Effect of weightlessness on posture and movement control during a whole body reaching task

Here are reported preliminary results of the “Synergy” experiment performed aboard the Russian orbital station “MIR” in July 1993 (Altaïr Mission). The experiment was carried out before, during, and after the space flight of two astronauts (S1 and S2). The duration of the flight was 21 days for S1 and 6 month for S2. The subjects were tested during preflight, inflight and postflight. The astronaut subjects were fixed on the ground by the feet. They were asked to pick up a box in front of them on the ground. Two velocities of movement and two distances of the target to be reached were tested. The movement of several small markers placed on the body was recorded on video tape.

Results show that the shape of head and hand trajectories in the sagittal plane remains roughly the same during the flight in spite of the modification of mechanical constraints. Trajectory invariance does not result in joint angular displacement invariance. These data indicate that the planning of the movement takes place in terms of head and hand trajectories rather than joint rotations as it was previously suggested for simple arm reaching movement.     

Goals and preparation method for ground operations for the manned space flight Altair

The mission's success fully depends on the Payload Operations conducted during the space flight. The Ground Team has to be trained to assist the Space Crew, to replan the cosmonaut's activities when contingengies occurr onboard and to change or cancel Payload activities when required. In order to act efficiently during the mission, the Ground Team must be prepared in advance of the flight and able to operate special tools for tracking the mission's progress, anticipating problems and taking decisions in realtime.

This document sets out the approach for conducting such a preparation for Ground Operation. It will be focused on the Altaïr mission performed in July 1993 onboard the Russian Mir space station.     

Remote assistance experiment during the manned space flight Altair

This remote assistance trial, performed within the framework of the manned space flight Altaïr, was carried out by CADMOS (CNES), with the cooperation of the Sub-directorate of CNES Operational Systems, Medes, LBM of Tours and Christol Consultants. It consisted of supplying the cosmonaut performing the Orthostatism experiment (echograph acquisition) on board the Mir station with realtime assistance by an expert (LBM of Tours) working from the ground on the CADMOS premises. The various steps of the approach followed during the preparation phase are described, as well as the technical means of communication used between the Mir station and CADMOS.     

按降低轨迹灵敏度综合最优设计飞行控制系统

本文提出了一个按降低轨迹灵敏度综合最优设计飞行控制系统的方法。它能使系统具有满意的动态品质,同时对系统参数的变化及非线性产生的影响具有较强的鲁棒性。该设计方法具有通用性和程序化,系统实现简单。     

Muscle atrophy associated with microgravity in rat: basic data for countermeasures

Morphological, contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition of rat soleus muscles were studied after 2 weeks of unloading (HS) and after 2 weeks of HS associated with selective deafferentation (HS + DEAF) at the level L4 and L5. The same significant reductions in muscle mass and tetanic tension were found after HS and HS + DEAF. However, the transformation of the slow-twitch soleus muscle towards a faster type characterized by a decrease in twitch time parameters and an increase in fast-twitch type MHC isoforms in HS did not appear in HS + DEAF conditions. Our results also showed that a pattern similar to firing rate of motoneurones innervating slow-twitch muscles inhibited the slow to fast fiber changes observed during HS. Nevertheless, neither the loss of mass or force output in the HS muscles were prevented by electrostimulation. Immobilization in a stretched position during HS maintained the muscle wet weight, mechanical and electrophoretical characteristics close to control values. We concluded that the decrease in mechanical strains imposed on the muscle during unloading was the main factor for the development of atrophy, while the kinetic changes might be predominantly modulated by the nervous command. These basic data suggested that some experimental conditions such as electrostimulation or stretching, could participate in countermeasure programmes.     

Effect of fluid and salt supplements in preventing the development of "osteopenia" in hypokinetic rats

It has been suggested that a daily intake of fluid and salt supplements may be used to prevent bone demineralization in human subjects after prolonged exposure to hypokinesia (diminished muscular activity). Thus, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of fluid and salt supplementation in the prevention of development of osteoporosis in 64 Wistar rats with an initial body weight of 339-345 g, after exposure to 90 days of hypokinesia. They divided into 4 equal groups: the first group of rats placed under ordinary vivarium conditions and served as vivarium control; the second group were also placed under ordinary vivarium conditions but received daily fluid and salt supplements; the third group were subjected to pure hypokinesia, i.e. without the use of any preventive measures; and the fourth group were submitted to hypokinesia and received daily fluid and salt supplements. For the simulation of the hypokinetic effect the experimental group of rats were kept in small, individual, wooden cages. Through the experimental period the second and fourth group of rats received 8 ml/100 g body wt water and 5 ml 100 g body wt NaCl daily. By the end of the experimental period the animals were decapitated and the spongy matter of tibia and vertebrae of the rats were examined for changes referable to osteoporosis. It was found that the daily intake of fluid and salt supplements caused an increase in the volume density of primary spongiosa of bones. It was concluded that a daily intake of fluid and salt supplements may be used to prevent the development of osteoporosis in rats subjected to prolonged motor activity restriction.     

激波在狭缝中绕射过程研究

针对固体火箭发动机药柱存在裂纹的情况，对运动激波在狭缝中绕射传播的非定常流场进行了计算，得到了清晰的流场变化图谱，从流场图中可分辨出激波在狭缝中的传播过程。对不同深宽比的狭缝进行研究，发现流场结构存在明显差别，在深宽比较小时狭缝内压力波振荡较小，当深宽比超过一定值时狭缝内的压力波产生剧烈振荡。研究结果表明，该方法可很好地描述激波在狭缝中的传播过程。     

基于RBF网络的惯导系统初始对准

建立了惯导系统（ＩＮＳ）初始对准的线性和非线性误差模型。分析了径向基函数（ＲＢＦ）网络的结构和工作原理。研究了ＲＢＦ网代替初始对准中的卡尔曼滤波器的实现方法。通过仿真表明，用神经网络进行初始对准，既可获得与卡尔曼滤波相同的对准精度，又提高了系统的实时性。     

VentureStar… reaping the benefits of the X-33 program

Major X-33 flight hardware has been delivered, and assembly of the vehicle is well underway in anticipation of its flight test program commencing in the summer of 1999. Attention has now turned to the operational VentureStar^TM, the first single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle. Activities are grouped under two broad categories: (1) vehicle development and (2) market/business planning, each of which is discussed. The mission concept is presented for direct payload delivery to the International Space Station and to low Earth orbit, as well as payload delivery with an upper stage to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and other high energy orbits. System requirements include flight segment and ground segment. Vehicle system sizing and design status is provided including the application of X-33 traceability and lessons learned. Technology applications to the VentureStar^TM are described including the structure, propellant tanks, thermal protection system, aerodynamics, subsystems, payload bay and propulsion. Developing a market driven low cost launch services system for the 21st Century requires traditional and non-traditional ways of being able to forecast the evolution of the potential market. The challenge is balancing both the technical and financial assumptions of the market. This involves the need to provide a capability to meet market segments that in some cases are very speculative, while at the same time providing the financial community with a credible revenue stream. Furthermore, the market derived requirements need to be assessed so as not to impose unnecessary requirements on the vehicle design that add unreasonable cost to the development of the system, yet provides the right capabilities for new markets that could be triggered by dramatically lower space transportation prices.     

Geometric reasoning under uncertainty for map-based localization

Map-based navigation in outdoor terrain lacking man-made structures or other highly distinctive landmarks can produce severe localization problems. This paper presents an approach to navigation which implements high level geometric reasoning and matching strategies based on those used by skilled human navigators. This approach, which is demonstrated on a real example involving imagery of mountainous terrain obtained with a video camera and USGS map data, is designed to avoid many of the pitfalls occurring when an attempt is made to navigate by modeling the environment mathematically. It exploits feature attributes which cannot be easily expressed quantitatively but are central to the successful human navigation process.