Journal of Space Safety Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Regional mechanisms to support safe, secure, and sustainable environment for space activities: A case study of Asia-Pacific region","authors":"Aisha Jagirani,&nbsp;Qin Pei","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.07.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.07.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A safe, secure, and sustainable environment for space activities is inevitable in the current space age. The fast-track development of technology and the enthusiasm to explore and exploit space resources for various benefits have also led to the development of factors that can jeopardize ongoing and future activities in outer space. On the one hand, these developments contribute to exploring new horizons of outer space but simultaneously pose significant threats to the sustainability of a conducive environment where various stakeholders can pursue their interests. Multiple initiatives have been taken at the national and international levels to address this issue; however, much more still needs to be done collectively. Since governments are the primary stakeholders and entirely responsible for space activities in terms of international law, individual efforts by governments would take longer to implement measures that can contribute to the long-term sustainability of outer space. Therefore, the role of global and regional organizations in the area has certainly become more critical. International cooperation drives the policy objectives and strategy to advance a mechanism that collectively contributes to outer space's safety and security. The regional agencies provide more significant opportunities to leverage the expertise, investments, and resources together to develop such programs. It helps to adopt multiple ways to formalize relationships that can lead to pursuing specific activities and initiatives such as joint statements, signing cooperative agreements, exchanging data, pooling financial resources, and exchanging know-how. This paper emphasizes regional cooperation schemes and identifies the possible legal tools for regional cooperation to support a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for space activities. The paper focuses on the Asia-Pacific region as a case study. It covers an analysis of the regional organizations, particularly the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) initiatives as the formal multilateral inter-governmental organization and the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) as a flexible and informal regional mechanism. The paper covers a comparative study of organizations on the cooperation mechanisms and policies related to space activities and their contributions to developing relevant procedures and programs to ensure outer space's sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 767-778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141842993","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":"Concept of operations for increasingly autonomous space operations","authors":"Bettina L. Beard","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.06.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Concept of Operations (ConOps) documents provide a common view of future system functions to all stakeholders. This ConOps focuses on deep space missions, such as a mission to Mars. While Earth experts will be continuously monitoring operations during crewed deep-space missions, there will be communication delays and disruptions that will impede the rapid assistance required by the crew in time- and safety-critical situations. An argument will be made that the crew will require (some kind of) assistance to quickly understand the situation enough to safe the system. This document describes a notional vision of the operational processes, practices and capabilities needed by a deep space mission crew for them to autonomously respond to anticipated and unanticipated, time-critical anomalies. A descriptive model of a Crew Performance Support System (CPSS) is used to illustrate what will be required for a safe and successful manned mission to Mars. Scenarios will address crew, Earth-Support and technology roles/responsibilities, task prioritization, teaming strategies, complex procedure development and execution, assumptions, asynchronous collaboration under communication time delay and limited data exchange to illustrate potential operational needs and approaches. Scenarios are responsive to known human risks identified during and after long duration spaceflight and incorporate transition plans as space travel moves from ISS to Lunar to Mars operations specifically identifying test bed and research activity needs. The envisioned CPSS will alter the current operational paradigm of crew reliance on Earth experts to resolve anomalies. The intent of this ConOps is to advance the research and development of a CPSS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 636-651"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143159114","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":"Conceptual design and testing for the advancement of mechanical counterpressure spacesuits","authors":"Michelle Kostin","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In response to the growing demands for heightened efficiency in extravehicular activity solutions for upcoming missions, mechanical counterpressure (MCP) spacesuits have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional gas-pressurised suits. The distinctive attributes of these MCP suits offer numerous advantages, including reduced energy exertion, reduced risk of decompression failure in case of puncture, and enhanced astronaut comfort. This advanced concept utilises the application of direct pressure via tensioning fabric that is wrapped around the astronaut's body. This study addresses key engineering obstacles that have impeded the implementation of this technology, presenting a possible solution to several of these issues, demonstrated through experimental testing. The conceptual design moves away from the usage of smart materials, with a primary focus on mechanical components. The resulting prototype was successful in reaching a maximum counterpressure of 15.8 kPa whilst also being examined in the context of donning speed and garment sizing adjustability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 652-661"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143159115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and development of a space suit mock-up for VR-based EVA research and simulation","authors":"Paolo Mangili,&nbsp;Vittorio Netti","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Earth-based Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) simulation has always been the subject of study by space agencies aimed at reproducing the most accurate experience for astronauts. Challenges and limitations are many and not limited to the natural Laws; the space suit system, an integral part of the successful Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), must present the same conditions to the user as it would in the environment of operation. NASA is the most prominent example of a long tradition for a faithful simulation of outer space in which astronauts operate during EVAs: the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at Johnson Space Center in Houston still represents the standard when it comes to providing astronauts with a realistic experience. However, such infrastructures can be difficult to access, considering the renewed interest in space, which is advocated by new private players looking into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) access in the short to medium term. Virtual Reality (VR) provides users with new, flexible, and relatively inexpensive ways of simulating the space environment during an EVA, without the need to build large-scale pools and mock-ups of vehicles. In this paper, it'll be shown how the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA) at the University of Houston is working to provide students and researchers with a Virtual Reality (VR)-based infrastructure to simulate EVAs and Space Architectures, which are also designed in-situ. An essential component to achieve realism of experience is the design and construction, done entirely in-house, of a mock-up of the latest NASA Artemis Exploration Extra Vehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) space suit, to recreate the physical constraints that such a garment imposes on astronauts, which cannot be entirely simulated with VR. It'll be shown how this space suit replica substantially enhances the accuracy of the experience, by replicating the mechanisms of the xEMU suit, complementing the virtual experience provided at the same time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 622-627"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141274125","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":"A case study into the safety management systems for the effects of potential space weather risks, for operators of very high altitude ‘near space’ flights from Mojave Air & Space Port, California, and the associated regulatory challenges","authors":"C.T. Rees ,&nbsp;J.R. Catchpole ,&nbsp;A. Sewell ,&nbsp;T. Reid ,&nbsp;K.A. Ryden ,&nbsp;S. Block ,&nbsp;A. Mack","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mojave Air &amp; Space Port is located in Mojave, California, United States. It is at an elevation of 2,801 feet (854 m), is nearly 3000 acres in size and has three runways. It is licensed by the FAA for horizontal launches of reusable spacecraft and is already a major hub for aerospace research and space enterprises, which includes potential space flights and very high altitude subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flights.</div><div>During potential very high-altitude ‘near space’ space flights, the effects of cosmic radiation exposure, especially during sudden changes in space weather, such as ground level enhancement (GLE) or solar particle events (SPEs), could have significant health implications for crew and passengers. This case study examines the intricate landscape of radiation risks, regulatory challenges, licensing complexities, and approaches to risk management for very high-altitude ‘near space’ space flights from Mojave Air and Space Port carrying one or more paying \"space flight participant\" (being an individual, who is not crew, carried aboard a launch vehicle or re-entry vehicle).</div><div>The study explores the specific challenges of risk assessment of very high-altitude flights, looking in detail at the risk posed by the space weather radiation environment in flight planning and execution, for both Space Port and flight operator. The study covers the ‘end to end’ licensing process and the regulatory considerations of space weather required for both Space Port and flight operator. Further, we look at the integration of Safety Management Systems (SMS), namely, we explore how SMS frameworks proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the ‘near space’ space flight process. Further, the study presents a template for addressing the regulatory framework for flights, risk assessment, pre-flight briefings, and the flight licensing procedure.</div><div>This case study offers valuable insights for Space Port and flight operators, regulators, and policymakers, contributing to the development of comprehensive safety strategies, which are crucial for safe very high-altitude ‘near space’ space exploration.</div><div>Plain Language Summary: A case study of how the potential space weather risks can be successfully managed for very high altitude ‘near space’ subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flights from Mojave Air and Space Port, California, USA carrying one or more space flight participant(s).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 710-720"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143159089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Obituary for Maj. Gen. Joe Henry Engle","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Page 786"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143159216","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":"Collision avoidance in GEO: An operational approach to passive orbit determination for electric propulsion satellites via optical ground based observations","authors":"Antonio Vito Montalbò,&nbsp;Fabrizio Abruzzese,&nbsp;Luca Rizzo,&nbsp;Roberto Errico,&nbsp;Fabio Mannacio","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.05.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.05.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><span>The SICRAL Joint<span><span> Management &amp; Control Centre (SJMCC) is an Italian military institution in charge of the mission control of the Italian military spacecraft and the first European full-military institute capable of independently performing spacecraft housekeeping and station keeping operations. In this context, one of the most important activities is the management of collision risks<span>. The task is accomplished by determining the orbits of secondary objects (such as neighbouring geostationary satellites) and evaluating the orbital parameters, in order to assess the necessity of a </span></span>collision avoidance<span><span><span><span> maneuver. In recent years, a new generation of satellites equipped with innovative propulsion systems<span> based on electric thrusters has introduced new challenges to the aforementioned operation. </span></span>Electric propulsion systems provide very </span>high thrust efficiency and low fuel consumption compared to </span>chemical propulsion<span>, while generically settling for lower thrust levels and longer maneuvering times. This implies that the free dynamics behaviour of the spacecraft is only confined to a short fraction of the orbital period. Consequently, the typical flight dynamics approach, based on the propagation of the obtained state vector, loses its inner value since the electric propulsion spacecraft will persist in a free dynamics regime only for a limited fraction of its orbital period. From the perspective of a mission control centre, such as SJMCC, these new satellites make it necessary to drastically adapt its orbit determination capabilities. Consequently, the main goal of the research has been to model a strategy and a tool to manage the orbit determination of electric propulsion </span></span></span></span>geostationary satellites<span>. The paper thoroughly describes an innovative concept named “Continuous Obit Determination” (COD), also presenting a possible software implementation based on open-source libraries. Evaluating the challenges that electric propulsion satellites bring to satellite control<span> centres, COD is detailed as a robust strategy able to flexibly aggregate different observational data of the secondary satellite in order to find the best fitting solution. The comparison between orbits allows the delineation of the satellite's maneuvering strategy and the selection of the most accurate orbit. Finally, the research results have been experimentally validated through observational data acquired via the “CAS telescope” managed by SJMCC for collision avoidance purposes.</span></span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 730-738"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141397834","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":"Collision probability evaluation of SRM slag during orbital lifetime","authors":"Kenichi Sato ,&nbsp;Kumi Nitta ,&nbsp;Toru Yoshihara ,&nbsp;Ryuusuke Harada ,&nbsp;Satomi Kawamoto ,&nbsp;Hirohide Ikeda ,&nbsp;Masahiro Kinoshita ,&nbsp;Kyoichi Ui ,&nbsp;Yoshiki Matsuura","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.09.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>At the end of combustion, a solid rocket motor (SRM) in orbit emits combustion products with relatively large particle sizes (slag). ISO 24113:2023 “Space debris mitigation requirements” defines criteria to limit debris emission 1 mm or larger in the LEO protected region. JAXA's “Space debris mitigation standard,” JMR-003E, sets out the same requirements. Hence, JAXA has begun an improvement study on SRM slag emissions as it develops the next generation of SRMs to conserve the orbital environment by significantly reducing SRM slag larger than 1 mm. However, ensuring the complete prevention of larger SRM slag emission is technically challenging. Thus, we are alternatively working to establish a risk evaluation method and criteria based on the collision probability (Pc) of SRM slag during its orbital lifetime. Based on ground firing tests, this study estimated the number and particle size of SRM slag in orbit emitted during the Epsilon and Epsilon S launch missions. The Pc per mission during the orbital lifetime was calculated and provisionally set to 10^–3 for currently operational spacecraft. This paper discusses its acceptability to JAXA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 779-785"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143159212","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 and the return of Rome","authors":"Jonathan Sinclair ,&nbsp;Daniel Patton","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid development and increased human impact in outer space has necessitated space sustainability strategies. To protect the continued use of outer space and celestial bodies, policy makers and scholars have proposed and attempted to manage the domain through a variety of mechanisms e.g. treaty formulation, cooperative engagement/assertion, adherence to the Common Heritage of Mankind principle (CHM) and International Law. However, despite nearly 65 years of space activity, questions about how the domain is defined and how sovereignty is applied remain, with commonly used terms being controversial and imprecise. By examining fundamental concepts and early legal principles applied to modern shared resources, we can better understand both the essential attributes and development of the space domain. We assert that the principles of <em>res nullius</em> and <em>res communis</em> can be used to both define shared resource domains and measure their operational development. We understand these principles not as distinct categories, but as a continuum, upon which all shared resource domains lie, thus presenting an alternative framework for describing the shared domain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 691-696"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158618","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":"Investigating and defining radiation dose risk factors, derived from terrestrial risk assessments, for probabilistic risk assessments for radiation exposure during very high altitude ‘near space’ flights for varying space weather conditions","authors":"C.T. Rees ,&nbsp;K.A. Ryden ,&nbsp;T. Woodcock ,&nbsp;M. Brito","doi":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsse.2024.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current space tourism ventures focus on three specific areas: long duration very high-altitude flights; also referred to as ‘near space’ flights, sub-orbital flights and visits to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In the forthcoming decades, space travel is expected to become as commonplace as transatlantic flights. Consequently, it becomes crucial to consider the potential health implications of cosmic radiation exposure during these commercial ventures, particularly in light of sudden changes in space weather, such as ground-level enhancements (GLEs) or solar particle events (SPEs), which can have profound effects on the well-being of crew members and passengers.</div><div>This paper focuses on the exposure environment and associated risk assessment for very high altitude ‘near space’ flights to the stratosphere. The current probabilistic risk assessment of the hazards for such flights is severely constrained, as the necessary dose risk factor for potential radiation exposure remains undefined for prospective space tourists. Here we examine the existing terrestrial approach to deterministic and probabilistic risk assessment for radiation exposure, specifically within the civil nuclear industry, and its applicability to ‘near space’ very high-altitude flights.</div><div>We propose a revised probabilistic risk assessment methodology, including a bespoke dose risk factor, for ‘near space’ flights. Furthermore, we delve into the distinctive exposure events associated with ‘near space’ flights, explore the impact of potential variations in space weather on radiation exposure, and evaluate potential dose risk factors for utilization in probabilistic risk calculations for flight participants.</div><div><strong>Plain Language Summary:</strong> An investigation into the acceptability and probability of risks associated with potential radiation exposure from flying to ‘near space’ within newly designed craft at very high altitude in the upper atmosphere above the Earth. Comparing and assessing the applicability of terrestrial nuclear industry risk assessment methodology to space tourism and the associated radiation risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37283,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Space Safety Engineering","volume":"11 4","pages":"Pages 564-572"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141695533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}