Acta Astronautica最新文献

{"title":"Facing compositional heterogeneity and thermal cycling challenges in lunar regolith based geopolymer for sustainable extraterrestrial construction","authors":"Zihan Zhou ,&nbsp;Shuo Li ,&nbsp;Guo Hu ,&nbsp;Jun Wu ,&nbsp;Chuanqin Yao ,&nbsp;Fujun Niu ,&nbsp;Jinbo Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study developed a high-fidelity lunar regolith simulant (GCD-2) that matched the physicochemical characteristics of Chang'e−6 real lunar samples. Then, a dry mixture of GCD-2 (acting as a precursor) and solid sodium silicate (acting as an activator) was used to synthesize the Lunar regolith based geopolymer (LRG) via the one-part method with the addition of water. An environmental-compositional framework was established to elucidate the coupling effects of extreme lunar temperature cycling (−178 °C–113 °C, 700 h/cycle) and elemental ratios (Ca/Si and Al/Si) in precursor on the mechanical properties of LRG. Multiscale characterization techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Nitrogen Adsorption-Desorption measurements, were integrated with analysis methodologies (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda, Density Functional Theory) to examine microstructural evolution. Results demonstrated that increasing Ca/Si ratio (from 0.26 to 0.35) enhanced the compressive strength of the LRG but exacerbated cryogenic susceptibility compared to the baseline group (Ca/Si = 0.26 and Al/Si = 0.34). Conversely, increasing Al/Si ratio (from 0.34 to 0.58) initially improved the compressive strength and reduced cryogenic susceptibility, followed by a decline in mechanical properties and an increase in cryogenic susceptibility. The LRG with Ca/Si of 0.35 and Al/Si of 0.58 achieved the maximum compressive strength (52.25 MPa), along with superior post-cryogenic strength retention. An optimized operational period for mixing and casting of the LRG at lunar surface was suggested to be within 100 h before high-temperature phase of the lunar day. Furthermore, cryogenic degradation in the LRG with high-Ca system was determined by the coupled internal and external factors, whereas the degradation in the low-Ca systems was predominantly affected by the external factor. The internal effect involved the collapse of the gel network, propagating the degradation of the pore structure, while the external effect included pore water freezing-induced cryo-suction and gel phase incompatibility, which governed detrimental pore evolution. The results of the current study can provide theoretical foundation for optimizing lunar construction method, advancing cost-effective and sustainable extraterrestrial habitat engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 621-644"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119437","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":"Fuel-aware autonomous docking using RL-augmented MPC rewards for on-orbit refueling","authors":"Mahya Ramezani ,&nbsp;M. Amin Alandihallaj ,&nbsp;Barış Can Yalçın ,&nbsp;Miguel Angel Olivares Mendez ,&nbsp;Andreas M. Hein","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The operational lifespan of satellites is constrained by finite fuel reserves, limiting their maneuverability and mission duration. On-orbit refueling offers a transformative solution, extending satellite functionality, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. However, the precise execution of docking maneuvers remains a critical challenge, exacerbated by fuel sloshing effects in microgravity, which introduce unpredictable disturbances. This study proposes an integrated control framework combining Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) to ensure safe and efficient docking under these dynamic conditions. Initially, a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO)-based RL control strategy is introduced, leveraging MPC for trajectory optimization. To further enhance adaptability in highly dynamic environments, Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) is incorporated, offering superior sample efficiency and robustness against stochastic disturbances. The proposed SAC-MPC framework effectively mitigates fuel sloshing effects by balancing computational efficiency with predictive accuracy. Experimental validation is conducted in the Zero-G Lab, emulating control scenarios with 3-DoF floating platforms, while high-fidelity numerical simulations extend the study to 6-DoF dynamics with realistic sloshing behavior modeled using OpenFOAM. Comparative results demonstrate that SAC-MPC outperforms conventional RL and MPC-based methods in docking success rate, precision, and control effort. This research establishes a robust foundation for autonomous satellite docking, contributing to the viability of on-orbit refueling missions and the future of sustainable space operations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 690-705"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158896","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":"The evolution of space art: Dream, Monolith and Revelation","authors":"Fiona You Wang ,&nbsp;Chengxing Zhai","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper traces the history of Space Art, exploring its connection with human space activities and technology while highlighting its role as an independent discipline reflecting diverse cultural expressions. It identifies key periods in Space Art's evolution, from ancient depictions of the cosmos to modern influences shaped by scientific, technological, and cultural developments. Through academic research and artwork analysis, the paper offers a comprehensive view of Space Art's interdisciplinary nature and its intersection with art, technology, and society. It also considers the future of Space Art, emphasizing its importance in human engagement with the cosmos and its potential to challenge ideologies and envision new worlds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 904-911"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221006","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":"Parametric design method for general periodic relative orbits","authors":"Zhihang Jing ,&nbsp;Jianjun Luo ,&nbsp;Chang He ,&nbsp;Hui Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper explores the orbital characteristics and design challenges of general Periodic Relative Orbits (PROs). It analyzes the characteristics of general PROs and proposes an efficient analytical design method with clearly defined physical parameters. First, the initial conditions for the formation of general PROs expressed in terms of an intermediate variable are obtained through a detailed analysis of the relative orbital dynamics, and the orbital characteristics of general PROs are investigated based on this intermediate variable. Then, based on the study of the orbital characteristics, an efficient analytical design method for general PROs is proposed using the orbital plane orientation and relative distance as the design parameters. Finally, the algorithm is quantitatively evaluated and validated by introducing a design example for general PROs. The simulation results validate the theoretical analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 746-758"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158845","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":"Innovative applications of microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for extraterrestrial construction","authors":"Wenjing Yang ,&nbsp;Yuqi Song ,&nbsp;P.G. Ranjith ,&nbsp;Zhenqian Chen ,&nbsp;Hao Fang ,&nbsp;Derek Elsworth ,&nbsp;Fengshou Zhang ,&nbsp;Youzhi Feng ,&nbsp;Xiangyang Song","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The idea of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for building extraterrestrial bases on the moon and Mars has become increasingly popular. This review outlines the latest developments in fabrication of space construction materials using microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology. This innovative approach uses the urease of <em>Sporosarcina pasteurii</em> to promote the precipitation of calcium carbonate from external carbon and nitrogen sources. By using lunar and Martian stardust (afterward called soils in this review) as raw materials, this method presents a sustainable alternative to the difficult and costly process of transporting building materials from Earth to space. The Moon is rich in ilmenite, and TiO₂ is sometimes envisioned to produce H₂, O₂, and H₂O, which could serve as a new water source for MICP on the Moon (Technology Readiness Level≤3). This paper focuses on three key aspects of space construction-related materials and technologies. First, it elaborates the continuous advancement in the understanding of lunar and Martian soils, covering the detailed composition and sourcing methods of lunar soil simulants and Martian soil simulants. Second, it explores the complex operational mechanism and considerable application potential of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technology. Third, it discusses the improvement to the physical properties of space bio-bricks, which endows them with promising application prospects as space construction materials. Additionally, the paper identifies current challenges in this field, such as technical bottlenecks, and outlines the essential research progress required in the future. It expresses optimism that MICP technology will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing space construction by developing robust and eco-friendly materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 856-872"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221072","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":"Inverse design framework for optimizing solid propellant grains toward target performance profiles","authors":"Euiyoung Kim ,&nbsp;Seongpil Joo ,&nbsp;Sahuck Oh","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a computational optimization framework for the design of solid rocket motor (SRM) propellant grains, which are significant in shaping the thrust-time characteristics of SRMs. Conventional grain design methods predominantly depend on heuristic approaches and iterative trial-and-error processes, which are not only time-intensive but also likely to result in suboptimal designs. To address these limitations, the proposed methodology integrates an artificial neural network (ANN) with a genetic algorithm (GA) to enable inverse design of grain geometries that achieve prescribed thrust profiles. The process begins with a design of experiments (DOE) strategy to systematically explore the design space. Burnback simulations are then conducted to model the regression behavior of the grain over time, generating a dataset for training the ANN. The trained ANN serves as a surrogate model, predicting performance metrics from input geometries with reduced computational cost. The GA subsequently iterates over candidate designs to minimize the deviation between the predicted and target thrust profiles. The optimization framework specifically targets axisymmetric grain configurations, which are advantageous due to their manufacturing simplicity and inherent capability to minimize sliver formation. Validation is conducted through a series of case studies, demonstrating the framework’s capacity to derive optimal grain geometries that satisfy various target performance profiles. Notably, the proposed method effectively identified an axisymmetric grain configuration that replicates the performance of a Finocyl grain, traditionally considered more complex in shape. This highlights the potential of the method to generate simpler, manufacturable designs that achieve comparable performance outcomes. In light of these findings, the proposed framework constitutes a systematic and computationally efficient methodology for grain geometry optimization, effectively reducing dependence on manual iterations and expert intuition. Consequently, it holds substantial potential for direct application as a general design process for solid rocket motors, supporting the systematic development of propulsion systems across various mission requirements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 645-656"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158895","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":"Slope stability analysis of the Mare Tranquillitatis Pit","authors":"Abdallah Alajrami,&nbsp;Marcin Chwała,&nbsp;Kamil Górniak","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.050","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.050","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lunar pits have gained significant interest for their potential as natural shelters for future exploration and habitation. This study evaluates the slope stability of Mare Tranquillitatis Pit under varying geological and environmental conditions, focusing on the influence of regolith properties and geometric modifications. A series of numerical simulations using Finite Element Limit Analysis (FELA) were conducted to assess collapse multipliers across multiple cross-sections. The results indicate that some cross-sections exhibit high stability, while others are more vulnerable to failure, influenced by variations in regolith properties and geometry. Modifying regolith cohesion and friction angle significantly impacts failure patterns, with linearly increasing cohesion enhancing structural integrity in specific regions. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms governing pit wall stability, highlighting the importance of localized material properties and geometry. Further investigations incorporating seismic effects and alternative modelling approaches are recommended to refine stability assessments and support future lunar mission planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 672-689"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158843","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":"Celebration of the 70th anniversary","authors":"Jean-Michel Contant","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.038","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Page 912"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221008","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":"STL-based multi-agent motion planning for multiple tasks with complex logic","authors":"Yi Zhang ,&nbsp;Qian Shen ,&nbsp;Shufan Wu ,&nbsp;V.Yu. Razoumny ,&nbsp;Yury N. Razoumny","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A Multi-Agent Multi-Task Signal Temporal Logic (MAMT-STL) framework is proposed for motion planning, addressing limitations in existing STL-based multi-agent multi-task methods that require explicit construction of inter-task constraints for all possible assignments. This process generates redundant variables and invalid constraints, degrading optimization efficiency. To address this problem, Multi-Agent STL (MA-STL) is reformulated into MAMT-STL by decoupling encoding through a binary task assignment matrix and temporal logic matrix. This separation eliminates redundant constraint reconstruction across task assignments while reducing sensitivity to inter-task logic complexity. The framework further enables optional task encoding through modified integer constraints of logical conjunction operators and simplifies task order constraints to substantially improve solving efficiency under complex precedence requirements. The resulting motion planning problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP), with simulations on space robotic and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems demonstrating effectiveness in complex temporal logic planning and clear computational advantages over existing STL-based methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 568-579"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119414","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 near-perilune maneuvers in powered lunar flybys to distant retrograde orbits","authors":"Qingqing Li,&nbsp;Nan Zhang,&nbsp;Fanghua Jiang,&nbsp;Junfeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Powered Lunar Flyby (PLF) is an orbital transfer technique in which a maneuver is performed during a lunar gravity assist to reduce mission fuel consumption. However, the commonly adopted strategy in PLF involves applying an impulsive thrust along the direction of velocity at the perilune. This paper examines the efficiency of this conventional perilune maneuver and investigates the optimal near-perilune maneuver by considering both the maneuver location and impulse direction as free variables. The analysis is conducted within the scenario of a spacecraft departing from a low Earth orbit (LEO) to rendezvous with a space station positioned in a lunar distant retrograde orbit (DRO) using a three-impulse trajectory optimization method. The main findings of this research include: (1) Far-side and near-side PLF trajectories are identified. For far-side PLFs, there exists a certain DRO phase angle under which the optimal maneuver position is at the perilune, while for near-side PLFs, the optimal maneuver is always not at the perilune. (2) The velocity increments for perilune and near-perilune maneuvers are similar when the DRO phase angle is near optimal, but can differ by up to 207 m/s when the phase angle deviates significantly from the optimal value. (3) In scenarios with a fixed transfer duration, not restricting the DRO insertion angle to the phase angle will help reduce the velocity increment. The results provide strategic guidance for the optimization of PLF maneuvers and valuable insights for reducing the fuel consumption in future practical missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44971,"journal":{"name":"Acta Astronautica","volume":"238 ","pages":"Pages 467-477"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096643","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}