Journal of Space Safety Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Same orbits, different rocket dreams? China, India, and the case for global space security studies","authors":"Dimitrios Stroikos","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article puts forward the case for a global space security studies using China and India as an entry point. Recent trends, including the militarization and commercialization of outer space, growing concerns over orbital debris, and the expanding number of state and non-state actors engaged in space activities, have renewed scholarly and policy debates over the nature and scope of contemporary space security. However, although the participation of new actors, particularly from the Global South, has introduced greater diversity and plurality in understandings of what constitutes space security, prevailing analyses remain largely couched in Eurocentrism. This results in reifying a universal understanding of space security rooted in Western strategic cultures, experience, and production of knowledge, which often distorts or obscures the different meanings, referent objects, and drivers of security policy in non-Western contexts. Using the cases of China and India, this article shows the ways in which their understandings and practices of space security are hybrid, influenced by an amalgam of domestic and international factors. This requires going beyond looking at how China and India’s approaches to space security resemble the Eurocentric concept of space security, which offers an incomplete and distorting view. It also entails considering how their concept of space security is defined by differences that are glossed over by Eurocentric assumptions. In so doing, this article illustrates the need for a global space security studies: a potential research agenda that takes seriously the limitations of universal conceptions of space security, while recognizing the distinct logics through which space security is constructed and practiced in different parts of the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 222-233"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An MBSE approach for early validation of safety‐critical software: Lessons learned from the cross-organizational development of the HTV‐X automated docking system","authors":"Yuki Tomita ,&nbsp;Hiroki Umeda ,&nbsp;Ryo Mikoshiba ,&nbsp;Hiroshi Kozawa ,&nbsp;Ryosuke Fujimura ,&nbsp;Yuri Hachiya ,&nbsp;Tsutomu Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Takashi Uchiyama","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach for the early validation of safety-critical software in cross-organizational development, with lessons learned from its application to Japan’s HTV-X automated docking system. The HTV-X, developed by JAXA as an uncrewed cargo spacecraft for ISS (International Space Station) resupply, will conduct a technology demonstration of automated docking compliant with the International Docking System Standard (IDSS). A central system-level challenge lies in coordinating interactions between the HTV-X host vehicle and the Japan Docking System (JDS), each equipped with independent computers and software developed by different organizations. To address this, we formulated a behavior-model-driven validation workflow for evaluating the interface software, utilizing SysML models—including state machines, transition trees, and activity diagrams—to analyze both nominal and off-nominal interactions, including two-fault tolerance scenarios required for ISS safety. This paper reports the application of the proposed SysML-based workflow during the engineering model (EM) development phase, where behavioral models representing interactions among software developed by different organizations were used in scenario-based software reviews to extract review comments. These comments, derived from discrepancies or ambiguities identified in interface logic, were analyzed to clarify potential software risks at an early development stage. From this application, lessons learned were derived on the practicality, strengths, and limitations of the proposed method in software evaluation. By integrating model-based analysis with verification and validation practices, the workflow helped reduce rework, improve interface clarity, and support efficient assurance across organizational boundaries in safety-critical missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Robotic arm with adaptive grasper for chaser satellites to remove space debris from lower earth orbit (LEO)","authors":"Nidhi Deepak Mandrekar","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The proliferation of anthropogenic space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has reached a critical threshold, with over 13,000 recorded debris objects larger than 10 cm posing significant threats to current and future space missions. The cascading collision risk, known as the Kessler Syndrome, underscores the urgency for active debris removal (ADR) systems that are both scalable and adaptable. This study presents the development and experimental evaluation of a novel Chaser Satellite Grasper (CSG) mechanism designed for robust debris capture using both Static Grasping Arms (SGA) and Adaptive Bearing Arms (ABA). The CSG was engineered with a modular architecture comprising servo-actuated joints, proprioceptive sensors, gecko-inspired adhesive interfaces, and omni-directional bearing plates embedded with polymeric strips. The mechanism was evaluated through 320 controlled trials across four configurations involving two target debris analogs i.e. one with uniform and the other with irregular surface topology.</div><div>Performance metrics focused on grasp reliability, contact stability, and adaptive surface conformity. The ABA system outperformed SGA by 64 % in successful grasping attempts for uniform targets, and demonstrated an 83 % increase in capture efficiency for irregular, rough-surfaced debris analogs. These results were attributed to the ABA’s ability to leverage Van der Waals forces via a gecko-inspired adhesive layer and to conform dynamically to non-planar surfaces via multi-axis bearing movement. The integration of sensor feedback enabled closed-loop control for fine-tuned grasping trajectories and surface interaction.</div><div>In conclusion, the ABA-based CSG architecture exhibits promising potential for next-generation on-orbit servicing and active debris removal missions. The demonstrated surface adaptability and grasping fidelity contribute critical advancements to autonomous ADR platforms, and the design is adaptable to further enhancements and integration into LEO chaser satellites under the RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations) framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 73-80"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental study of thermomechanical properties of PTFE-based nanocomposite for space application: Thermal expansion","authors":"Sayavur I. Bakhtiyarov ,&nbsp;Lia D. Gventsadze ,&nbsp;Elguja R. Kutelia ,&nbsp;David I. Gventsadze ,&nbsp;Ayten S. Bakhtiyarova ,&nbsp;Stephen M. White","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polymer based composites are of interest for use on spacecraft surfaces as dielectrics and electrical insulators, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a most promising polymer with thermophysical and thermomechanical advantages, but low conductivity. Fe-doped carbon nanotubes (CNT) can be added to the polymer matrix and may improve their electrical properties. A comparison of the simulation results with the experimental data obtained by different researchers showed a qualitative agreement between the simulations and the experimental data. The thermal expansion of PTFE + Fe doped CNTs composites are lower as compared to the pristine PTFE, which can be contributed to the Fe-doped CNTs. The thermal expansion of the PTFE + Fe doped CNTs composite material decreases with the concentration of the Fe-doped CNTs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 66-72"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the impact of atomic oxygen and vacuum from the space environment on composite material reliability","authors":"A. Anwar","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the degradation mechanisms of polymeric nano-composite materials exposed to simulated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environments, concentrating on atomic oxygen (AO) erosion and vacuum-induced outgassing effects. Composite samples, comprising a two-part epoxy matrix reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene-based additives, were subjected to controlled LEO conditions. Key performance metrics, including surface erosion rates, total mass loss (TML), and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM), were quantified using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results demonstrate that polymer matrices experience significant degradation under AO and vacuum conditions, demonstrating surface erosion, mechanical property reduction, and altered thermal behavior. The incorporation of nano-additives enhanced material elasticity, enabling composites to meet standard acceptance criteria for structural integrity and outgassing (TML/CVCM thresholds). Experimental data informed the development of a predictive MATLAB model integrating AO erosion kinetics, outgassing dynamics, and mechanical stress factors to forecast long-term material failure in space.</div><div>The research provides insights into how to improve the effectiveness of spacecraft in the low-Earth orbit environment by enhancing reliability, durability, and sustainability through improved material selection and design strategies. The study results enhance our understanding of the interactions between spacecraft materials and the harsh conditions of space, thus providing the basis for further improvements in low-Earth orbit spacecraft.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 59-65"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Asteroid and space debris detection collision prediction, and orbit visualization using deep learning and NASA APIs","authors":"Pradip Paithane","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the growing threat posed by asteroids and space debris has raised significant concerns about Earth’s safety and the future of space missions. Proposed method combines machine learning, deep learning, and real-time data from NASA’s API to detect, classify, and visualize hazardous space objects. It is designed to monitor asteroid data, predict possible collisions based on specific parameters like minimum approach length, and represent orbit paths visually around Earth for better analysis and awareness. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for classifying asteroids and space debris based on their features. The data is fetched directly from NASA’s Near-Earth Object Web Service (NeoWs) API, ensuring authenticity and live updates. A key highlight of work is the creation of an interactive web platform where users can monitor incoming objects in a tabular format, view collision predictions, explore orbit visualizations, and even get in touch with team through integrated contact and about sections. The orbit visualization is dynamically generated by mapping the Earth and plotting asteroid trajectories depending on their threat levels. Additionally, the system generates PDF reports summarizing each event for documentation or further analysis. All components - including frontend UI, backend processing, and ML model - were designed and implemented through proposed model, ensuring a fully functional and collaborative project. CNN model achieved a validation accuracy of 92.4%, and the collision prediction logic successfully identified real-time risky objects based on minimum approach thresholds. The orbit plots provided clear spatial understanding, while the web-based dashboard ensured transparency and real-time monitoring for all users. This aims to contribute to the global efforts in planetary defense by making space threat detection more transparent, accessible, and intelligent. Proposed Method is unique in its real-time integration, visual representation, and automated prediction system setting the foundation for future innovations in space monitoring and risk management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 212-221"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From legal uncertainties to regulatory clarity: The establishment of an effective international regime for active debris removal","authors":"Kuan Yang,&nbsp;Sabghat Ullah","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2026.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As space debris is increasing at an alarming rate, which poses a significant risk to future space missions, coping with this problem, international regulation for active debris removal is needed. The current laws are insufficient and ineffective in dealing with or addressing the complex issues of active debris removal from outer space. This paper examines the key legal issues associated with active debris removal (ADR) through doctrinal and policy analysis. From this paper, it is clear that current international regulations for ADR are not satisfactory and also not effective, whereas the majority of spacefaring nations lack national legislation regarding ADR. Most of the legal issues from ADR activities can arise because of the lack of a well-explained definition of space debris, as space debris is not defined in any of the five major space treaties. Any ADR mission mishap can create other legal issues that also need to be addressed by law, such as liability and responsibility. Unilateral debris removal operations without consensus may provoke international disputes. Therefore, the international community requires a comprehensive and updated legal framework to address the issues of growing debris in outer space.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 152-164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lack of Geomagnetic Influence on Human Cardiorespiratory Adaptation to Chronic Environmental Stress During Antarctic Overwintering","authors":"Nikolay Osetskiy,&nbsp;Olga Manko,&nbsp;Natalia Konstantinova,&nbsp;Husein Kurdanov,&nbsp;Anton Artamonov","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Vostok Station, Antarctica (3488 m a.s.l., 624 hPa), is one of Earth's most extreme environments, characterised by chronic hypobaric hypoxia, extreme thermal stress, prolonged isolation, and unique geomagnetic conditions. This environment presents a unique terrestrial analogue for studying human adaptation challenges to long-duration spaceflight. While geomagnetic disturbances are theorised to modulate human physiology, evidence from chronically stressed cohorts under authentic isolation remains scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To conduct a definitive correlation analysis evaluating geomagnetic disturbances' impacts (quantified via K-index) on core cardiorespiratory parameters: blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure, during wintering in Central Antarctica.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Longitudinal physiological monitoring was performed throughout 2019 (64th Russian Antarctic Expedition; n=11 males). Blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure were systematically assessed. Geomagnetic activity was monitored continuously. Non-parametric statistics (Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman, multiple regression) addressed non-normal distributions (α=0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SpO₂ demonstrated a significant decline after arriving at Vostok Station (p&lt;0.001), with later significant positive changes in its level confirming hypoxic adaptation. Critically, robust statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between geomagnetic disturbance intensity (K-index) and any cardiorespiratory metric: blood oxygen saturation (p&gt;0.05), heart rate (p&gt;0.05), systolic blood pressure (p&gt;0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (p&gt;0.05). Regression modelling attributed blood oxygen saturation variance solely to wintering duration and heart rate (R=0.910, p&lt;0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides strong evidence that moderate geomagnetic disturbances have no detectable immediate effects on cardiorespiratory function during chronic Antarctic overwintering. This strong negative finding contradicts existing biophysical models and supports the resilience of human physiology during prolonged periods of extreme isolation. The Vostok dataset establishes a critical benchmark for space medicine, highlighting the imperative to investigate higher-intensity geomagnetic disturbances, novel sensory mechanisms, and individual susceptibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 165-174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Space debris detection from orbit: a prototype detector study","authors":"Federico Reynaud ,&nbsp;Matteo Abrate ,&nbsp;Antonio Giulio Coretti ,&nbsp;Mario Edoardo Bertaina ,&nbsp;Andrea Frasson ,&nbsp;Antonio Montanaro ,&nbsp;Raffaella Bonino ,&nbsp;Roberta Sirovich","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Space debris represents a serious threat for all space activities. Several studies have been carried out to tackle the problem. Some of these involve an active management of decommissioned satellites, parking them in graveyard orbits or deorbiting them until complete disintegration, while others suggest the removal of resident debris using capture mechanisms. By contrast, another line of research accepts space junk and aims at a better understanding of them, developing detection systems useful for collision avoidance purposes. Consistently with the latter approach, this work presents a novel detector prototype for the detection of space debris on orbit. Developed within the DISCARD Project, the detector is based on technology from the Mini-EUSO telescope, which is currently operating onboard the International Space Station. The objective of the project was to validate and optimize this technology for detecting small-dimension space debris, with diameter ranging from 1 to <span><math><mrow><mn>20</mn><mspace></mspace><mtext>cm</mtext></mrow></math></span>. These small fragments pose a significant threat to operational spacecraft, but remain largely undetectable by current surveillance systems. The proposed detector uses a real-time event recognition algorithm, the Stack-CNN method. Implemented on FPGA hardware, this online trigger system is developed and patented by the University of Turin (patent number: 102021000009845), allowing for fast and efficient optical signal processing. The assembly and integration of the prototype took place at the INFN laboratories in Turin, utilizing the instrumentation and expertise of the JEM-EUSO collaboration. Focusing on validating the detector prototype and its data acquisition processes, this work demonstrated the possibility to use this novel type of detector for in-orbit space debris detection, ensuring the proper system functionality and envisaging its use onboard a CubeSat spacecraft in low Earth orbit.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 191-201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reliability assessment and failure prediction in space operations procedure using discrete event and human cognitive modeling","authors":"Sanjal Gavande,&nbsp;Thomas Mazzuchi,&nbsp;Shahram Sarkani","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In a complex space operational environment, identifying failures in a procedure involving multiple human-machine interactions is difficult. These failures could lead to accidents, resulting in the loss of hardware or human life. The likelihood of failure escalates further when evaluating operational tasks for a novel system without prior performance data and multiple human-machine interfaces. The methods used in the existing literature to evaluate complex operational tasks via passive flowchart or tabular analysis fail to disclose latent system errors arising from human cognitive limitations. To address these challenges, this research proposes a discrete-event simulation featuring a versatile flowchart architecture that incorporates a human-cognitive model for space operations procedures involving human–machine interdependencies. The simulation aims to identify potential failure locations within the procedure and to predict emergent behaviors during execution arising from the interplay between human cognitive constraints and the machine’s evolving state. The overall procedure reliability is assessed by a Monte Carlo simulation implemented within the discrete-event-based framework of the operations procedure. A case study analyzing an emergency response procedure for the International Space Station is used to illustrate that the effective prediction of procedure reliability and failures is possible when human and machine entities are organized in a discrete-event format.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"13 1","pages":"Pages 175-190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147553500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}