolve…are global in nature and must be addressed through mutual worldwide action”. [1] This sentiment has gained new momentum through a recent National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) report, which recommends that the life of the International Space Station be extended beyond the planned 2016 termination. [2] The two principles of globalization and ISS utility have elevated NSBRI EPOP efforts to design and disseminate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational materials that prepare students for full participation in a globalized, high technology society; promote and provide teacher professional development; create research opportunities for women and underserved populations; and build international educational partnerships.This paper describes select EPOP projects and makes the case for using innovative, emerging information technologies to transfer space exploration knowledge to students, engage educators from across the globe in discourse about science curricula, and foster multimedia collaborations that inform citizens about the benefits of space exploration for life on Earth. Special references are made to educational activities conducted at professional meetings in Austria, Canada, France, China, Greece, Italy, Russia, Scotland and Spain.