Latest Scientific Results of China's Lunar and Deep Space Exploration(2022–2024)

China has successfully launched six lunar probes so far.From Chang'E-1 to Chang'E-4,they completed the circling,landing and roving exploration,of which Chang'E-4 was the first landing on the far side of the Moon in human history.Chang'E-5 was launched in December 2020,bringing back 1731 g of lunar soil samples.Through the detailed analysis of the samples,the scientists understand the history of late lunar volcanism,specifically extending lunar volcanism by about 800 million to 1 billion years,and proposed possible mechanisms.In addition,there are many new understandings of space weathering such as meteorite impacts and solar wind radiation on the Moon.China's first Mars exploration mission Tianwen-1 was successfully launched in July 2021.Through the study of scientific data,a number of important scientific achievements have been made in the topography,water environment and shallow surface structure of Mars.This paper introduces the main scientific achievements of Chang'E-4,Chang'E-5 and Tianwen-1 in the past two years,excluding technical and engineering contents.Due to the large number of articles involved,this paper only introduces part of the results.

Research Progress on the Solder Joint Reliability of Electronics Using in Deep Space Exploration

The spacecraft for deep space exploration missions will face extreme environments,including cryogenic temperature,intense radiation,wide-range temperature variations and even the combination of conditions mentioned above.Harsh environments will lead to solder joints degradation or even failure,resulting in damage to onboard electronics.The research activities on high reliability solder joints using in extreme environments can not only reduce the use of onboard protection devices,but effectively improve the overall reliability of spacecraft,which is of great significance to the aviation industry.In this paper,we review the reliability research on SnPb solder alloys,Sn-based lead-free solder alloys and In-based solder alloys in extreme environments,and try to provide some suggestions for the follow-up studies,which focus on solder joint reliability under extreme environments.

A Footpad Structure with Reusable Energy Absorption Capability for Deep Space Exploration Lander:Design and Analysis

The footpad structure of a deep space exploration lander is a critical system that makes the initial contact with the ground,and thereby plays a crucial role in determining the stability and energy absorption characteristics during the impact process.The conventional footpad is typically designed with an aluminum honeycomb structure that dissipates energy through plastic deformation.Nevertheless,its effectiveness in providing cushioning and energy absorption becomes significantly compromised when the structure is crushed,rendering it unusable for reusable landers in the future.This study presents a methodology for designing and evaluating structural energy absorption systems incorporating recoverable strain constraints of shape memory alloys(SMA).The topological configuration of the energy absorbing structure is derived using an equivalent static load method(ESL),and three lightweight footpad designs featuring honeycomb-like Ni-Ti shape memory alloys structures and having variable stiffness skins are proposed.To verify the accuracy of the numerical modelling,a honeycomb-like structure subjected to compression load is modeled and then compared with experimental results.Moreover,the influence of the configurations and thickness distribution of the proposed structures on their energy absorption performance is comprehensively evaluated using finite element simulations.The results demonstrate that the proposed design approach effectively regulates the strain threshold to maintain the SMA within the constraint of maximum recoverable strain,resulting in a structural energy absorption capacity of 362 J/kg with a crushing force efficiency greater than 63%.

Thermal–hydraulic analysis of space nuclear reactor TOPAZ-Ⅱ with modified RELAP5

With the advantages of high reliability, power density, and long life, nuclear power reactors have become a promising option for space power. In this study, the Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program 5(RELAP5), with the implementation of sodium–potassium eutectic alloy(NaK-78) properties and heat transfer correlations, is adopted to analyze the thermal–hydraulic characteristics of the space nuclear reactor TOPAZ-Ⅱ.A RELAP5 model including thermionic fuel elements(TFEs), reactor core, radiator, coolant loop, and volume accumulator is established. The temperature reactivity feedback effects of the fuel, TFE emitter, TFE collector,moderator, and reactivity insertion effects of the control drums and safety drums are considered. To benchmark the integrated TOPAZ-Ⅱ system model, an electrical ground test of the fully integrated TOPAZ-Ⅱ system, the V-71 unit,is simulated and analyzed. The calculated coolant temperature and system pressure are in acceptable agreement with the experimental data for the maximum relative errors of 8 and 10%, respectively. The detailed thermal–hydraulic characteristics of TOPAZ-Ⅱ are then simulated and analyzed at the steady state. The calculation results agree well with the design values. The current work provides a solid foundation for space reactor design and transient analysis in the future.

China＇s Planning for Deep Space Exploration and Lunar Exploration before 2030

The current lunar exploration has changed from a single scientific exploration to science and resource utilization. On the basis of the previous lunar exploration, Chinese scientists and technical experts have proposed an overall plan to preliminarily build a lunar research station on the lunar South Pole by several missions before 2035, exploring of the moon, as well as the use of lunar platforms and in-site utilization of resources. In addition, China will also explore Mars, asteroids and Jupiter and its moons. This paper briefly introduces the ideas of Chinese scientists and technical experts on the lunar and deep space exploration.

China’s Lunar and Deep Space Exploration Program for the Next Decade(2020–2030)

China has carried out four unmanned missions to the Moon since it launched Chang’E-1,the first lunar orbiter in 2007.With the implementation of the Chang’E-5 mission this year,the three phases of the lunar exploration program,namely orbiting,landing and returning,have been completed.In the plan of follow-up unmanned lunar exploration missions,it is planned to establish an experimental lunar research station at the lunar south pole by 2030 through the implementation of several missions,laying a foundation for the establishment of practical lunar research station in the future.China successfully launched its first Mars probe on 23 July 2020,followed in future by an asteroid mission,second Mars mission,and a mission to explore Jupiter and its moons.

China’s Future Missions for Deep Space Exploration and Exoplanet Space Survey by 2030

Four future missions for deep space exploration and future space-based exoplanet surveys on habitable planets by 2030 are scheduled to be launched.Two Mars exploration missions are designed to investigate geological structure,the material on Martian surface,and retrieve returned samples.The asteroids and main belt comet exploration is expected to explore two objects within 10 years.The small-body mission will aim to land on the asteroid and get samples return to Earth.The basic physical characteristics of the two objects will be obtained through the mission.The exploration of Jupiter system will characterize the environment of Jupiter and the four largest Moons and understand the atmosphere of Jupiter.In addition,we further introduce two space-based exoplanet survey by 2030,Miyin Program and Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey(CHES Mission).Miyin program aims to detect habitable exoplanets using interferometry,while CHES mission expects to discover habitable exoplanets orbiting FGK stars within 10 pc through astrometry.The above-mentioned missions are positively to achieve breakthroughs in the field of planetary science.

Timeline based autonomous mission planning system for deep space exploration

In order to realize the explorer autonomy, the software architecture of autonomous mission management system (AMMS) is given for the deep space explorer, and the autonomous mission planning system, the kernel part of this architecture, is designed in detail. In order to describe the parallel activity, the state timeline is introduced to build the formal model of the planning system and based on this model, the temporal constraint satisfaction planning algorithm is proposed to produce the explorer’s activity sequence. With some key subsystems of the deep space explorer as examples, the autonomous mission planning simulation system is designed. The results show that this system can calculate the executable activity sequence with the given mission goals and initial state of the explorer.

Vision and Voyages for Deep Space Exploration

More than 50 years of space exploration has not only satisfied human curiosity and built up international cooperation,but also improved life on Earth.Space exploration is an open-ended process which started 50 years ago.It enables access to unknown terrains with robots and humans,thereby opening new frontiers.Progress of goal deep space exploration was reviewed.China's current deep space missions are also briefly introduced.Focused on the vision and voyages for China's deep space exploration in 5 or 10 years.Like the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program(CLEP),we embark on a journey to Mars.We will spend few decades on Mars with the robotic explorers.Unlike CLEP,scientists proposed to build Moon research station by 2030.

Retrospect to Human Deep Space Exploration History and Its Prospect in China

The definition, goal and impacts of deep space exploration are summarized. After a retrospect to past deep exploration activities of human being to date, both recent deep space missions and future missions in 5 years are also listed. There are also brief introductions about the future strategic plans of NASA, ESA, RAKA, JAXA and ISRO. Then authors analyze some important features of global deep space exploration scheme. Key technologies of deep space exploration are also determined. The status of China deep exploration plan is introduced including CE-1 lunar orbiter, the subsequent China Lunar Exploration Program, especially proposal for the second stage of China Lunar Exploration Program, Mars exploration program of China with Russia Kuafu mission, Hard X-Ray Modulated Telescope, Space Solar Telescope. At the end, some suggestions for China future deep space exploration are made.

Investigation on the development of deep space exploration

Deep space exploration is the term used for the exploration of the Moon and the celestial bodies or space beyond the Moon, which is an important part of human space activities. Firstly, the development of deep space exploration (not including the Moon) during the last few decades is summarized. Secondly, the development trend of different space countries and regions is analyzed. Then the experience and enlightenment of deep space exploration are briefly discussed. Some suggestions for China's future deep space exploration are given in the end.

China's Deep-space Exploration to 2030

Focusing on the key scientific questions of deep space exploration which include the origin and evolution of the solar system and its planets, disastrous impact on the Earth by the solar activities and small bodies, extraterrestrial life, this paper put forward a propose about the roadmap and scientific objectives of China's Deep-space Exploration before 2030.

Quantitative Prediction for Deep Mineral Exploration

On reviewing the characteristics of deep mineral exploration, this article elaborates on the necessity of employing quantitative prediction to reduce uncertainty. This is caused by complexity of mineral deposit formational environments and mineralization systems as increase of exploration depth and incompleteness of geo-information from limited direct observation. The authors wish to share the idea of ＂seeking difference＂ principle in addition to the ＂similar analogy＂ principle in deep mineral exploration, especially the focus is on the new ores in depth either in an area with discovered shallow mineral deposits or in new areas where there are no sufficient mineral deposit models to be compared. An on-going research project, involving Sn and Cu mineral deposit quantitative prediction in the Gejiu （个旧） area of Yunnan （云南） Province, China, was briefly introduced to demonstrate how the ＂three-component＂ （geoanomaly-mineralization diversity-mineral deposit spectrum） theory and non-linear methods series in conjunction with advanced GIS technology, can be applied in multi-scale and multi-task deep mineral prospecting and quantitative mineral resource assessment.

月球样品的中子活化分析技术研究

月球的起源是月球研究的核心问题。月球探测任务返回的数据和样品极大地提高了人类对地月系统的认知,同时也发现了更多未解之谜,亟待未来的探测任务和科学研究来解答。嫦娥五号月壤是我国首次地外天体采集返回的样品,也是继美国和苏联探月采样任务45年后人类再次获得的月球样品。鉴于月球样品的珍贵性和特殊性,利用先进技术开展其全元素含量的非破坏精准分析对于认识月球演化和月球资源就地开发利用具有重要的意义。依托大型核反应研究堆和加速器中子注量率优势,利用中子活化分析技术可实现月球样品中的全元素非破坏分析:1)仪器中子活化分析技术(INAA)可测量Na—U元素之间的60余种元素;2)瞬发γ中子活化分析技术(PGNAA)可补充测量INAA不适合测量的元素如H、B、C、N等;3)中子深度剖面分析技术(NDP)可测量样品近表面(微米级)聚变能源3He的浓度深度分布;4)缓发中子测量技术(DNC)可定量样品中痕量裂变核素如^(235)U和^(239)Pu,并结合INAA可测量238U/235U同位素比值;5)14 MeV快中子活化分析技术(FNAA)可测量INAA和PGNAA不灵敏或不适合测量的元素如O、Si、P等。因此,中子活化分析技术(NAA)可有效解决月球样品中全元素、非破坏和精准测量问题,为我国深空探测珍贵样品研究提供核分析技术支撑。

一种高效星载功率调节与配电单元设计与实现

文章结合深空探测供配电分系统任务特点,提出功率调节、配电、火工控制等多功能模块轻小型一体化设计的必要性。介绍了国外功率调节与配电单元的研究现状、国产功率调节与配电单元研制的意义,功率调节与配电单元组成及功能设计,并通过多母线融合设计、多路放电均流设计、单元集成化设计等关键技术,解决了深空探测器高可靠轻小型化功率调节与配电单元设计难题。在轨飞行结果表明:功率调节与配电单元功能正常,工作可靠,性能优良。功率调节与配电单元的国产化设计实现,可为其它航天器的设计提供参考和借鉴。

新时期航天器环境工程面临的挑战与机遇

空间事业的发展对航天器环境工程提出了新挑战,同时也为该专业技术进步和领域延展提供了难得的机遇。近10年来,伴随着载人航天、深空探测等一系列重大航天工程的顺利实施,中国航天器环境工程领域在诸多方面取得了长足进步。文章回顾了中国航天器环境工程的发展历程,围绕中国空间站长期运行、深空探测新任务、低轨巨型星座建设等提出的新需求,分析了航天器环境工程将面对的挑战和必须突破的关键技术。结合具体工作内容介绍了北京卫星环境工程研究所在LEO辐射环境在轨探测与数据应用、特殊空间环境效应与防护、火星探测器特殊力热环境试验技术和航天器产品环境试验ISO标准等方面取得的最新进展。在建设航天强国的过程中,航天器环境工程必将伴随着航天器整体技术的升级实现更高水平的跃迁。

地外样品的核分析技术研究进展

地外样品是目前能获取到的来自其他天体的最直接地质证据。研究地外样品的目的在于揭示太阳系及其所含天体的宏观与微观演化过程,并为行星与星际环境和星际移民与外星生命的可能性提供新的见解。地外样品成分的原位或地面实验室精细分析研究对于人类认识天体演化以及我国后续月球探测与资源就地开发利用具有重要的意义。鉴于地外样品的特殊和珍贵,通常优先选用非破坏分析方法对其开展研究。而核分析技术是在实验核物理和核化学基础上发展起来的一门新型学科,是利用粒子与物质的相互作用、辐射效应、核谱学和核效应等基本原理和实验的方法,比如中子活化分析、离子束分析以及X射线荧光光谱分析等,利用其非破坏性、灵敏度高、准确度好和多元素同时分析等优点,非常适合开展地外珍贵样品的分析研究。未来十年是我国深空探测的关键时期,其主要目标是加深对宇宙的认知、拓展人类的活动空间、探寻地外生命信息,并进一步揭示宇宙奥秘与生命起源、了解保护地球以及激发科学探索精神。核分析技术作为对样品无损分析的科学手段,其生命力在于与物理、化学、材料、医学、地质、环境等学科领域的高度融合。随着我国深空探测的发展需求,核分析技术将会在我国月球、小行星、火星等深空探测以及采集的珍贵样品分析中发挥重要的作用。

深空探测自主运行的一种可信性技术体系

未认知与不确定性是深空探测任务的基本特征.本文基于战略导向的体系化基础研究,建立了一种面向科学价值最大化的探测场景和以可靠性为核心技术基础的深空探测自主运行可信性技术体系.分析研究了深空探测场景下的可靠性概念;面向精确感知、最优计算、准确决策、快精准执行的目标要素,提出了深空探测自主运行的可信性体系框架以及“需求-认知-工程”总体技术架构;针对自主运行可信性的关键技术难点,开展了可靠性导向的多物理场、强耦合白盒建模,复杂网络故障传播机制分析,COTS元器件深空探测应用的高可靠保证,以及“模型+数据+知识”一体的融合机制分析等研究.对该技术体系的关键技术验证策略及其最小系统在卫星星座中的应用进行了验证,结果表明,所提出的技术体系具有较高的工程价值.

空间同位素热光伏转换技术研究现状

针对我国月球探测等深空任务在极端环境下对高效率、长寿命核电源发电技术的需求,基于热光伏转换技术效率高、静态工作稳定性好等技术特点,重点介绍了与通用标准热源GPHS相匹配的空间同位素热光伏式发电系统技术研究工作。结合未来可能的应用前景,调研了国际国内同位素热光伏发电领域的研究现状和最新进展,阐述了国内空间同位素热光伏转换发电技术研究的技术水平,力争为我国月球科研站等任务核电源新型发电技术的发展提供有益的参考。

ODS MA754合金传热界面接触热阻实验研究

鉴于ODS MA754合金传热界面的接触热阻参数对全固态堆芯空间反应堆系统的热量导出具有重要影响,研发和设计了高温高压接触热阻实验装置,测量了不同温度(20~800℃)、压力(0~80 MPa)、气体氛围(He、CO_(2))以及试件表面粗糙度(1.6、3.2μm)下ODS MA754合金传热界面的接触热阻,并基于测试获得的宽量程数据点,建立了ODS MA754合金的接触热阻数据库。实验结果表明:随着接触面温度和压力的升高,界面接触热阻降低,且热阻降低的速率逐渐减小;相较于表面粗糙度为1.6μm的试件,粗糙度为3.2μm试件表面的界面接触热阻明显偏大,实验得到的定量关系可为工程样件的加工粗糙度要求提供依据;He气氛下的接触热阻远小于CO_(2)气氛,在0.1 MPa、100℃工况下,He气氛接触热阻约为CO_(2)气氛接触热阻的1/4。该研究结果可为空间反应堆的热工设计提供数据参考。