Effects of microgravity on muscular explosive power of the lower limbs in humans

The maximal explosive power of the lower limbs of one astronaut has been measured before launch, and 2, 6 and 11 days after re-entry from 31 days on the MIR Station (EUROMIR '94). The subject, sitting on the carriage-seat of a Multipurpose Ergometer-Dynamometer (MED) constructed ad hoc in our laboratory, pushed maximally with both feet on two force platforms (knees angle 110 degrees). The carriage was free to move backwards on two rails inclined 20 degrees upwards. The force (F) of the lower limbs and the speed of the carriage (v) were recorded and the instantaneous mechanical power (w) was calculated as w = F * v. The average value of the mechanical power (w max) throughout the explosive effort was then obtained. The overall duration of the push was on the average about 0.3 s. It was observed that, at day R+2, mean force, maximal velocity, maximal power (mean and peak), maximal acceleration and overall mechanical work, were all reduced between 60 and 80% of pre-flight values. However, the recovery was remarkably fast, since all these parameters attained about 90% of pre-flight values by day R+11.     

Role of nutrition during long-term spaceflight

The authors discuss changes in macro- and micro-nutrients which occur in weightlessness and consider factors which help maintain appropriate nutrition during extended space flight. Basic energy requirements and metabolism are reviewed. The discussion of handling of foodstuffs includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, folic acid, iron, and selenium. The discussion of fluids and minerals includes fluid intake, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Changes in gastrointestinal function are examined.     

Separation of bacterial cells by free flow electrophoresis under microgravity: a result of the SpaceLab-Japan project on Space Shuttle flight STS-47

We demonstrated free flow electrophoresis (FFE) of charged cells under microgravity, where gravitational effects are almost eliminated. Separation of a mixture of three bacterial strains (mutants of Salmonella typhimurium LT2) by FFE was conducted on NASA Space Shuttle flight STS-47 (September 1992). The experiment was designed to differentiate three strains having different lipopolysaccharide core structures in the cell membrane. The results were compared to those of ground experiments, in order to examine whether or not FFE in a weightless environment provides distinct advantages. Smooth strain SL1027 and rough strain SL3749 migrated to two separated fractions. The quality (viability) and the yields of the separated samples were sufficient to show the advantage of microgravity. Another rough strain, SL1102, exhibited unexpected electrophoretic behavior, which prevented the complete resolution of the three strains. All the strains were recovered as viable cells after 8 days of flight. The present study suggests that electrophoretic separation of bacterial cells is much more effective under microgravity conditions with relatively good resolution in comparison with the ground operation.     

EDEN: a payload dedicated to neurovestibular research for Neurolab

The European Space Agency contributes to the Neurolab mission through the delivery of the ESA Developed Elements for Neurolab (EDEN). Those elements include one set supporting the Autonomic Nervous System experiment and one set supporting the Neurovestibular (so-called ATLAS) experiment. This second set is called the Visual and Vestibular Investigation System (VVIS). This paper describes the main characteristics of the VVIS and its various subsystems. The scientific objectives and operational constraints of the ATLAS experiment to be carried out with this equipment during Neurolab are presented to underline the correspondence between the VVIS design and the scientific requirements. Further scientific and technical perspectives for the VVIS, particularly within the scope of the International Space station, are also proposed.     

Space radiation enhancement linked to geomagnetic disturbances

Space radiation dosimetry measurements have been made on board the Space Shuttle. A newly developed active detector called "Real-time Radiation Monitoring Device (RRMD)" was used (Doke et al., 1995; Hayashi et al., 1995). The RRMD results indicate that low Linear Energy Transfer (LET) particles steadily penetrate around the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) without clear enhancement of dose equivalent and some daily periodic enhancements of dose equivalent due to high LET particles are seen at the lower geomagnetic cutoff regions (Doke et al., 1996). We also have been analyzing the space weather during the experiment, and found that the anomalous high-energy particle enhancement was linked to geomagnetic disturbance due to the high speed solar wind from a coronal hole. Additional analysis and other experiments are necessary for clarification of these phenomena. If a penetration of high-energy particles into the low altitude occurs by common geomagnetic disturbances, the prediction of geomagnetic activity becomes more important in the next Space Station's era.     

Motor timing under microgravity

Five participants were tested on their ability to produce accurate and regular inter-response intervals in the 350 to 530 ms time range. Three of them were members of the French-Russian CASSIOPEE 96 spaceflight mission, and the other two were control subjects tested on the ground. During spaceflight, the target inter-response intervals were increasingly undershot and the timing became more variable (less regular). The increase in the timing variability was mostly attributable to the internal timekeeping processes rather than those involved in motor execution. The results are discussed with reference to the physiological mechanisms possibly underlying the timing of fast serial movements.     

一个包括气相和亚表面反应的过氯酸铵复合推进剂的点火模型

本文提出了 Ap 基复合推进剂点火的一个综合模型及其数值解。这一分析模拟位于滞止区的推进剂试样在快速加压条件下的点火过程。本模型的特点包括:a)考虑了 Ap 基复合推进剂点火的详细的化学动力学资料;b)推进剂几何形状是二维(轴对称)的;c)考虑了气相中压力迅速增加对点燃过程的影响。使用隐式有限差分格式求解瞬态二阶联立、非齐次、非线性偏微分控制方程组。数值解揭示在点火阶段顺序发生的一系列重要事件,包括:点火器气体流入接近样品表面的区域;压缩波到达处未燃成份的燃烧;向推进剂传热;氧化剂和燃烧剂的高温分解;气相反应导致点燃。这个模型正确地预测了实验观察到的现象:随着增压速率提高,点火延迟时间缩短。采用文中考虑的不同点火准则都得到和试验一样的趋势。     

高级合成孔径雷达(SAR)的几种方案简介

未来的SAR设备需要满足苛刻的性能指标,而现行系统ERS-1(地球资源卫星-1)的发展还不足以满足这些要求。需要设计一个灵活的能够重新组合成不同操作模式的SAR,它能提供宽扫描带覆盖(500km,15°到50°入射角)和高分辨率(10m空间)覆盖。文章对一些各具特点的不同操作模式的系统方案进行了讨论和比较。确定了一些SAR的设计要点,并提出了一个综合的系统选择。     

飞行数据采集和处理系统(FDAPS)用软件

FDAPS系统是一个高速、方便和多用户系统,它从总体上对硬件和软件作了折衷。本文介绍系统的软件,讨论其工作方式和操作方法,并用具体图例说明。     

大型火箭发动机装药和壳体粘结的超载点火试验

由于财经上的原因,不可能做足够数量的大直径火箭发动机点火试验来精确地计算药柱及其与发动机壳体粘接的可靠性。为了得出发动机的安全系数,进行了一些试验,发现发动机的强度与要求值的比大大低于工作状态发动机的比值。本文将对一些破坏机理进行评述,列举并讨论各种载荷方式,以及介绍超载试验的实例。本文最后将介绍最佳超载条件。