Assessment of the close approach frequency and collision probability for satellites in different configurations of large constellations

The Earth orbital environment is drastically changing due to an intensification of the space activities. In particular, several projects of large constellations, proposed for the next years for communications purpose like global internet access, Internet of Things, or for Earth observations, will lead to the deployment of several thousands of new satellites at an unprecedented rate. It is a crucial challenge for space traffic management, which will deal with a great number of satellite conjunctions, potentially causing a collision with damaging consequences for the constellation itself and the space environment sustainability.In this paper, we investigate the close approach frequency and the cumulative collision probability for each referenced constellation. For this purpose, we compute the orbital evolution of satellites in different constellations during the lifecycle, from the deployment to the decommissioning, and we apply the CUBE algorithm and the Foster method to assess the collision probability with the background space debris population assuming a constant uncertainty in position. We show the variation of risk defined by the close approach frequency and the cumulative collision probability as a function of the proposed configuration. In particular, satellites of the Iridium and Kuiper constellation, but also satellite of the Telesat constellation on polar orbits are the most exposed at a collision. Moreover, the decommissioning phase contribute for a major part to the final cumulative collision probability.     

Deorbiter CubeSat mission design

This paper presents the mission design for a CubeSat-based active debris removal approach intended for transferring sizable debris objects from low-Earth orbit to a deorbit altitude of 100 km. The mission consists of a mothership spacecraft that carries and deploys several debris-removing nanosatellites, called Deorbiter CubeSats. Each Deorbiter is designed based on the utilization of an eight-unit CubeSat form factor and commercially-available components with significant flight heritage. The mothership spacecraft delivers Deorbiter CubeSats to the vicinity of a predetermined target debris, through performing a long-range rendezvous maneuver. Through a formation flying maneuver, the mothership then performs in-situ measurements of debris shape and orbital state. Upon release from the mothership, each Deorbiter CubeSat proceeds to performing a rendezvous and attachment maneuver with a debris object. Once attached to the debris, the CubeSat performs a detumbling maneuver, by which the residual angular momentum of the CubeSat-debris system is dumped using Deorbiter’s onboard reaction wheels. After stabilizing the attitude motion of the combined Deorbiter-debris system, the CubeSat proceeds to performing a deorbiting maneuver, i.e., reducing system’s altitude so much so that the bodies disintegrate and burn up due to atmospheric drag, typically at around 100 km above the Earth surface. The attitude and orbital maneuvers that are planned for the mission are described, both for the mothership and Deorbiter CubeSat. The performance of each spacecraft during their operations is investigated, using the actual performance specifications of the onboard components. The viability of the proposed debris removal approach is discussed in light of the results.     

一种基于虚拟页地址映射的NAND Flash管理算法

本文提出了一种基于虚拟页地址映射的NAND Flash管理算法.该算法通过定义坏块表、对应表等结构，以及设计的坏块替换策略和虚拟页地址到实际物理页地址的转换算法，实现上层软件采用虚拟地址对NAND Flash的无坏块连续页地址访问.该算法是一种高效的地址映射算法，能高效地对数据进行索引，占用SRAM空间较少，使系统达到高性能，并使得闪存使用的更加稳定持久.     

一类拟线性椭圆型方程分歧点的存在性

本文讨论了下面问题的分歧点的存在性：－ｐｘｉ〔（１＋｜ｕ｜２）ｐ２－１ｕｘｉ〕＝μｕ＋ｆ（ｘ，ｕ），ｘ∈ＲＮｕ（ｘ）→０，当｜ｘ｜→＋∞时，ｕ０，μ∈Ｒ１，Ｎ＞ｐ≥２｛证明了μ＝０是上述问题的分歧点。     

一种可伸缩空间机械臂及其应用分析

介绍一种能够完成多关节型空间机械臂所能承担的大部分空间任务 ,而且应用更简便的可伸缩空间机械臂 ,对其空间应用做出了一些设想 ,简单讨论了其应用的一些相关问题 ,肯定了其可行性和实用性。     

Public Attitudes Towards Space Science

Astronomy and space science, including their associated basic research activities, enjoy broad popular backing. People generally support them, and say that they follow their results with interest. This article summarizes some of the detailed results of public surveys in the United States, focusing on popular opinions and attitudes, and the somewhat paradoxical finding that despite being interested and supportive, people are often ignorant about the basic facts. I explore some of the reasons for the popularity of space science, and suggest ways of justifying space science research in the broader context of science research. I argue that vigorous and innovative education and outreach programs are important, and can be made even more effective. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Calculation of the transonic dip of airfoils using viscous-inviscid aerodynamic interaction method

A numerical procedure for the calculation of the transonic dip of airfoils in the time domain is presented. A viscous-inviscid aerodynamic interaction method is taken to calculate the unsteady aerodynamic loads. In the present case the integral boundary layer equations are coupled with the Transonic Small Disturbance (TSD) Potential Equation. The coupling between structural motion and aerodynamic loads is carried out using State Space equation. It is solved by State Transition Matrix technique. Results are presented for NACA 64A010 and NLR 7301 airfoils with structural data from Isogai and DLR, respectively. Comparisons show good agreement with other numerical results. Certain deviations of experimental data taken from literature need more insight in the detailed test conditions.     

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.     

关于Nielsen数的注记

通过构造基本群的正规子群，得到有限复迭空间和自映射的提升。并定义了NL数，指出用NL数可以估算自映射的Nielsen数。     

Modelling of Ejecta as a Space Debris Source

When a micro-debris or a micrometeoroid impacts a spacecraft surface, a large number of secondary particles, called ejecta, are produced. These particles can contribute to a modification of the debris environment: either locally by the occurrence of secondary impacts on the components of complex and large space structures, or at great distance by the formation of a population of small orbital debris. This paper describes firstly, the ejecta overall production, and secondly, the lifetime and the orbital evolution of the particles. Finally the repartition of ejecta in LEO is computed. Some results describing the population as a function of size and altitude are presented.