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Developing algorithms to determine an Asteroid’s physical properties and the success of deflection missions Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-15 Arushi Nath
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Architectural approach for evaluation of radiation shielding integration in space habitats Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-15 Olga Bannova, Eszter Gulacsi
NASA HRP considers developing radiation protection for human space flight and surface habitation as one of the critical technologies for successful deep space exploration. Although the danger of radiation exposure is recognized as a potential show-stopper for deep space exploration, and radiation effects on humans are now understood better than before, shielding strategies for different stages of space
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Review of machine learning in robotic grasping control in space application Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-15 Hadi Jahanshahi, Zheng H. Zhu
This article presents a comprehensive survey of the integration of machine learning techniques into robotic grasping, with a special emphasis on the challenges and advancements for space applications. The incorporation of artificial intelligence, particularly through deep learning, reinforcement learning, transfer learning, convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, has significantly
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Sequence planning for on-orbit robotic assembly based on symbiotic organisms search with diversification strategy Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-13 Zeyu Sheng, Weidong Chen, Zishuo Chen, Hao Wen
The demands for efficiency and stability in space missions have necessitated the development of sequence planning schemes for on-orbit robotic assembly of space structures. A sequence planning method is proposed in this work based on robotic kinematic analysis and Symbiotic Organisms Search (SOS) algorithm with a diversification strategy. With feasibility as the constraint and assembly cost as the
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Convolutional neural networks for image analysis of high-speed videos from two slab burners Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-13 Oliver Assenmacher, Riccardo Gelain, Alexander Rüttgers, Anna Petrarolo, Patrick Hendrick
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Rectangular-to-elliptical shape transition intakes with various leading-edge for performance enhancement Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-09 Daegi Yeom, Seong-kyun Im
This study explores the efficiency of streamline-tracing intake in scramjets within the hypersonic domain, where the Mach number () exceeds five. Focusing on a rectangular-to-elliptical shape transition intake following Busemann streamlines with a contraction ratio of 4.67, tailored for 7.1, this study innovates beyond traditional design method, employing numerical simulations to interpolate iso- points
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A powered descent trajectory planning method with quantitative consideration of safe distance to obstacle Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-09 Yunzhao Liu, Miao Dong, Mingming Wang, Jianjun Luo
High scientific value areas on celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars are often located in hazardous terrains. To achieve safe landing exploration, a novel planning method is proposed, which can ensure that the planned trajectory maintains a user-specified distance from obstacles, thus reducing potential collision risk induced by factors such as the body size and model uncertainties. Firstly, the
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Response characteristics and impact resistance of composite laminates with shear stiffening gel under hypervelocity impact Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-08 Zishang Liu, Quanyu Jiang, Yizhe Liu, Kun Zhang, Yanpeng Wei, Tianyu Chen, Yacong Guo, Lingling Lu, Bingchen Wei
To investigate the damage characteristics of spacecraft structures caused by external impacts and propose protective measures, this study utilizes two-stage light gas gun launcher with detonation capability. Hypervelocity impact experiments are conducted on composite laminates that incorporate varying proportions of shear stiffening gel (SSG). Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensors are employed to
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Earth-Mars halo to halo low thrust manifold transfers using variable specific impulse engine Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-06 Satyendra Kumar Singh, Kuldeep Negi
The low-thrust fuel-optimal transfer problem between periodic orbits of two circular restricted three-body systems has been considered. The focus is on utilizing invariant manifolds of the respective systems. A power-limited, variable-specific impulse engine model has been employed. The system-to-system transfer problem is modeled within the framework of optimal control theory through the application
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Radiation heating tests to evaluate low-emissivity porous ceramics coatings for stand-off thermal protection systems Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-06 Shuko Akamine, Yasuko Sudo, Chiharu Ogawa, Takuya Aoki, Toshio Ogasawara
Diffuse reflection of thermal radiation transfer by Mie scattering can provide a thermal barrier without conversion leading to conduction heat transfer. Applying such a system to internal thermal insulating materials of a stand-off thermal protection systems (TPS) provides an efficient means of preventing thermal radiation transfer. Porous MgAlO ceramics have high thermal resistance because of their
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Density-based in-orbit collision risk model valid for any impact geometry Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-06 Lorenzo Giudici, Juan Luis Gonzalo, Camilla Colombo
Neglecting small fragments in space debris evolutionary models can lead to a significant underestimation of the collision risk for operational satellites. However, when scaling down to the millimetre range, the debris population grows to over a hundred million objects, making deterministic approaches too computationally expensive. On the contrary, probabilistic models provide a more efficient alternative
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A mission planning approach for crosslink-enabled earth sensing satellite constellations Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-05 Skylar A. Cox, John H. Humble, Greg N. Droge
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Design of a satellite constellation for monitoring inland water quality Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-05 Ben Gorr, Daniel Selva, Huilin Gao, Emily Ellis, John Morgan, Molly Stroud, George Allen, Yao Li
Current monitoring strategies for inland water quality are valuable but lack the spatiotemporal resolution to conduct detailed scientific investigations of inland water dynamics. This work examines the design of a satellite constellation that offers spatiotemporal resolution exceeding current capabilities, while maintaining sufficient spectral and radiometric resolution to provide useful scientific
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Fundamental problems of safety in space flights Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 N.N. Smirnov
The tenth Space Flights Safety Symposium discussed the problems of Space flight safety, protective measures for space structures and the future strategies aimed at conducting safe and peaceful Space missions. The following topics were under discussion: protection of Space structures from space debris collisions and micrometeoroids; fire safety of Space vehicles; propulsion systems modeling and simulations;
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Direct optimization of low-thrust orbit-raising maneuvers using adjoint sensitivities Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 Adrian Arustei, Atri Dutta
This paper considers the problem of optimizing minimum-time and minimum-propellant many-revolution low-thrust geocentric orbit-raising maneuvers to an arbitrary target. The proposed direct single-shooting technique utilizes the regularized element set as well as analytical models for ephemeris, shadow geometry, and thrust magnitude for ease of the optimization procedure. Third body and effects are
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Synchronous planning of initial and target positions of redundant space manipulator based on deterministic configuration tree Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 Zhenyong Zhou, Jing Zhao, Ziqiang Zhang
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Applications of satellite technologies within China's legal system – A review Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 Max Zhang, Xingguo Cao, Aidi Sun
In contrast to the rising technological applications of China's satellite systems, their applications and impacts in modern Chinese Society, particularly in the legal and administrative forums, have largely escaped under the radar. Specifically, the use of satellite outputs can now be found within a number of administrative and legal activities within China - including policy and rule-making, administrative
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Geometrical design method of Walker constellation in non-terrestrial network Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-03 Yupeng Gong, Anshou Li, Xuan Peng
To meet the requirement of mega low earth orbit (LEO) constellation design in non-terrestrial network (NTN), a geometric configuration design method of Walker constellation applicable to arbitrary latitude range coverage multiple and satellite quantity scale is proposed. First, a Walker configuration representation based on the streets of coverage (SoC) characteristic parameters is proposed. Then,
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Is artificial intelligence the great filter that makes advanced technical civilisations rare in the universe? Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-03 Michael A. Garrett
This study examines the hypothesis that the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), culminating in the emergence of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), could act as a "Great Filter" that is responsible for the scarcity of advanced technological civilisations in the universe. It is proposed that such a filter emerges before these civilisations can develop a stable, multiplanetary existence
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Mission operations management of a regional coverage highly agile SAR satellite: Few key aspects Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-03 Nandini Harinath, Radhika Kandepi, Subbarao Konduri, Naresh Kumar, Robert P
The regional coverage satellite constellations are in demand for fulfilling earth observation needs of specific user regions of interest as opposed to global coverage thus enhancing the revisit period for the area. In this paper, we present a few key mission aspects of the regional coverage constellation designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in low earth orbit. ISRO
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Endurance testing and characterization of a novel candidate for CubeSat propulsion: The Advanced Cusp Field Thruster (ACFT) Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Hans Blättermann, Nils Gerrit Kottke, Max Vaupel, Martin Tajmar, Franz Georg Hey
In recent years, there has been a notable push for cost reduction in space applications, aligning with the growing interest in CubeSats. To unlock their full capabilities, propulsion is essential for executing complex missions. However, many propulsion technologies struggle to combine a low power-to-thrust ratio (PTTR), delivering sufficient total impulse, and providing high thrust, all within the
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GRACE-FO attitude determination: Star camera installation matrix calibration and incremental quaternion integrator Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Aoming Wang, Defeng Gu, Zhiyong Huang, Chaoqun Liu, Kai Shao, Lisheng Tong
The satellite attitude error is transmitted to the gravity field through KBR antenna phase center correction and non-conservative force conversion, which affects the accuracy of gravity field inversion. Therefore, obtaining high-precision satellite attitude is one of the important research contents of gravity field inversion. Each satellite of GRACE-FO is equipped with three SCs and an IMU for satellite
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Efficient and accurate flexible multibody dynamics modeling for complex spacecraft with integrated control applications Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Feng Gao, Jiayang Li, Guanghui Sun
This study presents a novel flexible multibody dynamics modeling method tailored to spacecraft with intricate motion features such as multi-axis antenna actuation, robotic manipulations, and space station module rotation. Using a floating base and a tree-topology structure, the model effectively simulates the kinematics and dynamics of large-angle joint rotations and elastic deformations, leveraging
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Transcriptome sequencing reveals the promotion of apoptosis and M1 polarization of microglia under simulated microgravity Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Hui Yu, Xu-Yi Jia, Li-Na Gao, Ting Huyan, Jian-Jun Gou, Chun-Lin Gong, Liang-Xian Gu
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Generation of initial debris cloud distributions for breakup events based on CARDC-SBM Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Tianzi Yao, Zhen Yang, Yazhong Luo, Shengwei Lan, Leisheng Ren
With the dramatic increase in the number of resident space objects, the risk of collision between space objects and debris is growing. To protect spacecraft from such collisions, it is crucial to determine the generation patterns of space debris and analyze the evolution of debris clouds. In this paper, a continuous distribution formula is derived for each parameter of the breakup debris based on the
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Bounded impulse-control hovering formation in elliptical orbits Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 Huan Chen, Huiya Zhao, Chao Han, Yanqin Ma, Shengzhou Bai
Satellite formation plays an important role in space missions such as on-orbit services and distributed space facilities. In these missions, hovering in a bounded range is one of the core tasks, but hovering technologies for the chief satellite in an elliptical orbit have been rarely investigated. Given the boundary constraints of relative motion between the chief and deputy satellites, this paper
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The eccentricity growth phenomenon for MEO navigation satellites Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 Edoardo Legnaro
Lunisolar resonances shape the dynamics in the MEO region and have the effect of increasing an object’s eccentricity possibly up to a value so high that the orbit’s perigee reaches the atmosphere and friction determines the re-entry. The focus of this paper is the eccentricity growth phenomenon observed for navigation satellites. In particular, starting from a secular Hamiltonian model, analytical
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Space taxonomy: Need for a progressive tax regime Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 Kajori Bhatnagar, Anish Dey
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky famously stated that while the Earth serves as the birthplace of humanity, it is not a place where mankind can indefinitely remain. Perhaps during that period, the prospect of exploring the mysteries of outer space appeared to be an unattainable aspiration. However, in the present day, there are no longer any limitations, not even the sky, since human ingenuity has facilitated
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Challenges and progress in applying space technology in support of the sustainable development goals Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 Danielle Wood, Minoo Rathnasabapathy, Keith Javier Stober, Pranav Menon
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Control system of the radio-reflective surface shape of a large-size space reflector using its current-conducting structural parts Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 F.V. Mitin, A.D. Shirshov, Y.V. Konoplev, A.A. Yuev, A.I. Krivushov
A comprehensive approach to creating a control system for the shape of the radio-reflecting surface of a large-size space reflector is considered. Large-aperture space antennas are used for satellite communications and space exploration. The design of these structures is one of the most promising areas. Ensuring the specified characteristics of the reflector is directly related to maintaining the specified
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Simultaneous orbit and attitude optimization of planar arrays for space-based solar power beaming Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-30 Basel A.M. Omran, Michael C.F. Bazzocchi
The recent emergence of modular space-based solar power concepts has brought the topic to the forefront of alternatives for power generation. Additionally, advancements in wireless power transmission, space robotics, and reusable launch vehicles have improved the viability of space-based solar power concepts. Modular concepts have led to several benefits compared to classical space-based solar power
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State space modeling and estimation of flexible structure using the theory of functional connections Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-30 Carlo Lombardi, Riccardo Bevilacqua
In this work, we present a novel method to model the attitude dynamics of a flexible spacecraft consisting of a rigid central body and a deformable appendage attached to it. The method is conceived to provide new instruments to address the problem of flexible dynamics modeling in a spacecraft, where an effective mathematical representation of the non-rigid behavior of the vehicle is of critical importance
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Can humanity survive to a giant comet impact? Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-30 Jean-Marc Salotti
It is well known that giant long period comets originating from the Oort's cloud could be the most threatening celestial bodies. The warning time could indeed be very short, five years, and the kinetic energy could be sufficient for global and durable effects on Earth, killing all life forms on the surface. Humans might nevertheless be able to survive decades in underground shelters. Based on a model
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On the need to assess and mitigate the risk from uncontrolled re-entries of artificial space objects in view of the current and future developments in space activities Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-29 Carmen Pardini, Luciano Anselmo
From 1 January 2010 to 24 August 2023, 566 orbital stages and 511 spacecraft with a radar cross section >1 m have re-entered without control the Earth's atmosphere. The total returned mass was 1650 metric tons, corresponding to a mean of 115 metric tons per year. 77% of the mass belonged to orbital stages, 23% to spacecraft. The uncontrolled re-entries of orbital stages are currently dominated by China
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Evaluation of combustion stability of single and multi-protrusion inserted hybrid rocket motor Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Dinesh Mengu, Rajiv Kumar
The present study explores the influence of protrusions on the combustion stability of a hybrid rocket motor. The primary aim is to analyze single, double, and triple-protrusion configurations taking into account variables such as their location, material, and spacing between them. Protrusions used were made of Nylon (regress during combustion) and graphite (non-regress during combustion). For the
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Adjusting the catastrophic collision model using outer probability measure theory Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Kaiqi Cui, Houyuan Lin, Changyin Zhao
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Sloshing mitigation in microgravity with moving baffles Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 D. Gligor, C. Peromingo, P. Salgado Sánchez, J. Porter, J. Fernández, M.A. Méndez
We numerically investigate the effect on sloshing in microgravity of systems with passive, moving baffles whose motion is restricted by linear springs. The liquid is assumed to have physical properties similar to those of 5cSt silicone oil while the baffle is made of aluminium. Two kinds of numerical models are developed depending on whether the allowed baffle motion is translational or rotational
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Effect of amine-based burning rate suppressants on the HTPB propellants: Thermal decomposition and combustion characteristics Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 Yi-min Luo, Teng Ma, Hong-wei Zhao, Nian Yang, Sen Xu, Wen-fang Zheng
Slow-burn propellants are crucial for aerospace advancement. This study focuses on the development of slow-burn propellants by replacing a small amount of AP (3–9 %) with various amine-based burning rate suppressants (BRSs). The consistency between thermal analysis and combustion test results indicates a direct link between the main exothermic decomposition process and combustion performance, with
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Experimental demonstration of a water electrolysis Hall Effect Thruster (WET-HET) operating with a hydrogen cathode Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 J.M. Tejeda, G.-C. Potrivitu, E. Rosati Azevedo, R. Moloney, A. Knoll
This study presents the first experimental demonstration of a Hall Effect Thruster operating with water electrolysis-derived constituents: oxygen for the anode (thruster) and hydrogen for the cathode, both from pressurised bottles. In contrast to prior research where the thruster was operated with oxygen to the anode and xenon/krypton to the cathode, this investigation uses an advanced set-up that
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Surface engineering and selection of materials for lunar regolith adherence characterization Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 Lopamudra Das, Keith L. Gordon, Jin Ho Kang, Valerie L. Wiesner, Glen C. King, Samuel J.A. Hocker, Christopher J. Wohl
As the quest for long-term lunar exploration and habitation comes closer to reality, widespread efforts are ongoing to effectively mitigate lunar dust surface contamination and infiltration. This dust is hazardous to humans and tends to adhere tenaciously to all exposed surfaces, causing performance issues and ultimately failure. While several active and passive technologies have been developed to
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Attachment performance analysis and experimental study of lunar rock bionic attachment device based on DEM-MBD Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 Haitao Luo, Yuxin Li, Miao Yu, Junlin Li, Wei Zhang, Weijia Zhou
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Sequential track fusion in multi-sensor networks of unscented Kalman filters: A case of slip estimation in planetary mobile robots Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-25 Mahboubeh Zarei, Robin Chhabra, Mohammadreza Mottaghi
Accurate wheel slip estimation facilitates Wheeled Mobile Robots (WMRs) with improved localization and traversability monitoring which are crucial to their autonomy in challenging planetary environments. Although distributed track-level fusion offers better computational efficiency, often sensor-level fusion is adopted in slip estimators of planetary rovers. Extending upon our earlier work, we develop
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The influence of heterogeneous catalytic processes on the heat flux to the surface and the chemical composition of the shock layer at high-speed flow around blunt bodies Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-25 A.A. Kroupnov, M. Ju Pogosbekian
Numerical modeling of the high-speed flow of a multicomponent dissociated gas around a blunt body was carried out for the flow regime corresponding to the thermally stressed point of the gliding trajectory of entry into the Earth's atmosphere in the surface temperature range of 800–2000 K. As boundary conditions, a stage-by-stage model of heterogeneous catalysis of the interaction of dissociated air
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Mathematical modeling of droplet collisions in sprays under microgravity conditions Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-23 V.V. Tyurenkova, M.N. Smirnova, L.I. Stamov, N.N. Smirnov
Two-phase flows under microgravity conditions play a crucial role in Space technology and science. Studying the behavior of dispersed droplets suspended in a gas flow and their influence on the characteristics of the carrier flow is the main task of computational modeling of turbulent two-phase flows. To understand the features and predict the behavior of such flows, along with experimental studies
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Agile earth observation satellite constellations scheduling for large area target imaging using heuristic search Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-22 Radhika Kandepi, Himani Saini, Raju K. George, Subbarao Konduri, Ritu Karidhal
Demand for imaging of large area targets by space-based assets such as constellations of Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) is on the rise for different applications. The area targets coverage cannot be achieved by a single satellite in a single observation opportunity, as the region for imaging spreads wider than the coverage swaths of imaging sensors. Hence, the imaging satellites are scheduled in
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Conceptual demonstration of a Lego-like modular fabrication method for an engineering model of a small monopropellant PCB thrusters Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 Jeongrak Lee, Seonghyeon Kim, Jiho Ryoo, Hongjae Kang, Anna Lee
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Additive manufacturing of ceramic multi-material heating and ignition elements for a sustainable space access Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 Justin Ziener, Uwe Scheithauer, Lisa Gottlieb, Steven Weingarten, Adheena Gana Joseph, Christian Bach
The continuous advancement in the space industry and in space access has opened the doors to greater global participation and exploration, with numerous nations, institutes and companies now actively engaged in space exploration. This expansion owes much to the progress in commercial space technologies, such as reusable launch vehicles and micro satellites, which have significantly reduced the overall
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Direct ink writing of viscous inks in variable gravity regimes using parabolic flights Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 John-Baptist Kauzya, Brandon Hayes, Austin C. Hayes, Jamie F. Thompson, Charlotte Bellerjeau, Kent Evans, Jorge Osio-Norgaard, Gaurang Gavai, Karan Dikshit, Carson Bruns, Robert MacCurdy, Robert A. Street, Gregory L. Whiting
Additive manufacturing (AM) has significant utility for off-planet fabrication where dedicated infrastructure is severely limited, weight reduction and resource utilization is desirable, and demands for complex systems are high. Direct ink writing (DIW) is a useful AM technique since it enables the deposition of a broad set of materials and the co-printing of multiple materials simultaneously. This
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Simulating impact-induced satellite breakups with a discrete element method Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 Erkai Watson, José Luis Sandoval Murillo, Nathanaël Durr, Noah Ledford
The Discrete Element Method is uniquely suited to modeling the extreme fragmentation typical of impact-induced satellite breakups. In this paper, we introduce a discrete orthotropic material model for simulating carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP). We calibrate and validate the CFRP model with hypervelocity impact experiments performed at Fraunhofer EMI on thin CFRP face sheets. We demonstrate
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Miniaturized bulk metallic glass gripping structures for robotic mobility platforms Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-20 Punnathat Bordeenithikasem, Kalind C. Carpenter, Douglas C. Hofmann, Victor E. White, Karl Y. Yee, Quentin Rizzardi, Jacob Maher, Robert Maaß
Advancements in bulk metallic glass thermoplastic forming unleash the potential to fabricate microscale metallic features with unparalleled precision and durability, i.e. microspine gripping structures for mobility platforms on planetary or in-space robots. Four designs of grippers were fabricated and rigorously tested. Coefficient of friction on four test surfaces were measured and compared to SiC
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DEM analysis of the dynamic characteristics of QH-E lunar soil simulant under cyclic triaxial tests Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-20 Yun-Li Li, Zhen-Rui Yang, Wen-Ping Wu
In this paper, cyclic triaxial tests are performed by using discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the dynamic behaviors of QH-E lunar soil simulant. The influences of number of cycles, loading frequency, waveform, cyclic stress ratio (CSR) and confining pressure on the dynamic behaviors of lunar soil simulant are discussed. The results indicate that the axial strain and dynamic modulus first
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Experimental study on the heat flux of transitional shock wave–boundary layer interaction at Mach 6 Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Yun Jiao, Zhangyu Ma, Longsheng Xue, Chengpeng Wang, Jianqiang Chen, Keming Cheng
The shock wave–boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) phenomenon was investigated experimentally to explore the heat flux distribution characteristics of SWBLIs under different boundary layer flow regimes and the influence/mechanism of different transition positions on peak heat flux of SWBLI. Experiments were conducted in a flow of Mach number 6. The shock generator deflected the flow by 20 , 22 , 25
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Direct fusion drive based on centrifugal mirror confinement Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Jerry Carson, Raymond Sedwick
A concept for direct fusion drive based on centrifugal mirror (CM) confinement of thermonuclear plasmas (DFD-CM) is described. In centrifugal mirrors, electric and magnetic fields are combined to confine the plasma within a rapidly rotating annulus of burning plasma fixed between two mirror magnets. High energy fusion products leave the reactor core at a rate determined by the velocity of plasma rotation
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Ultrafast transfer of low-mass payloads to Mars and beyond using aerographite solar sails Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Julius Karlapp, René Heller, Martin Tajmar
With interstellar mission concepts now being under study by various space agencies and institutions, a feasible and worthy interstellar precursor mission concept will be key to the success of the long shot. Here we investigate interstellar-bound trajectories of solar sails made of the ultra lightweight material aerographite. Due to its extremely low density () and high absorptivity (), a thin shell
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‘Microgravity's dental dilemma: Navigating oral health challenges in space, from effect on bone to therapeutic frontiers – A review’ Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Ankita Chhabrani, Avinash BS, R.Sumukh Bharadwaj, Revati Kale, Abhinav Kathuria
For many years, space human factors research has focused on the impact of microgravity on human physiology and the health risks astronauts face during space flights of various durations. Our review paper reveals that microgravity leads to both reversible and non-reversible effects on astronauts' oral health.
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Evaluation of the effectiveness of the 5-year rule — impact on the orbital environment at each altitude by reducing the post-mission disposal lifetime Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Satomi Kawamoto, Ryusuke Harada, Yasuhiro Kitagawa, Toshiya Hanada
This paper examines the effect of shortening the post-mission disposal (PMD) orbit lifetime (remaining orbit lifetime after PMD) from 25 years to 5 or 1 year. Using NEODEEM, the debris evolutionary model developed by Kyushu University and JAXA, the change in the orbital environment at various altitude bands for long-term stability and short-term safety are discussed. It was confirmed that the PMD compliance
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Two-stage estimator for the complete inertia tensor of uncooperative debris on CubeSat based Active Debris Removal missions Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Cameron Creaser, Robert Bauer
The threat of debris collisions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has driven many researchers to develop Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions to manage large debris in LEO. A modern method of capturing debris with a non-rigid tether has been a recent research focus because of difficult post capture dynamics associated with controlling an uncooperative debris through a tether. To facilitate these control schemes
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Uncertainty-resilient constrained rendezvous trajectory optimization via stochastic feedback control and unscented transformation Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Hao Yuan, Dongxu Li, Guanwei He, Jie Wang
This paper proposes an innovative approach for constrained rendezvous trajectory optimization (CRTO) using stochastic optimal feedback control and unscented transform (UT) uncertainty quantification. The method overcomes limitations of traditional deterministic CRTO solutions that suffer from uncontrolled terminal state error growth and severely deteriorated path constraint satisfaction when initial
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Spray-deposition of graphene/polymer thin coatings on polyimide sheets for lunar dust adhesion mitigation Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-17 Keith L. Gordon, Lopamudra Das, Thanuja L. Galhena, Mayank Gautam, Glen C. King, Valerie L. Wiesner, Jonathan J. Hernandez, Stephen A. Hodge, Christopher J. Wohl
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Shape-based method for low-thrust transfers between periodic orbits in cislunar space Acta Astronaut. (IF 3.5) Pub Date : 2024-03-16 Dawei Wang, Zhaowei Sun
Low-thrust trajectory design in the context of the three-body problem, particularly in the vicinity of liberation points, is addressed in this paper with a focus on efficiency and accuracy. The Finite Fourier series, previously successful in approximating near-coplanar low-thrust trajectories within two-body dynamics, is applied to the challenging landscape of the three-body problem, marked by instability