Core-based Shared Tree Multicast Routing Algorithms for LEO Satellite IP Networks

A new core-based shared tree algorithm, viz core-cluster combination-based shared tree （CCST） algorithm and the weighted version （i.e. w-CCST algorithm） are proposed in order to resolve the channel resources waste problem in typical source-based multicast routing algorithms in low earth orbit （LEO） satellite IP networks. The CCST algorithm includes the dynamic approximate center （DAC） core selection method and the core-cluster combination multicast route construction scheme. Without complicated onboard computation, the DAC method is uniquely developed for highly dynamic networks of periodical and regular movement. The core-cluster combination method takes core node as the initial core-cluster, and expands it stepwise to construct an entire multicast tree at the lowest tree cost by a shortest path scheme between the newly-generated core-cluster and surplus group members, which results in great bandwidth utilization. Moreover, the w-CCST algorithm is able to strike a balance between performance of tree cost and that of end-to-end propagation delay by adjusting the weighted factor to meet strict end-to-end delay requirements of some real-time multicast services at the expense of a slight increase in tree cost. Finally, performance comparison is conducted between the proposed algorithms and typical algorithms in LEO satellite IP networks. Simulation results show that the CCST algorithm significantly decreases the average tree cost against to the others, and also the average end-to-end propagation delay ofw-CCST algorithm is lower than that of the CCST algorithm.     

Galileo系统在空间飞行器定位中的应用

欧洲的Galileo系统将在2008年建成，届时它将与美国的GPS系统相互补充。在对Galileo系统导航星座轨道和信号结构分析的基础上，结合各种不同轨道高度的空间飞行器用户的动态特点，推导了用户卫星接收天线的可见可用性模型，建立了基于Galileo坐标系统(ITRF-96)的高动态定位算法模型，针对实际航天工程任务的LEO和GEO卫星进行了定位仿真，为Galileo系统在空间领域的实际应用打下了基础。     

Measuring atmospheric density using GPS–LEO tracking data

We present a method to estimate the total neutral atmospheric density from precise orbit determination of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. We derive the total atmospheric density by determining the drag force acting on the LEOs through centimeter-level reduced-dynamic precise orbit determination (POD) using onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking data. The precision of the estimated drag accelerations is assessed using various metrics, including differences between estimated along-track accelerations from consecutive 30-h POD solutions which overlap by 6 h, comparison of the resulting accelerations with accelerometer measurements, and comparison against an existing atmospheric density model, DTM-2000. We apply the method to GPS tracking data from CHAMP, GRACE, SAC-C, Jason-2, TerraSAR-X and COSMIC satellites, spanning 12 years (2001–2012) and covering orbital heights from 400 km to 1300 km. Errors in the estimates, including those introduced by deficiencies in other modeled forces (such as solar radiation pressure and Earth radiation pressure), are evaluated and the signal and noise levels for each satellite are analyzed. The estimated density data from CHAMP, GRACE, SAC-C and TerraSAR-X are identified as having high signal and low noise levels. These data all have high correlations with anominal atmospheric density model and show common features in relative residuals with respect to the nominal model in related parameter space. On the contrary, the estimated density data from COSMIC and Jason-2 show errors larger than the actual signal at corresponding altitudes thus having little practical value for this study. The results demonstrate that this method is applicable to data from a variety of missions and can provide useful total neutral density measurements for atmospheric study up to altitude as high as 715 km, with precision and resolution between those derived from traditional special orbital perturbation analysis and those obtained from onboard accelerometers.     

低轨通信卫星天线系统多波束形成关键技术

对低轨通信卫星星载天线阵的多波束形成中的阵列天线结构、射频通道一致性校正,以及数字波束成形等关键技术进行了研究。给出了天线的辐射单元和阵列结构设计,根据通道接收机结构用幅相一致性模块校正通道幅相失配,通过遗传算法确定数字多波束成形网络的加权系数。研究对多波束样机研制有较大的应用价值。     

Exploration life support technology challenges for the Crew Exploration Vehicle and future human missions

As NASA implements the U.S. Space Exploration Policy, life support systems must be provided for an expanding sequence of exploration missions. NASA has implemented effective life support for Apollo, the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station (ISS) and continues to develop advanced systems. This paper provides an overview of life support requirements, previously implemented systems, and new technologies being developed by the Exploration Life Support Project for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and Lunar Outpost and future Mars missions. The two contrasting practical approaches to providing space life support are (1) open loop direct supply of atmosphere, water, and food, and (2) physicochemical regeneration of air and water with direct supply of food. Open loop direct supply of air and water is cost effective for short missions, but recycling oxygen and water saves costly launch mass on longer missions. Because of the short CEV mission durations, the CEV life support system will be open loop as in Apollo and Space Shuttle. New life support technologies for CEV that address identified shortcomings of existing systems are discussed. Because both ISS and Lunar Outpost have a planned 10-year operational life, the Lunar Outpost life support system should be regenerative like that for ISS and it could utilize technologies similar to ISS. The Lunar Outpost life support system, however, should be extensively redesigned to reduce mass, power, and volume, to improve reliability and incorporate lessons learned, and to take advantage of technology advances over the last 20 years. The Lunar Outpost design could also take advantage of partial gravity and lunar resources.     

基于IP组网的低轨航天器大容量文件传输方法

空间科学的发展使航天测控中遥感和图像等数据量日益增大,如何实现天地间大容量文件的传输已成为一个重要问题。鉴于测控网正在向全IP化的方向发展,提出一种在IP组网基础上的低轨航天器大容量文件的传输方案,并就方案中文件的分块传输及卫星在测控站间切换时文件的续传等关键问题进行探讨。在此基础上,对提出的方案进行实验分析,验证了其可行性。     

Optical orbital debris spotter

The number of man-made debris objects orbiting the Earth, or orbital debris, is alarmingly increasing, resulting in the increased probability of degradation, damage, or destruction of operating spacecraft. In part, small objects (<10 cm) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are of concern because they are abundant and difficult to track or even to detect on a routine basis. Due to the increasing debris population it is reasonable to assume that improved capabilities for on-orbit damage attribution, in addition to increased capabilities to detect and track small objects are needed. Here we present a sensor concept to detect small debris with sizes between approximately 1.0 and 0.01 cm in the vicinity of a host spacecraft for near real time damage attribution and characterization of dense debris fields and potentially to provide additional data to existing debris models.     

低轨导航增强卫星星座设计

针对目前全球低轨卫星快速发展的现状,对低轨导航增强卫星星座设计方法进行了详细的研究。首先推导了轨道高度与可视球冠的关系,结合太空垃圾分布,从覆盖范围、经济性及碰撞风险几方面联合确定了轨道高度。然后推导了用户仰角与轨道倾角的关系,分析了实现南北极点覆盖的轨道倾角。接着结合铱星星座,推导出单一星座构型无法实现全球范围内均匀的可见星和精度衰减因子（Dilution of Precision,DOP）值分布。最后提出了一种组合低轨卫星星座设计方法。结果表明,该方法设计的组合星座在实现全球覆盖的同时,能够实现可见星数量与DOP值在全球范围内的均匀分布。     

重力梯度力矩作用下近地卫星自旋运动规律分析

为研究近地卫星自旋运动规律,建立了近地卫星在受摄动影响的轨道上运行并受重力梯度力矩作用下的姿态运动模型,推导了自旋角速率满足一定条件下自旋运动的进动角、章动角、自旋角的解析解,对重力梯度作用下的自旋姿态运动规律进行了仿真分析,并用仿真计算结果验证了解析解的正确性。在轨道面缓慢进动情况下,当卫星绕最大主惯量轴自旋时,给出了自旋角速率取值范围表达式,在该取值范围内卫星自旋运动能够跟随轨道面一起进动,自旋轴以恒定的平均角速率进动,章动角在小范围内波动。建立的自旋姿态运动模型和分析结论可用于近地卫星姿态失控后的姿态确定和预测、在轨姿态设计及在轨备份等。