An Improved HVQ Algorithm for Compression and Rendering of Space Environment Volume Data with Multi-correlated Variables

Volume visualization can not only illustrate overall distribution but also inner structure and it is an important approach for space environment research.Space environment simulation can produce several correlated variables at the same time.However,existing compressed volume rendering methods only consider reducing the redundant information in a single volume of a specific variable,not dealing with the redundant information among these variables.For space environment volume data with multi-correlated variables,based on the HVQ-1d method we propose a further improved HVQ method by compositing variable-specific levels to reduce the redundant information among these variables.The volume data associated with each variable is divided into disjoint blocks of size 43 initially.The blocks are represented as two levels,a mean level and a detail level.The variable-specific mean levels and detail levels are combined respectively to form a larger global mean level and a larger global detail level.To both global levels,a splitting based on a principal component analysis is applied to compute initial codebooks.Then,LBG algorithm is conducted for codebook refinement and quantization.We further take advantage of progressive rendering based on GPU for real-time interactive visualization.Our method has been tested along with HVQ and HVQ-1d on high-energy proton flux volume data,including>5,>10,>30 and>50 MeV integrated proton flux.The results of our experiments prove that the method proposed in this paper pays the least cost of quality at compression,achieves a higher decompression and rendering speed compared with HVQ and provides satisficed fidelity while ensuring interactive rendering speed.

Large-scale spatial data visualization method based on augmented reality

Background A task assigned to space exploration satellites involves detecting the physical environment within a certain space.However,space detection data are complex and abstract.These data are not conducive for researchers'visual perceptions of the evolution and interaction of events in the space environment.Methods A time-series dynamic data sampling method for large-scale space was proposed for sample detection data in space and time,and the corresponding relationships between data location features and other attribute features were established.A tone-mapping method based on statistical histogram equalization was proposed and applied to the final attribute feature data.The visualization process is optimized for rendering by merging materials,reducing the number of patches,and performing other operations.Results The results of sampling,feature extraction,and uniform visualization of the detection data of complex types,long duration spans,and uneven spatial distributions were obtained.The real-time visualization of large-scale spatial structures using augmented reality devices,particularly low-performance devices,was also investigated.Conclusions The proposed visualization system can reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of a large-scale space,express the structure and changes in the spatial environment using augmented reality,and assist in intuitively discovering spatial environmental events and evolutionary rules.

Nonlinear dynamics of flexible tethered satellite system subject to space environment

The paper studies the nonlinear dynamics of a flexible tethered satellite system subject to space environments, such as the J2 perturbation, the air drag force, the solar pressure, the heating effect, and the orbital eccentricity. The flexible tether is modeled as a series of lumped masses and viscoelastic dampers so that a finite multi- degree-of-freedom nonlinear system is obtained. The stability of equilibrium positions of the nonlinear system is then analyzed via a simplified two-degree-freedom model in an orbital reference frame. In-plane motions of the tethered satellite system are studied numerically, taking the space environments into account. A large number of numerical simulations show that the flexible tethered satellite system displays nonlinear dynamic characteristics, such as bifurcations, quasi-periodic oscillations, and chaotic motions.

Space luminous environment adaptability of missile-borne star sensor

To solve the problem of stray interference to star point target identification while a star sensor imaging to the sky, a study on space luminous environment adaptability of missile-borne star sensor was carried out. By Plank blackbody radiation law and some astronomic knowledge, irradiancies of the stray at the star sensor working height were estimated. By relative astrophysical and mathematics knowledge, included angles between the star sensor optical axis point and the stray at any moment were calculated. The calculation correctness was verified with the star map software of Stellarium. By combining the upper analysis with the baffle suppression effect, a real-time model for space luminous environment of missile-borne star sensor was proposed. By signal-noise rate （SNR） criterion, the adaptability of missile-borne star sensor to space luminous environment was studied. As an example, a certain type of star sensor was considered when imaging to the starry sky on June 22, 2011 （the Summer Solstice） and September 20, 2011 （August 23 of the lunar year, last quarter moon） in Beijing. The space luminous environment and the adaptability to it were simulated and analyzed at the star sensor working height. In each period of time, the stray suppression of the baffle is analyzed by comparing the calculated included angle between the star sensor optical axis point and the stray with the shielded provided by system index. When the included angle is larger than the shielded angle and less than 90~, the stray is restrained by the baffle. The stray effect on star point target identification is analyzed by comparing the irradiancy of 6 magnitude star with that of the stray on star sensor sensitization surface. When the irradiancy of 6 magnitude star is 5 times more than that of the stray, there is no effect on the star point target identification. The simulation results are identicat with the actual situation. The space luminous environment of the missile-borne star sensor can be estimated real-timely by this model. The adaptability of the star sensor to space luminous environment can be analyzed conveniently. A basis for determining the relative star sensor indexes, the navigation star chosen strategy and the missile launch window can be provided.

The Space Environment Monitors of Shenzhou Manned Spacecrafts

For the purpose of ensuring normal operations of Shenzhou (SZ) series of manned spacecrafts and cosmonauts' safety, Space Environment Monitors (SEM)are mounted on board SZ-2, 3, 4, 5. SEMs aim to detect the high energy particles, the low energy particles, charging potential, atmospheric desity and composition. Detection of SEMs enable us to understand better the space environment in the manned spacecraft's orbit, and to provide a good space environment services for the spacecraft and cosmonauts. In addition, by using the data from SEMs, we have achieved some scientific accomplishments, such as the energy spectra of precipitating electrons, the abnormal variety of atmospheric density and composition during geomagnetic disturbances, the electron angle distribution in the low orbit and so on.

LDPC Coding Scheme for Improving the Reliability of Multi-Level-Cell NAND Flash Memory in Radiation Environments

Utilizing commercial off-the-shelf(COTS) components in satellites has received much attention due to the low cost. However, commercial memories suffer severe reliability problems in radiation environments. This paper studies the low-density parity-check(LDPC) coding scheme for improving the reliability of multi-level-cell(MLC) NAND Flash memory in radiation environments. Firstly, based on existing physical experiment works, we introduce a new error model for heavyion irradiations; secondly, we explore the optimization of writing voltage allocation to maximize the capacity of the storage channel; thirdly, we design the degree distribution of LDPC codes that is specially suitable for the proposed model; finally, we propose a joint detection-decoding scheme based on LDPC codes, which estimates the storage channel state and executes an adaptive log-likelihood ratio(LLR) calculation to achieve better performance. Simulation results show that, compared with the conventional LDPC coding scheme, the proposed scheme may almost double the lifetime of the MLC NAND Flash memory in radiation environments.

A planetary perspective on Earth's space environment evolution

The planet Earth is an integrated system, in which its multi-spheres are coupled, from the space to the inner core. Whether the space environment in short to long terms has been controlled by the earth's interior process is contentious. In the past several decades,space weather and space climate have been extensively studied based on either observation data measured directly by man-made instruments or ancient data inferred indirectly from some historical medium of past thousands of years. The acquired knowledge greatly helps us to understand the dynamic processes in the space environment of modern Earth, which has a strong magnetic dipole and an oxygen-rich atmosphere. However, no data is available for ancient space weather and climate(>5 ka). Here, we propose to take the advantage of " space-diversity" to build a " generalized planetary space family", to reconcile the ancient space environment evolution of planet Earth from modern observations of other planets in our solar system. Such a method could also in turn give us a valuable insight into other planets' evolution.

Analysis of the Impact of Large Constellations on the Space Debris Environment and Countermeasures

Large constellations have developed rapidly in recent years because of their unique advantages, but they will inevitably have a major negative impact on the space debris environment, leading to its deterioration. The key to mitigate the impact is the success rate and duration of the post-mission disposal(PMD) process. Aiming at solving this problem, this paper further studies the impact of large constellations on other space assets under different PMD strategies through simulation, and proposes corresponding strategies and suggestions for mitigation.According to One Web’s large constellation launch plan, the dangerous intersection of the large constellation with existing space assets at different stages of the constellations life cycle is calculated by simulation. Based on this, the influence of the large constellation operation on existing space assets at different times and strategies of PMD is analyzed. The conclusion shows that in the PMD stage, large constellations have the greatest impact on existing space assets;the PMD duration and number of satellites performing PMD at the same time are key factors to the degree of negative impact. The faster the PMD is, the less threat it poses to other spacecraft. More results and conclusions are still being analyzed.

Chemical Classification of Space Debris

Space debris, here referring to all non-operating orbital objects, has steadily increased in number so that it has become a potential barrier to the exploration of space. The ever-increasing number of space debris pieces in space has created an increasingly threatening hazard to all on-the-orbit spacecraft, and all future space exploration activities have to be designed and operated with respect to the increasing threat posed by space debris. Generally, space debris is classified as large, medium and small debris pieces based on their sizes. The large debris piece is easily catalogued, but medium to small debris pieces are very difficult to track and also quite different in damage mechanisms from the large ones. In this paper, a scheme of chemical classification of space debris is developed. In our scheme, the first-order classification is employed to divide space debris into two groups: natural micrometeoroids and artificial space debris. The second-order classification is based on their chemical patterns and compositions. The natural micrometeoroids are further divided into three types, namely mafic, metal and phyllosilicate micrometeorites, while the artificial space debris is divided into seven types, which are polymers, non-metal debris, metals and their alloys, oxides, sulphides and their analogs, halides and carbides. Of the latter seven types, some can also be further divided into several sub-types. Chemical classification of space debris is very useful for the study of the chemical damage mechanism of small debris pieces, and also is of great significance in constraining the origin and source of space debris and assessing their impact on spacecraft and human space activities.

Progress of Materials Science in Space Technology in China(2020-2022)

In this paper,the main research work and related reports of materials science research in China’s space technology field during 2020-2022 are summarized.This paper covers Materials Sciences in Space Environment,Materials Sciences for Space Environment,Materials Behavior in Space Environment and Space experimental hardware for material investigation.With the rapid development of China’s space industry,more scientists will be involved in materials science,space technology and earth science researches.In the future,a series of disciplines such as space science,machinery,artificial intelligence,digital twin and big data will be further integrated with materials science,and space materials will also usher in new development opportunities.

Genomic and proteomic analysis of soybean heritable variations induced by space flight

To analyze the biological effects of space environment,the diversity of genomic DNA between the space flight soybean 194(4126) with phenotype of good yield and good fruit quality induced by space flight and the soybean with ground control was studied by amplified fragment length polymorphism(AFLP) method,and the polymorphism of space flight soybean 194(4126) was 3.56%.The differences of protein expression of seeds and leaves between the two kinds of soybeans were analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis,PDQuest software and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.Results show that the loss and decrease of protein expression in 194(4126) soybean are subjected to the space fight of seeds,and three special proteins including Dehydrin,MAT1 and ceQORH are identified.It is concluded that the space environment changes the phenotype and genotype of soybeans due to the space flight of seeds.

Development of High-energy Particle Detectors for Space Exploration

Space environment exploration is a hot topic globally.The scope of space exploration ranges from near-Earth space to the moon,other planets in the solar system,and even the heliosphere and interplanetary space.It is used for various crucial applications,including aerospace technology development,space weather research,understanding the origin and evolution of the universe,searching for extraterrestrial life,and finding human livable places.Although China’s space environment exploration started late,its progress has been rapid.China is gradually narrowing the gap with advanced countries and may eventually lead the world in space research.This article briefly reviews the development history of China’s space environmental detectors.

Physical properties of relativistic electron beam during long-range propagation in space plasma environment

It is known that ion channel can effectively limit the radial expansion of an artificial electron beam during its longrange propagation in the space plasma environment.Most prior studies discussed the focusing characteristics of the beam in the ion channel,but the establishment process and transient properties of the ion channel itself,which also plays a crucial role during the propagation of the relativistic electron beam in the plasma environment,were commonly neglected.In this study,a series of two-dimensional(2D)particle-in-cell simulations is performed and an analytical model of ion channel oscillation is constructed according to the single-particle motion.The results showed that when the beam density is higher than the density of plasma environment,ion channel can be established and always continues to oscillate periodically over the entire propagation.Multiple factors,including the beam electron density,initial beam radius,and the plasma density can affect the oscillation properties of ion channel.Axial velocity of the beam oscillates synchronously with the ion channel and this phenomenon will finally develop into a two-stream instability which can seriously affect the effective transport for relativistic electron beam.Choosing appropriate beam parameters based on various plasma environments may contribute to the improvement of the stability of ion channel.Additionally,radial expansion of the beam can be limited by ion channel and a stable long-range propagation in terrestrial atmosphere may be achieved.

Space Environment Measurements and Applications on the Tianhe Core Module of China Space Station

Tianhe Core Module of China Space Station(CSS)equips a set of instruments consisting of a Particle Fluxes and Solar Activity Detector(PFSAD)and two Atmospheric Density Multi-directional Detectors(ADMDs).The PFSAD is to measure X-rays from the Sun and energetic particles in the low-latitude and low altitude regions,including electrons,protons,and helium ions.The ADMDs are to measure thermospheric atmospheric density.The instruments provide real-time data of the orbital space environment,including solar flares,energetic particle variation and thermospheric density enhancement.All the data contribute to the CSS space weather service for mission control and astronaut’s safety.The paper gives preliminary analyses of the space environment measurements from the PFSAD and the ADMDs.By further analysis,the 1024-channel fine spectra of the solar X-ray can be used to study the mechanism of solar flares and their impacts on the Earth’s atmosphere.Data accumulation will be helpful for analyzing mid-term and long-term variations of the South Atlantic Anomaly and atmosphere density.Furthermore,the data are useful to calibrate previous empirical models and establish new models to study the space environment.

Space Environment Prediction for SZ-4 and SZ-5

The Space Environment Prediction Center (SEPC) of the Center for Space Science and Applied Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSSAR, CAS)took on the mission of offering the space environment parameters which may be of use to the safety of manned spacecraft. In order to complete the space environment safety guarantee mission for SZ-4 and SZ-5, SEPC improved the space environment monitoring system, database system, prediction result display system, prediction implementation system, etc. For guaranteeing the safety of the airship and cosmonaut in the first manned SZ-5, flying experiment mission,SEPC developed the software for analyzing radiation dose and early-warning software for large debris collision with SZ-5. Three months before the flights of SZ-4 and SZ-5, SEPC began to predict the safe launch period in view of the space environment, and offered timely and valid reference opinions for selecting the safety period. Especially during the mission of SZ-5, SEPC analyzed the space high-energy environment in a pre-arranged orbit and abnormal orbit andevaluated the radiation dose which cosmonauts may encounter in space. The evaluation offered an important reference for cosmonaut safety and decisionmaking in the SZ-5 mission. The calculation of the distribution of large debris and the collision risk assessment at different orbit entry times for SZ-5 provided an important base for the superior department to make flight decisions.

A Hygienic Survey of the Environment of Underground Space and Buildings

Full utilization of underground space and buildings could have positive economic and social effects. However, the microclimate and air quality must be well controlled so that they are not harmful to human health. This survey indicated that relative humidity is a common hygienic problem in underground space and buildings. Attention should be paid to humidity control and to the strengthening of routine ventilation at the construction stage. Carbon dioxide can be used as a hygiene index of air pollution; the sanitary standard for it in the air of underground buildings is 10%. The hygienic survey shows that the concentration of carbon dioxide is usually below this standard in the environments of underground space and buildings. (c)1989 Academic Press,Inc.

China Exported Space Environment Simulator to Russia

In the mid July, 2011, the GVU-600 space environment simulator developed by Bei-jing Institute of Spacecraft Environment Engineering of China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) under China

Satellite breakup behaviors and model under the hypervelocity impact and explosion:A review

The primary causes of satellite breakups are hypervelocity impact and explosion,the research on satellite breakup can be used not only to evaluate the influence of breakup event on the space environment,but also to trace whether the satellite has been deliberately attacked.It is of great significance in both civil and military aspects.The study of satellite breakup behaviors and model is reviewed to summarize the research progress and insufficiency in recent decades,including the satellite breakup experiment,measurement and characterization of fragments,distribution characteristics of breakup fragments,satellite breakup model,etc.The classical studies are introduced in detail,and the limitations of the current research are pointed out.According to the current research results,the contemporary challenges and future directions for satellite breakup study are presented.The research on satellite breakup is developing in two directions:the miniaturization of satellite size and the complexity of satellite component.The study on satellite breakup needs to be explored and deepened on improving the experimental launch speed,expanding the model application range and breakup revealing the results under combined effect of impact and explosion.

Origami multi-layer space shield for cylindrical space structure

The multidisciplinary space environment,encompassing orbital debris,cosmic radiation,and solar radiative heat,poses significant risks to spacecraft and astronauts,necessitating efficient and effective shielding solutions.A multi-layer shield with wide spacing has been proven to be an effective way to shield the spacecraft from space debris impact;however,due to the limited volume of the payload fairing,it was not feasible to apply a multi-layer shield to the spacecraft fuselage.Through the origami design,the shield maintains a compact form during launch and subsequently expands in outer space to enhance protection.Through geometric analysis,it has been confirmed that the deployable multi-layer space shield can occupy less space than conventional space shield structures while expanding into wider shield intervals and multiple layers.Through hypervelocity impact experiments,it was confirmed that as the bumper spacing of the multi-layer space shield expands,its ballistic performance becomes superior to conventional space structures.The deployable multi-layer space shield can reduce not only hypervelocity impacts but also solar radiative heat using the same mechanism as multi-layer insulation.Through cosmic radiation dose analysis,it has been confirmed that the multi-layer space shield is effective in cosmic radiation shielding compared to conventional space structures.

A Simulator for Producing of High Flux Atomic Oxygen Beam by Using ECR Plasma Source

In order to study the atomic oxygen corrosion of spacecraft materials in low earth orbit environment, an atomic oxygen simulator was established. In the simulator, a 2.45 GHz microwave source with maximum power of 600 W was launched into the circular cavity to generate ECR (electron cyclotron resonance) plasma. The oxygen ion beam moved onto a negatively biased Mo plate under the condition of symmetry magnetic mirror field confine, then was neutralized and reflected to form oxygen atom beam. The properties of plasma density, electron temperature, plasma space potential and ion incident energy were characterized. The atomic oxygen beam flux was calibrated by measuring the mass loss rate of Kapton during the atomic oxygen exposure. The test results show that the atomic oxygen beam with flux of 1016-1017 atoms-cm-2·s-1 and energy of 5-30 eV and a cross section of φ80 mm could be obtained under the operating pressure of 10-1-10-3 Pa. Such a high flux source can provide accelerated simulation tests of materials and coatings for space applications.