Accurate approximation of in-ecliptic trajectories for E-sail with constant pitch angle

Propellantless continuous-thrust propulsion systems, such as electric solar wind sails, may be successfully used for new space missions, especially those requiring high-energy orbit transfers. When the mass-to-thrust ratio is sufficiently large, the spacecraft trajectory is characterized by long flight times with a number of revolutions around the Sun. The corresponding mission analysis, especially when addressed within an optimal context, requires a significant amount of simulation effort. Analytical trajectories are therefore useful aids in a preliminary phase of mission design, even though exact solution are very difficult to obtain. The aim of this paper is to present an accurate, analytical, approximation of the spacecraft trajectory generated by an electric solar wind sail with a constant pitch angle, using the latest mathematical model of the thrust vector. Assuming a heliocentric circular parking orbit and a two-dimensional scenario, the simulation results show that the proposed equations are able to accurately describe the actual spacecraft trajectory for a long time interval when the propulsive acceleration magnitude is sufficiently small.     

High energy-density propulsion—reducing the risk to humans in planetary exploration

The potential benefits to humankind of space exploration are tremendous. Space is not only the final frontier but is also the next marketplace. The orbital space above Earth offers tremendous opportunities for both strategic assets and commercial development. The critical obstacle retarding the use of the space around the Earth is the lack of low cost access to orbit. Further out, the next giant leap for mankind will be the human exploration of Mars. Almost certainly within the next 30 years, a human crew will brave the isolation, the radiation, and the lack of gravity to walk on and explore the Red planet. Both of these missions will change the outlook and perspective of every human being on the planet. However, these missions are expensive and extremely difficult. Chemical propulsion has demonstrated an inability to achieve orbit cheaply and is a very high-risk option to accomplish the Mars mission. An alternative solution is to develop a high performance propulsion system. Nuclear propulsion has the potential to be such a system. The question will be whether humanity is willing to take on the challenge.     

空间能量粒子探测方法研究

阐述了空间能量粒子探测的原理和方法。介绍了国外在能量粒子探测方面所采用的半导体望远镜测量法、电场加速法、磁偏转法等方法，分析了它们各自的优缺点。就制约能量粒子探测技术发展的关键因素进行了讨论。并以此为基础，结合我国实际情况提出了一种新的探测方法。     

从应变计现状看电阻式传感器的前景

电阻式传感器的核心部件——电阻应变计是目前最常用的应力分析的敏感元件。也常用于测量力、压力、扭矩和加速度等物理量。作者简要回顾了电阻应变计的发展历史，介绍了电阻应变计的结构、分类及现状，展望了电阻式传感器的前景。     

深空探测器推进系统

以技术较成效的月球探测器、火星探测器推进系统为重点，介绍了国外深空探测活动的情况。简述了深空探测对推进系统的需求、我国航天器液体推进技术的现状。认为我国的推进技术经一些适应性发展，即可满足深空探测的需求，并且设想了我国近期较为可行的深空探测器推进系统方案。     

国外几种新型微化学推力器

介绍了国外几种以微机电系统 (MEMS)技术为基础的液体和固体微化学推力器。这些新型微化学推力器具有MEMS技术微型化、低成本和批量生产的优点 ,并考虑了体积限制和高度集成等空间限制 ,能产生 10 -6～ 10N·s的推力脉冲 ,可用于微型卫星和纳米卫星的姿态调整、变轨和定向的精确控制。同时阐述了这几种微推力器结构特点和制造工艺 ,并与其他类型的推进器进行了比较     

Prompt effects of solar wind variations on the inner magnetosphere and midlatitude ionosphere

It is well known that the solar wind can significantly affect high-latitude ionospheric dynamics. However, the effects of the solar wind on the middle- and low-latitude ionosphere are much less studied. In this paper, we report observations that large perturbations in the middle- and low-latitude ionosphere are well correlated with solar wind variations. In one event, a significant (20–30%) decrease of the midlatitude ionospheric electron density over a large latitudinal range was related to a sudden drop in the solar wind pressure and a northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field, and the density decrease became larger at lower latitudes. In another event, periodic perturbations in the dayside equatorial ionospheric E × B drift and electrojet were closely associated with variations in the interplanetary electric field. Since the solar wind is always changing with time, it can be a very important and common source of ionospheric perturbations at middle- and low-latitudes. The relationship between solar wind variations and significant ionospheric perturbations has important applications in space weather.     

关于天地往返运输系统动力装置

本文对未来天地往返运输系统宜采用的动力装置方案提出一些看法,着重阐明液氧/烃类/液氢三组元推进剂发动机的优点。     

天地往返运输系统空气喷气组合式发动机方案探讨

本文初步探讨了用作天地往返运输系统推进装置的组合发动机,估算了其性能、尺寸、重量以及使用这些发动机时的运载能力。