Space Mining Research Articles

Phase space reconstruction and self-attention convolutional neural network for sound source ranging with trial data

To improve the feature extraction ability of multipath signals and reduce the dependence on environmental information, this paper studies a method that combines multipath signal feature information mining and neural network in high-dimensional phase space instead of using the received complex acoustic pressure as the input of the neural network directly. Based on the phase space reconstruction (PSR) technology, we propose a hybrid model of the self-attention-based Transformer and convolutional neural network (CNN), named PSR-TransCNN. The covariance matrix of the reconstructed data is constructed as the input of the sparse auto-encoder (SAE). A transfer learning strategy is employed to obtain the optimal weight and offset value of SAE, which serve as the initial values of the PSR-TransCNN. Real-world experimental results demonstrate that the PSR-TransCNN significantly reduces the relative root mean square error (RMSE) by 0.006 compared with the matched field processing (MFP) method and exhibits outstanding generalization and practical application potential compared to other state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. The PSR-TransCNN achieves an RMSE of 0.046 and an accuracy of 88.75%, successfully classifying sound sources with unknown labels. The proposed method effectively reduces the multipath effects and addresses the mismatch issue in sound source ranging (SSR) within an unexplored ocean environment.

Mining in space could spur sustainable growth

Growth models with resources and environmental externalities typically assume that planet Earth is a closed economy. However, private firms like Blue Origin and SpaceX have reduced the cost of rocket launches by a factor of 20 over the last decade. What if these costs continue to decline, making mining from asteroids or the moon feasible? What would be the implications for economic growth and the environment? This paper provides stylized facts about cost trends, geology, and the environmental impact of mining on Earth and potentially in Space. We extend a neoclassical growth model to investigate the transition from mining on Earth to Space. We find that such a transition could potentially allow for continued growth of metal use, while limiting environmental and social costs on Earth. Acknowledging the high uncertainty around the topic, our paper provides a starting point for research on how Space mining could contribute to sustainable growth on Earth.

PROTECTION OF THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A PARADIGM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE LEGISLATION

Managing human activity in outer space requires a mixture of tools, including technology, economics, and law. Though technology and economics are of prime importance, the space sector needs a clear, coherent, and adequately granular regulatory environment that ensures its sustainable development and also serves sustainability on Earth. No doubt the law can be a tool for introducing sustainability into the space sector’s daily life. To serve as such, law should be almost as dynamic and agile as the space activity and space environment. The space law should not only be descriptive, but it should also address new concepts such as in-orbit servicing, asteroid mining, etc. By doing so, it should also embrace the technical aspects of space activities even if they are not mandatory by international law. The lawmakers, especially national legislators, must also not be afraid to tackle new areas. The primary duty of national governments is to enhance safety and minimize risk in all, traditional and emerging space ventures, both in material and financial contexts that do not only directly affect their citizens and their assets, but also the environment, which obviously serve the entire society in an inclusive way and on a long-term basis. The purpose of this paper is to provide a voice in the discussion on the concept of sustainable development of space activities and suitability of the existing space regulatory framework. In order to draw some conclusions, it seems necessary to analyse the notion of sustainability against the existing legal framework, so as to state whether it is still up to date in this respect and whether it may contribute to materializing the sustainable development of the space sector. In particular, it is interesting to consider whether the liability regime, including the notion of damage and prerequisites of claims for compensation as adopted in the Liability Convention may still serve its purpose and answer the needs of the shift in the priorities of space exploration. Finally, I intend to consider the possibility of drawing on principles from other branches of law, including in particular, environmental law and insurance law and practice, in order to build legal mechanisms to implement the demands of sustainable development of space. Thus, among other issues, the topic of space environmentalism as well as the coherence of space and earth sustainability instruments will be analysed.

ARTEMIS ACCORDS – A NEW ERA OF SPACE LAW OR AN INITIATIVE OF THE WORLD’S SUPERPOWER?

The article below addresses the Artemis Accords. It is a non-binding act by which its signatories adopted a set of principles for space exploration. Even though it is not an international treaty, it is a controversial issue. The author presents the Artemis Accords against the background of international agreements, soft-law and domestic regulations, aiming to answer the question of their revolutionary character and of them being an agreement between states that strive for a common goal. Firstly, the author presents the problem of space mining and the related possibilities. There are numerous benefits from this new branch of economy, but there is also a risk of global conflict on the ground of a race for space resources. After this, the author presents the state of affairs of international law and tries to draw crucial conclusions on the subject of space mining. The last part of the paper is devoted to an analysis of the Artemis Accords as a non-binding agreement between states and as a new platform which allows the launch of a new era of conquest of outer space. At the end the author presents his opinion on the Artemis Accords as an instrument of a new space policy of world’s superpower and its allies.

Fractal Study of the Development Law of Mining Cracks

Studying mining fracture development is vital for geotechnical and mining engineering and geological disaster prevention. This research assesses crack effects on rock mass stress equilibrium during coal mining, potentially causing geological disasters such as land subsidence and landslides. Using fractal geometry theory, the present study investigates the development of horizontal and vertical mining cracks, revealing their propagation patterns. The fractal dimension generally increases as the propulsion distance increases; however, fluctuations vary from 250 to 287.5 m, forming a wavering line chart. The proportion of mining fracture area relative to mining space area increases with greater propulsion distance, indicating expanded upward mining space due to separation layers. The horizontal distribution of mining cracks persists, while the vertical distribution decreases, suggesting ground subsidence results from upward transmission. The fastest increase in fractal dimension occurs at 87.5–100 m. At 250 m, it peaks at 1.4136, indicating complex crack structures. During propulsion, the fractal dimension decreases due to upward mining space expansion through overlying rock layer collapse, forming new cracks. The proportion of mining crack area to mining space area increases gradually throughout the mining process. The present study presents a simulation model for crack identification, noting limitations in identifying tiny cracks.

Comprehensive Gas Prevention and Control Technique for Mining the First Seam in Short-Distance Outburst Coal Seam Groups.

Coal and gas outbursts are a phenomenon whereby broken coal and gas suddenly erupt from the coal body into the mining space under pressure. The Diandong mining area is a group of close-range outburst coal seams in which the gas content is up to 20 m3/t and gas pressure can reach 3 MPa. Research has been conducted on engineering challenges such as advanced detection and prevention of interlayer excavation in close-range coal seam groups, improvement of gas extraction quality and efficiency in low-permeability coal seam groups, and traceability and evaluation of joint extraction of coal seam groups. Through this study, advanced detection technology with full coverage in front of the excavation working face has been constructed as well as advanced pre-extraction technology for adjacent coal seams and this coal seam in ultraclose layers. We have developed a method for achieving the standard of cross-layer fixed-point hole expansion and permeability enhancement for the first mining of coal seams in a coal seam group. A combined process of graded enhanced pre-extraction and segmented regulation and extraction was proposed, which included "fixed-point control section sealing pre-extraction of coal seam groups and secondary sealing and extraction of mining pressure relief orifice."

Spatial Structure Characteristics of Underground Reservoir Water Storage Space in Coal Mines Considering Shape Characteristics of Crushed Rock

In order to investigate the impact of a crushed rock shape on the storage coefficient of underground reservoirs in coal mines, statistical analysis of the shape characteristics of crushed rocks was conducted, which was followed by numerical packing tests using the rigid block model. These tests aimed to investigate the spatial structure characteristics of underground reservoir water storage space in coal mines under the influence of different shapes of crushed rock. The results demonstrated the following: (1) Crushed rock exhibits a lognormal distribution in its shape characteristic parameters at different scales with a predominant discoid shape. The shape coefficient M can be utilized as a comprehensive indicator to characterize the shape characteristics of crushed rock. (2) The average storage coefficient of crushed rock increases exponentially as the shape coefficient M increases. There is a 50.1% increase in the storage coefficient from M = 1 to 3.5. (3) The spatial structure of the water storage space exhibits self-similarity, and both the void fractal dimension and the void boundary fractal dimension increase with an increase in the shape coefficient M. (4) When comparing the non-spherical particle system with the spherical particle system, it is observed that the spherical particle system has smaller water storage space, lower connectivity among voids, and more irregular void space. In the non-spherical particle system, the water storage space becomes larger as the shape of crushed rock becomes more irregular, resulting in more irregular void space. However, there is no significant effect on void connectivity.

Aspects of the utilization for the technogenic territory of coal enterprises

Purpose. To perform an analysis of domestic and world experience in the implementation of technologies for the utilization of man-made territories of closed coal enterprises after the completion of their operation. Methods. To achieve the purpose, the authors, based on the analysis of scientific research literature concerning the directions of creation the production capacities after the completion of the mines functioning, proposed technologies for the formation of enterprises for the utilization of man-made territories and their further use. Results. The expediency and regularity of creating mining energy-chemical complexes (MEChC) based on closed coal enterprises for the disposal of pollution, secondary resources and energy in man-made territories is substantiated. This will contribute to the acquisition of ecologically clean land area, the use of underground resources, as well as the production of energy and chemical products that meet the needs of the industrial market. Originality. Consists in the systematization and scientific justification of the implementation of technologies for the use of man-made space in closed mines. The main regularities of the scientific means of studying the processes of adaptation of such processes in the mechanical preparation, processing, and energy utilization of secondary raw materials as part of the implementation of MEChCto the real conditions of the underground and surface space of the closed coal mining enterprise are highlighted. Practical implication. Development and establishment of the main technological aspects of the formation of a mining energy-chemical complex with the provision of stable utilization of man-made and energy space of coal mines with the obtaining of usable territories, fuel, technical industrial gases, thermal and electrical energy, and chemical products.

Asteroid Mining Evaluation Model Based on AHP and TOPSIS

It is assumed that future mining trips to asteroids will be possible and that humans will be able to bring valuable minerals back to Earth for investment at a relatively safe cost. Therefore, it is important to explore the impact of asteroid mining on global equity.First，we first used hierarchical analysis to determine the weights using five indicators: military, economic, scientific research, social, and environmental. Then the five superior indicators were subdi-vided into 20 inferior indicators, and the data from each national statistical office were used to score the strength of the eight countries using the TOPSIS method based on entropy weighting, while cluster analysis of the data was performed to verify that our model was better.

Synergetic Theory of Information Entropy Based on Failure Approach Index for Stability Analysis of Surrounding Rock System.

It is generally acknowledged that the stability evaluation of surrounding rock denotes nonlinear complex system engineering. In order to accurately and quantitatively assess the safety states of surrounding rock and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of surrounding rock stability, the analysis method of the synergetic theory of information entropy using the failure approach index has been proposed. By means of deriving the general relationship between the total two-dimensional plastic shear strain and the total three-dimensional plastic shear strain and obtaining the numerical limit analysis step of the plastic shear strain, the threshold value of the ultimate plastic shear strain can be determined, which has provided the key criterion for the calculation of the information entropy based on the failure approach index. In addition, combining with the synergetic theory of the principle of maximum information entropy, the evolution equation of the excavation step and information entropy based on the failure approach index of the surrounding rock system in underground mining space are established, and the equations of the general solution and particular solution as well as the expression of the destabilizing excavation step are given. To account for this, the method is applied to analyze the failure states of the floor surrounding rock after the mining of the 71 coal seam in Xutuan Coal Mine and involve the disturbance effect and stability control method of the underlying 72 coal seam roof from the macroscopic and microscopic aspects. Consequently, the validity of the analysis method of synergetic theory of information entropy based on the failure approach index has been verified, which presents an updated approach for the stability evaluation of surrounding rock systems that is of satisfactory capability and value in engineering applications.

The Past, Present and Future of UK Human Spaceflight

This paper provides a broad review of the UK’s interest in human spaceflight (HSF), covering its past, present and possible future. It looks at the origins of the national interest, starting with the British science fiction “visionaries” HG Wells and AC Clarke from the early 1900s. Considering what might have been if governments had more fully invested in UK HSF activity during the 1960-80s, it notes that despite a positive cultural enthusiasm the UK appears to have been held back by institutional scepticism and a lack of government financial commitment - this attitude strongly contrasted with that of other developed nations, particularly Germany, France and Italy. Following a sudden reversal of government policy for human space activity post-2008, a deeper HSF involvement by the UK now seems achievable, depending on sufficient funding - ESA’s 2022 selection of three new British astronaut candidates is a very positive step-forward. The paper broadly considers the opportunities via the combination of human and robotic exploration (HRE) with direct microgravity research on the ISS and the forthcoming private space labs in LEO, plus participation in NASA-led “Artemis” lunar exploration. The latter could involve applied UK space industry initiatives, possibly including lunar navigation and communications satellite construction, Gateway space-station services, plus potential nuclear power sources for a future Moonbase. Space-based solar power with HSF support, expanding space tourism activity, then the future exploration of the Moon and Mars may then be followed by ISRU exploitation and commercial space mining. The paper concludes with a revue of the importance and need for HSF for space research and exploration, it’s “value for money”, potential long-term futures and the contribution HSF makes to the “Big History” of humanity as a space-faring species. Keywords: Astronauts, Human spaceflight (HSF), Arthur C Clarke, European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency, Tim Peake, Artemis, SUSIE, ISS, Orion, Argonaut, Moonbase, World History

Conceptual Design of Near-Earth Asteroid Mining and Utilization of Potential Resources

Asteroid mining represents a groundbreaking endeavor with the potential to revolutionize resource acquisition and pave the way for sustainable space exploration. This conceptual research paper explores the scientific and technological aspects of asteroid mining, focusing on its feasibility, potential benefits, and challenges. By analyzing existing missions, advancements in robotics and spacecraft technologies, and resource prospecting techniques, this paper aims to shed light on the transformative impact of asteroid mining on resource sustainability and the future of space exploration.

Asteroid Mining research based on the Global Equity Evaluation Model

With the aggravation of the imbalance in world development, people pay more and more attention to global equity. In general, global equity means that the fruits of development are shared by all mankind, and the development gap between countries is reasonable, so that people of all countries can enjoy stability and happiness. Based on the principle of global equity, this paper further studies the problem of asteroid mining. First, we established a global equity evaluation model (two-level) model, which calculates development indicators from economic, scientific and technological, cultural, social and other aspects, and uses analytic hierarchical process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EWM) to determine the dimensions and weight of indicators. We then describe our vision for asteroid mining. Based on the premise that asteroid mining is managed by a unified department, an asteroid mining allocation model (three-level) is established, using the ARIMA model to predict the data, using AHP and EWM to define the weights to reflect the impact of mining on global equity. In the end, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our models, leaving room for further studies.

A study of Global Equity based on AHP & EW Multi-attribute Decision Model

With the shortage of Earth's resources, asteroid mining has received much attention. However, there is no specific policy to address the impact of asteroid mining on global equity, so this paper proposes a targeted mathematical modeling solution-AHP&EM multi-attribute decision model. First, this paper calculates the weights of these different aspects in the model using entropy weights (EW) and hierarchical analysis (AHP), successfully constructs a global stock valuation model, and finds that the global stock index is gradually improving. In addition, this paper designs a scoring model and evaluates the optimal solution using the Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy operator (PFHS) and concludes that the agency model is most beneficial to the growth of the global equity index, while the equity system and tax planning are most suitable for the current model and most beneficial to the global equity.

Outer Space Commercial Mining: Ownership Rights and Contemporary Legal Issues

Prior to the beginning of the Cold War, exploration of outer space by explorers was majorly for scientific discoveries of new planets. But as time went by, governments and private entities began to explore further for natural resources that could be beneficial to the existence of man on earth. Such minerals that could be found in asteroids include iron, iridium, nickel, magnesium, gold, platinum, and palladium, among others. Although every nation of the world is believed to have equal right to outer space and the resources discovered therein, the commercialisation of space mining activities have seemingly restricted the control of these resources to world leading governments such as, the United State, China, Russia, Japan, France and some private enterprises who have the financial power for such activities. The goal of the article was to examine commercialisation, property rights and contemporary legal issues concerning outer space mining. Can private or non-governmental entities operate in the outer space without governmental authorisation and continuing supervision? How best could ensuing space mining disputes and environmental concerns be addressed? Doctrinal research method was adopted for this study to discuss fundamental issues and resolve questions raised by the article. This entailed the examination of available literature in the area plus existing international and domestic laws regulating outer space mining activities in order to give in-depth analysis of the subject matter and to support the position reached in the article. In concluding the article, the authors proffered some suggestions on the identified contemporary issues.

AdaBoost-driven multi-parameter real-time warning of rock burst risk in coal mines

The stope dynamic disaster, which occurs around the mining space and is represented by stress-type rock burst and fracture-type rock burst, seriously affects the safety production of coal mine. How to effectively forewarn rock burst risk to reduce the disaster caused by rock burst is an urgent problem to be solved in stope. In this paper, the spatiotemporal parameters that affect the occurrence of stope dynamic disaster are collected, and the big data of stope state is established. Due to the complex temporal and spatial parameters of rock bursts with different intensities occurrence and their varying degrees, it is difficult for some machine learning methods to excavate their internal relationships and make accurate warning. In this paper, (1) a big data platform is used to record and integrate the multiple parameters of stope dynamic disaster, and data preprocessing technology is used to de-noise and standardize them. (2) Based on the fused historical data, a strong classifier is iteratively found by the classification algorithm AdaBoost to identify the existence of the rock burst risk, so as to achieve the purpose of accurately and timely warning of rock burst risk. The research of this paper uses big data mining technology and machine learning method to carry out intelligent perception warning of the rock burst risk in real time. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a good effect and is of great significance to the prevention and control of rock burst disaster in stope.

Asteroid Mining Tax as a Tool to Keep Peace in Outer Space

At first glance, taxing mining in outer space may seem like a marginal issue. However, based on the experience of taxation on Earth, it will be a prerequisite for ensuring peace in outer space.The aim of this study is therefore to propose a way of taxing asteroid mining to eliminate economic inequalities between states on Earth and to reduce the future threat of space colonies and extra-terrestrials claiming asset-based benefits.The study proposes the institution of a tax administrator to oversee taxation as appropriate. At the same time, a procedure has been proposed for determining the tax base using normal prices for specific commodities.An important prerequisite for fair and sustainable taxation is the determination of the optimal tax rate. A progressive tax rate has been proposed that takes into account future developments in space mining. The proposal is divided into three stages to take into account potential collaboration with space colonies and possible clashes with alien civilizations.

An Analysis of the Channels for Accessing Economic Benefits in the Commons Governance Regime of Space Resources

On September 22, 2022, the world’s first transaction on space resources took place, highlighting the need for an international space mining regime. Although outer space is often considered global commons, there is a concern that the commons governance regime may hinder the commercial use of space resources. The current research does not provide an in-depth analysis of the incentive mechanism under the global commons governance regime, let alone the economic incentive mechanism. This paper explores how to construct the channels for accessing economic benefits in the commons governance regime of space resources. The channels will constitute a critical incentive mechanism for the regime, and they should conform to two principles closely related to the commons and incentives: the common benefit principle contained in international law and the 2B principle proposed by Ostrom. This paper summarizes the basic types of channels and their combinations and finds that the channels and their combinations in previous studies and the latest international instruments do not fully meet the requirements of the two principles. Based on the principles, this paper puts forward a new proposal, which integrates four existing channels and one new channel. Compared with previous research, the proposal suggested in this article has advantages in the following aspects: promoting the realization of the two principles, incentivizing diverse countries to accept commons governance of space resources, and encouraging space cooperation between spacefaring nations and non-spacefaring nations.

Legality of Ownership of Asteroid Mining Results in Space Based on International Law Arrangements

Asteroid mining is a proposed solution for mining elements that are commonly obtained from conventional mining as we know it today. However, until now there are no Indonesian laws and regulations, nor international agreements that directly regulate what rights miners of space resources will have. Without certainty about what property rights exist in extracted resources, the incentives to extract these resources will be greatly reduced. The research method in this journal uses a statutory approach, examining the statutory regulations concerned with the legal issues raised, and a conceptual approach, namely an approach based on legal concepts related to the legal issues at issue. Based on the facts found, it can be concluded that the concept of property rights exists and is recognized in the space law regime, even in the absence of territorial rights over celestial bodies, although its application to resource extraction remains a contentious issue.

Asteroid Mining in a Global Equitable Environmente

With the advancement of human technology and the continuous development of society, asteroid mining has entered people’s field of vision. In order to better solve a series of problems caused by asteroid mining, firstly, we use the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to explain what global equity is, and create a global equity model using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Secondly, we establish a linear model and demonstrate the economic feasibility of this model by introducing data. Finally, we build an elastic demand curve model and a Quantitative model of financial investment papers to vary the amount of mined and the allocation rate of mined ore in the asteroid mining sector, respectively, to analyze their impact on global equity.