Computed Tidal Relativistic Red-Shifts of Frequency Standards on Earth and in Space Stations

Frequencies of frequency standards are shifted by the local static gravity red shifts and also modulated by the tidal relativistic red shifts. We compute the tidal relativistic red shifts using a time-domain method and present the numerical results for the National Institute of Metrology （NIM） in Beijing, Laboratoire National de Metrologie et Essais-Systeme de References Temps-Espaee （LNE-SYRTE） in Paris and Physikalisch-Teehnische Bundesanstalt （PTB） in Braunschweig. The differences of the tidal relativistic red shift approach as large as 1.1 × 10^-16 when frequency standards at NIM are compared with those at SYRTE and PTB. Moreover, the tidal relativistic red shifts of frequency standards in space stations are also computed.

A review of the influencing factors on teleseismic traveltime tomography

Teleseismic traveltime tomography is an important tool for investigating the crust and mantle structure of the Earth.The imaging quality of teleseismic traveltime tomography is affected by many factors,such as mantle heterogeneities,source uncertainties and random noise.Many previous studies have investigated these factors separately.An integral study of these factors is absent.To provide some guidelines for teleseismic traveltime tomography,we discussed four main influencing factors:the method for measuring relative traveltime differences,the presence of mantle heterogeneities outside the imaging domain,station spacing and uncertainties in teleseismic event hypocenters.Four conclusions can be drawn based on our analysis.(1)Comparing two methods,i.e.,measuring the traveltime difference between two adjacent stations(M1)and subtracting the average traveltime of all stations from the traveltime of one station(M2),reveals that both M1 and M2 can well image the main structures;while M1 is able to achieve a slightly higher resolution than M2;M2 has the advantage of imaging long wavelength structures.In practical teleseismic traveltime tomography,better tomography results can be achieved by a two-step inversion method.(2)Global mantle heterogeneities can cause large traveltime residuals(up to about 0.55 s),which leads to evident imaging artifacts.(3)The tomographic accuracy and resolution of M1 decrease with increasing station spacing when measuring the relative traveltime difference between two adjacent stations.(4)The traveltime anomalies caused by the source uncertainties are generally less than 0.2 s,and the impact of source uncertainties is negligible.

Energy conversion materials for the space solar power station

Since it was first proposed,the space solar power station(SSPS)has attracted great attention all over the world;it is a huge space system and provides energy for Earth.Although several schemes and abundant studies on the SSPS have been proposed and conducted,it is still not realized.The reason why SSPS is still an idea is not only because it is a giant and complex project,but also due to the requirement for various excellent space materials.Among the diverse required materials,we believe energy materials are the most important.Herein,we review the space energy conversion materials for the SSPS.

Monte Carlo calculation of the exposure of Chinese female astronauts to earth’s trapped radiation on board the Chinese Space Station

With the development of China’s crewed space mission,the space radiation risk for astronauts is increasingly prominent.This paper describes a simulation of the radiation doses experienced by a Chinese female voxel phantom on board the Chinese Space Station(CSS)performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle(MCNP)software.The absorbed dose,equivalent dose,and effective dose experienced by the voxel phantom and its critical organs are discussed for different levels of shielding of the Tianhe core module.The risk of space-radiation exposure is then assessed by comparing these doses with the current risk limits in China(the skin dose limit for short-term low-earth-orbit missions)and the NASA figures(National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No.98)for female astronauts.The results obtained can be used to guide and optimize the radiation protection provided for manned space missions.

Science Research and Utilization Planning of China’s Space Station in Operation Period 2022–2032

The core module of China’s Space Station(CSS)is scheduled to be launched around the end of 2020,and the experimental module I and II will be launched in the next two years.After on-orbit constructions,CSS will be transferred into an operation period over 10 years(2022–2032 and beyond)to continuously implement space science missions.At present,based on the project selection and research work in the ground development period of CSS,China is systematically making a utilization mission planning for the operation period,which focuses on the fields of aerospace medicine and human research,space life science and biotechnology,microgravity fluid physics,combustion science,materials science,fundamental physics,space astronomy and astrophysics,Earth science,space physics and space environment,space application technology,etc.In combination with the latest development trend of space science and technology,China will continue to update planning for science research and technology development,carry out project cultivation,payload R&D,and upgrade onboard and ground experiment supporting systems to achieve greater comprehensive benefits in science,technology,economy,and society。

Recent Progress in Space Science and Applications of China’s Space Station in 2020-2022

China scheduled to complete the assembly of the T-shaped Tiangong Space Station in 2022,and will enter a new stage of utilization.There are more than 20 experiment racks inside the modules,and more than 50 external onboard payloads mounting spaces,which will support large-scale science and technology experiments during the operation.The development of internal experiment racks and external research accommodations approved during the construction has been completed,of which 4 racks in Tianhe core module,including High Microgravity Level research Rack(HMLR)and Container-less Materials Processing Rack(CMPR),have finished on-orbit tests;while other racks in Wentian and Mengtian experiment modules are under comprehensive ground tests.The Chinese Space Survey Telescope(CSST)has advanced much in the last two years with 24 pre-launch research projects funded and 4 joint science center built in preparation for CSST’s future scientific observations and operations.The systematic research planning for China’s Space Station(CSS)during 2022-2032 is updated with the researches classified into four important areas:space life sciences and human research,microgravity physical sciences,space astronomy and Earth science,and new space technologies and applications.According to the planning,more than 1000 experiments are expected to perform in CSS during the operating period.Overall,the CSS utilization missions are proceeding as planned,which will contribute to the major scientific or application output and have a positive impact on the quality of life on Earth.

Space station short-term mission planning using ontology modelling and time iteration

This paper studies the problem of the space station short-term mission planning, which aims to allocate the executing time of missions effectively, schedule the corresponding resources reasonably and arrange the time of the astronauts properly. A domain model is developed by using the ontology theory to describe the concepts, constraints and relations of the planning domain formally, abstractly and normatively. A method based on time iteration is adopted to solve the short-term planning problem. Meanwhile, the resolving strategies are proposed to resolve different kinds of conflicts induced by the constraints of power, heat, resource, astronaut and relationship. The proposed approach is evaluated in a test case with fifteen missions, thirteen resources and three astronauts. The results show that the developed domain ontology model is reasonable, and the time iteration method using the proposed resolving strategies can successfully obtain the plan satisfying all considered constraints.

Surface Charging Controlling of the Chinese Space Station with Hollow Cathode Plasma Contactor

A highly charged manned spacecraft threatens the life of an astronaut and extravehicular activity, which can be effectively reduced by controlling the spacecraft surface charging. In this article, the controlling of surface charging on Chinese Space Station （CSS） is investigated, and a method to reduce the negative potential to the CSS is the emission electron with a hollow cathode plasma eontactor. The analysis is obtained that the high voltage （HV） solar array of the CSS collecting electron current can reach 4.5 A, which can be eliminated by emitting an adequate electron current on the CSS. The theoretical analysis and experimental results are addressed, when the minimum xenon flow rate of the hollow cathode is 4.0 sccm, the emission electron current can neutralize the collected electron current, which ensures that the potential of the CSS can be controlled in a range of less than 21 V, satisfied with safety voltage. The results can provide a significant reference value to define a flow rate to the potential controlling programme for CSS.

Two suggested configurations for the Chinese space telescope

China will establish a 2-meter space-based astronomical telescope. Its main science goals are performing a sky survey for research about dark matter and dark energy, and high resolution observations. Some experts suggest that this space telescope should be installed inside the Chinese space station. In accord with this suggestion we put forward our first configuration, i.e., to adopt a coude system for this telescope. This coude system comes from the Chinese 2.16 m telescope＇s coude system, which includes a relay mirror so that excellent image quality can be obtained. In our second configuration, we suggest that the whole space telescope fly freely as an independent satellite outside the space station. When it needs servicing, for example, changing in- struments, refilling refrigerant or propellant, etc., this space telescope can fly near or even dock with the core space station. Although some space stations have had accom- panying satellites, the one we propose is a space telescope that will be much larger than other accompanying satellites in terms of weight and volume. On the basis of the second configuration, we also put forward the following idea： the space station can be composed of several large independent modules if necessary.

Progress Update in Space Cell Mechano-biological Coupling

Recent progresses in 2018–2019 from space experiments onboard SJ-10 recoverable satellite and on parabolic flight were summarized,mainly focusing on cell mechano-biological coupling under microgravity.In the meantime,technical pre-research and experimental system design for the biomechanics research platform on China Space Station was carried out and updated.

Space Astronomy

This chapter reports the recent progress on the space astronomy missions of China,including the following missions:currently operating in orbit,e.g.,DAMPE,Insight-HXMT,GECAM,Polar Light,GRID and Lobster-eye X-ray Satellite;approved and under development for launch in the next a couple of years,e.g.,SVOM and EP;planned experiments to be onboard China’s Space Station in the next several years,e.g.,CSST,HERD,POLAR-2,DIXE and Ly RIC;candidate missions that have passed the first round of review of Strategy Priority Program on space science(Ⅲ)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,e.g.,eXTP,DAMPE-2,Earth 2.0,DSL and CHES.

Progress of Space Medicine Research in China

With the approaching of the Chinese Space Station(CSS)era,the focus of space medicine applications and related research has shifted to addressing the astronauts’health support in long-duration spaceflights,including nutrition,countermeasure against the physiological effects of weightlessness,medical monitoring and support,psychology status,etc.,and accordingly the human experiments to simulate long-duration weightlessness have been carried out.Increasingly,basic research has been put forward in the key areas,such as space bone loss,cardiovascular dysfunction and the molecular mechanisms underlying radiobiological effects.Moreover,specific novel research fields,such as hypometabolism technology,were explored.The research projects in the field of space medicine experiment,as an important aspect of the Chinese Space Station’s application,have been officially approved and launched.

Recent Progress of Microgravity Science Research in China

Microgravity science is an important branch of space science.Its major objective is to study the laws of materials movement in microgravity,as well as to reveal the influence of gravity on the movement of materials in different gravity environments.Application researches relevant to these basic studies are also important contents of microgravity science.The advanced subjects,to some extent,reflect the ability of human beings to understand nature and the R&D level in this field in various countries.In this paper,the recent progress and the latest achievements of microgravity science and application researches in China aboard space platforms such as the Core Capsule Tianhe of the China Space Station(CSS)and satellites,as well as utilizing ground-based short-term microgravity facilities such as the Drop Tower Beijing and TUFF,are summarized,which cover the following sub-disciplines:microgravity fluid physics,microgravity combustion science,space materials science,space fundamental physics,space bio-technology,and relevant space technology applications.

Multi-Layer and Multi-Objective Optimization Design of Supporting Structure of Large-Scale Spherical Solar Concentrator for the Space Solar Power Station

Space solar power station is a novel renewable energy equipment in space to provide the earth with abundant and continuous power.The Orb-shaped Membrane Energy Gathering Array,one of the alternative construction schemes in China,is promising for collecting space sunlight with a large-scale spherical concentrator.Both the structural and optical performances such as root mean square deformation,natural frequency,system mass,and sunlight blocking rate have significant influences on the system property of the concentrator.Considering the comprehensive performance of structure and optic,this paper proposes a novel mesh grid based on normal polyhedron projection and spherical arc bisection for the supporting structure to deal with the challenge of the large-scale structural modular design.For both achieving low system mass and high surface precision,a multilayer and multi-objective optimization model is proposed by classifying the supporting structure into different categories and optimizing their internal and external diameters.The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is adopted to find optimal sectional dimensions of the different kinds of supporting structure.The infinite model is also established and structural analysis is carried out,which are expected to provide a certain reference for the subsequent detailed structural design.The numerical results indicate that the spherical concentrator designed by the novel mesh grid would obtain as high as 94.37%sunlight collection efficiency.The supporting structure constructed with the multiple layers would reduce the system quality by 6.92%,sunlight blocking rate by 28.54%,maximum deformation by 41.50%,and root mean square by 9.48%to the traditional single layer,respectively.

Artistic Space Design of Subway Station Based on Regional Characteristics

On the basis of existing problems in the spatial design of subway station, this paper explored the principles that regional culture involves in the artistic space design of subway station; based on the analysis of three main design sections and site cases-spatial interface, public art and color, the paper also discussed the artistic application and design embodiment of regional culture characteristics reflected in every element of subway station space design, so as to provide a consolidated design example for subway station space design featuring regional characteristics in the future.

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.

中国空间站关键技术及在轨验证概述

Tiangong space station is a space station independently designed and developed by China.In order to build and operate the space station,it was necessary to make breakthroughs in many fields and master several key technologies,which were characterized over a long technological span and underwent difficult verifications.Therefore,in addition to ground verification,on-orbit flight tests of key technologies for the assembly,construction and operation of the space station were planned to be conducted used by the core module,taking into account the differences in the gravity environment between space and the Earth,in order to lay a foundation for the subsequent comprehensive assembly,construction and long-term on-orbit operation of the space station.In this paper,the mission characteristics of the space station are briefly introduced,along with the key technologies for the assembly and construction of the space station,and then the on-orbit verification tests are comprehensively introduced.

适应空间站任务的高可靠长征二号F运载火箭

As China’s only manned launch vehicle,the LM-2 F Launch vehicle successfully launched the Shenzhou 12 manned spacecraft into its predetermined orbit on June 12,2021,signifying the successful completion of the first manned launch mission in the construction and key technology test stage of China Space Station(CSS).From the launch of the Shenzhou 11 manned spacecraft on October 12,2016 to the launch of Shenzhou 12 in 2021,over the past five years,the LM-2 F launch vehicle has been continuously improved in terms of product reliability through technological innovation and design improvement,and its flight reliability index has increased from 0.97 to 0.98.Based on the new launch mission requirements for the construction stage of CSS,this paper introduces the technological innovation and reliability improvement methods of the LM-2 F from the aspects of design improvement,research methods and process optimization.The LM-2 F launch vehicle will make greater contributions in supporting the construction of CSS with higher reliability and perfect launch success rate.

Planning for China's Manned Space Station Announced

The fourth CAST Space Technology Forum was held on November 29, 2012 with the theme of Progress of China's Manned Space Station Project. Scientists, experts and government officials gathered to discuss the scheme, technical issues of the project, which consists of thirteen systems. CASC is in charge of the construction of seven systems through its subsidiaries. CALT is assigned to the building of LM-2F, LM-5 and LM-7 launch vehicles and CAST is assigned to the R&D of a space laboratory,

Momentum filtering scheme of cooling atomic clouds for the Chinese Space Station

To obtain cold atom samples with temperatures lower than 100 pK in the cold atom physics rack experiment of the Chinese Space Station,we propose to use the momentum filtering method for deep cooling of atoms.This paper introduces the experimental results of the momentum filtering method verified by our ground testing system.In the experiment,we designed a specific experimental sequence of standing-wave light pulses to control the temperature,atomic number,and size of the atomic cloud.The results show that the momentum filter can effectively and conveniently reduce the temperature of the atomic cloud and the energy of Bose–Einstein condensation,and can be flexibly combined with other cooling methods to enhance the cooling effect.This work provides a method for the atomic cooling scheme of the ultra-cold atomic system on the ground and on the space station,and shows a way of deep cooling atoms.