Acta Astronautica最新文献

{"title":"One-axis magnetic attitude control for short-term high-accuracy pointing","authors":"Anna Drobysheva,&nbsp;Stepan Tkachev,&nbsp;Dmitry Roldugin","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The one-axis magnetic attitude control problem for a 6U CubeSat is considered. The payload demands high-accuracy pointing and stabilization for short-term periods. A special reference motion is constructed to overcome the constraints of magnetic control and meet the accuracy requirements. To find this motion, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is first employed. Subsequently, a three-axis magnetic attitude control law is applied to stabilize the satellite in the vicinity of this motion. Since the performance of the magnetic control is sensitive to disturbances, an extensive numerical study is conducted to demonstrate the fulfillment of the payload requirements. Special attention is given to the uncertainty in the inertia tensor knowledge, which arises due to imperfections in the satellite assembly and the inherent complexity of estimating this parameter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 675-685"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142889304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Motion planning of free-floating space robots through multi-layer optimization using the RRT* algorithm","authors":"Ruipeng Liu,&nbsp;Jian Guo,&nbsp;Eberhard Gill","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces a motion planning method for capture of tumbling objects using a free-floating space robot. The proposed approach incorporates an improved Rapidly Exploring Random Tree Star (RRT*) algorithm enabling obstacle avoidance and generating desired trajectories for the robot’s end-effectors. Additionally, a multi-layer optimization process and a greedy policy are proposed to achieve singularity avoidance, joint velocity, and acceleration optimization by leveraging the robot arm’s joint energy distribution, torque, and manipulability. By adopting this motion planning strategy, the space robotic system demonstrates improved performance in obstacle and singularity avoidance, without the need for inverse Jacobian matrix calculations. Furthermore, the multi-layer optimization process enhances trajectory smoothness and reduces end-effector vibration through energy and torque optimization. This research contributes to advancing space robotic systems by enhancing the entire energy and torque consumption on motion planning to make the end-effector move smooth and reduce the vibration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 940-956"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143178225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing empirical SRP model for BDS-3 MEO satellites via semi-analytical accelerations analysis","authors":"Shichao Xie ,&nbsp;Guanwen Huang ,&nbsp;Le Wang ,&nbsp;Haonan She ,&nbsp;Wen Lai ,&nbsp;Mingfeng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Currently, the significant challenge in achieving Precise Orbit Determination (POD) for the BeiDou Global Satellite Navigation System (BDS-3) lies in the Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP) model. The empirical CODE orbit model (ECOM) and its extended version, ECOM2, initially developed for the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), are now widely employed not only for GPS and GLONASS but also for BDS and Galileo. However, applying ECOM and ECOM2 to BDS-3 reveals discrepancies, especially during eclipse seasons. To overcome this challenge, in this study, we proposed a refined ECOM with consideration of characteristics of SRP-induced accelerations acting on BDS-3 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. First, we generate SRP-induced accelerations using the Adjustable Box-wing (ABW) model. Subsequently, we employ Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to analyze the spectrum characteristics of these accelerations. The results indicate that the most prominent periodic terms are 1pr and 2pr terms in the D-direction and 1pr term in the B-direction. Parameter correlation analysis reveals that <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>D</mi><mrow><mi>c</mi><mo>,</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> has a correlation coefficient nearly 1.0 with the parameter <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>B</mi><mn>0</mn></msub></mrow></math></span>. Consequently, we eliminate <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>D</mi><mrow><mi>c</mi><mo>,</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> from the model. In eclipse seasons, the proposed model achieves an orbit Day Boundary Discontinuity (DBD) accuracy of about 30 mm. Compared to other ECOMs, it demonstrates an improvement ranging from 8 % to 44 %. Additionally, the orbit prediction precision reaches approximately 60 mm, surpassing other ECOMs by 9 %–43 %. The STD of SLR residuals for CAST satellites during eclipse season also shows improvements of 8 %–25 % compared to other ECOMs. These results affirm the proposed model is well-suited for BDS-3 MEO satellites POD, especially during eclipse seasons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 792-802"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143179528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fisetin enhances osteoblast differentiation and bone formation under simulated microgravity","authors":"Zixiang Wu ,&nbsp;Lifang Hu ,&nbsp;Wenjuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Kang Ru ,&nbsp;Xia Xu ,&nbsp;Shuyu Liu ,&nbsp;Hua Liu ,&nbsp;Yunxia Jia ,&nbsp;Zhihao Chen ,&nbsp;Airong Qian","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and mass, compromised bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and susceptibility to fractures. In recent years, as space exploration activities have intensified, the health issues faced by astronauts during prolonged space missions have increasingly become a focal point in scientific research. In particular, the problem of bone loss resulting from astronauts' extended exposure to microgravity environments has emerged as a significant area of study within space medicine and biological sciences. Currently, small-natural product have become promising intervention strategies in this field. Previous studies have proved that cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is an effective screening target for the treatment strategy of osteoporosis. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of a small-natural product, Fisetin, which was screened with targeting CDK12. In this study, based on the method of weighted set similarity (WES), the small-natural product Fisetin, was screened and obtained by targeting CDK12. The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of osteoblast-related markers, Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2) and Collagen Type I Alpha 1 (COL1A1), were used to detect the effect of Fisetin on osteoblast differentiation. The micro-CT and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy of Fisetin in preventing and treating osteoporosis in hindlimb-unloaded (HU) mice and ovariectomized (OVX) mice model. The findings revealed that Fisetin promotes osteoblast differentiation and further proved that Fisetin could alleviate the bone loss in HU mice and OVX mice. Additionally, the expression of CDK12 and phospho-RUNX2 (p-RUNX2) were significantly down-regulated in the process of promoting osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Further research revealed the potential and preliminary molecular mechanism that Fisetin might release RUNX2 and reduce the phosphorylation of p-RUNX2 by down-regulating the expression of CDK12, thereby enhancing the transcription of osteoblast differentiation. In conclusion, Fisetin demonstrates efficacy in improving osteoporosis and holds promise as a potential small-natural product to prevent and treat osteoporosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 724-739"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bio-inspired adaptive fault-tolerant attitude control for spacecraft with actuator failures","authors":"Andres Perez,&nbsp;Hever Moncayo,&nbsp;Sebastian Leon","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the theoretical development and implementation of an innovative fault-tolerant approach for adaptive spacecraft attitude control. The control architecture is designed taking inspiration from immunological mechanisms and their response to antigens. The proposed control strategy is formulated to augment a baseline architecture by integrating partial feedback linearization and quaternion kinematics. Stability in the closed-loop system is analyzed through Lyapunov’s direct method and Barbalat’s Lemma. A series of tests using a three-degree-of-freedom spacecraft prototype were conducted, covering a range of attitude maneuvers and setups. Performance metrics such as tracking error, angular rates activity, and control activity are integrated within a global performance index to assess the efficacy of the proposed controller in compensating actuator failures. The results confirm that the bio-inspired adaptive controller successfully ensures an improved performance over the baseline controller alone, while simultaneously mitigating the effect of these disturbances.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 700-708"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Constraint-integrated inverse kinematics method for dual-arm motion","authors":"Jingdong Zhao,&nbsp;Zhonglai Tian,&nbsp;Zhiyuan Zhao,&nbsp;Xiaohang Yang,&nbsp;Liangliang Zhao,&nbsp;Zainan Jiang,&nbsp;Hong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dual-arm motion is a critical capability for a multi-branch space robot in on-orbit missions. To address on-orbit motion challenges specific to SRS branch configurations, a constraint-integrated inverse kinematics (CIIK) method is proposed. This method employs joint points to equivalently represent the redundant spatial robot, which comprises dual arms and a torso. An analytical expression for the inverse kinematics is derived, ensuring both accuracy and computational efficiency in the solution. Constraints are imposed on the torso through spatial vectors to mitigate the impact of constraint computations on the efficiency of inverse kinematics solutions. Furthermore, a mapping method between joint points and joint angles is proposed, which can obtain effective and smooth joint angles during continuous motion. By comparing with widely adopted inverse kinematics methods, CIIK demonstrates superior performance in terms of computational efficiency, solve rate, and joint angle continuity under unconstrained mode. Simulations and physical experiments were conducted by applying constraints to the torso. The results indicate that CIIK does not increase computation time and exhibits good solving performance in constrained mode.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 755-768"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143179526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal low-thrust orbital transfer for servicing multiple satellites in elliptical orbits","authors":"Riccardo Apa ,&nbsp;Isaac Kaminer ,&nbsp;Jennifer Hudson ,&nbsp;Marcello Romano","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper addresses the problem of finding the optimal sequence and trajectory for a servicer satellite that has to visit multiple client satellites, minimizing the fuel spent and satisfying Keplerian dynamics and low-thrust propulsion constraints. The cost of each transfer is evaluated through two different functions: an analytical cost function based on Edelbaum’s theory (three orbital elements transfer), and a Q-law based cost function (five orbital elements transfer). The global optimal sequence is found by using mixed integer linear programming. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on two datasets of satellites located in near-circular and high-eccentricity orbits, respectively. The computation results show a high performance in terms of computational time and accuracy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 686-699"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of space habitat conditions on visual performance and cognitive load in analogue astronauts","authors":"Izabela K. Garaszczuk ,&nbsp;Karolina Komorowska ,&nbsp;Marta A. Rusnak","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Analogue astronauts in simulated space habitats face specific environmental conditions, including limited space, controlled airflow, and artificial lighting, which can lead to visual strain and mental fatigue. This study investigates the impact of such conditions on visual performance and cognitive load using mobile eye tracking during a two-week simulated mission in the LunAres Analogue Space Habitat. Thirty healthy adults participated, with measurements taken before and after the mission to assess visual acuity, binocular vision, and symptoms of ocular surface disease. Key findings include no significant changes in visual acuity, but notable alterations in binocular vision parameters, such as near points of accommodation and convergence, indicating near-point visual stress. Although dry eye symptoms were minimal, participants reported increased visual impairment symptoms post-mission, including difficulties with reading and depth of perception. Subject also reported increased sensitivity to fluorescent light. Eye tracking data revealed increased distraction and longer fixation times after the mission, suggesting higher cognitive load and potential impact on task performance. These results underscore the importance of addressing visual health in space missions, suggesting potential interventions such as vision therapy, adjustable lighting, and therapeutic refractive correction to mitigate visual fatigue and improve astronaut performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 664-674"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An experimental investigation of microgravity conditions on FDM-based in-space polymer additive manufacturing","authors":"Angela Huang,&nbsp;Zheng H. Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In-orbit additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to overcome limitations imposed by current launch vehicles, such as restrictions on payload size and weight. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), one of the predominant AM techniques used in space, operates in a microgravity environment where interactions between temperature, load, and motion are complex and not well-known. In FDM, surface tension and gravity significantly influence layer deposition, affecting mechanical properties and interlayer bonding. Previous research indicates that gravity may strongly impact layer height and bonding strength during FDM-based AM. This study explores the influence of gravity on interlayer fusion and global mechanical properties by printing specimens at various angles (0°–90°) relative to the gravitational direction. The 0° angle simulates a microgravity environment, while the 90° angle represents Earth-like conditions. Tensile and compressive test specimens were fabricated and evaluated through stress-strain analysis. Tensile tests revealed a decrease in ultimate tensile strength, fracture stress, and strain with increasing print angle from 0° to 75°, followed by a recovery at 90°, likely due to a shift in failure mode at the micro level. Compression tests showed substantial improvements in ultimate compressive strength and modulus between 0° and 15°, with ductility remaining stable across all angles. Dimensional analysis indicated reduced specimen dimensions at higher print angles. The findings suggest that while zero-gravity conditions weaken interlayer bonding, the overall mechanical performance of materials in microgravity is less compromised than under Earth-like conditions. These insights are valuable for optimizing polymer-based AM processes for in-space manufacturing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 886-899"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143179575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the influence of surface roughness on the deterioration of heat transfer in methane rocket engine cooling systems","authors":"Ibraheem Nasser,&nbsp;Oskar Haidn,&nbsp;Chiara Manfletti","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The need for advanced propulsion systems for space exploration has led to extensive research into the cooling mechanisms of rocket engines. This study investigates using methane as a coolant under transcritical temperature and supercritical pressure conditions, focusing on understanding heat transfer deterioration. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved numerically for pure methane flowing in a high aspect ratio cooling channel for different operating conditions. The GERG-2008 equation of state and extended corresponding states models are used to calculate the properties of methane. The Simulation results showed that the optimum height of wall roughness size is directly linked to the applied heat flux and mass flow rate for each specific operating pressure. The surface roughness of the cooling channels must be carefully designed and manufactured for each specific supercritical operating pressure to maximize heat transfer and minimize pressure drop. This research improves the cooling system designs for rocket engines, which could lead to more efficient and reliable propulsion systems for future space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"228 ","pages":"Pages 617-630"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143178747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}