Exploration Of near-Earth Space Research Articles

Производство ракетно-космической техники за пределами атмосферы Земли

Further exploration of near-Earth space, the Moon and near space may require the creation of large-sized one-piece monococks as the basis for the construction of residential, production, scientifi c modules and cargo platforms. The patented in Russia method of manufacturing large-sized one-piece monococks will allow to carry out their production in open space for the fi rst time. Only work material will need to be transported from Earth.

An Experimental Study on Triaxial Compression Tests and Cone Penetration Tests in Planetary Regolith Simulant under Low Gravity Fields

Abstract Lunar exploration projects aiming to develop space exploration of mineral resources outside of Earth have been relaunched recently by many countries together with commercial partnerships. The fundamental understanding of the mechanisms related to the low gravity fields and specific planetary regolith is therefore the key to further plans for site investigation, resource utilization, and outpost construction. The triaxial compression test is a conventional method for measurements of mechanical properties of various granular materials, whereas the cone penetration test (CPT) could serve as an effective in situ tool for site investigation in deep space exploration. In this article, the geotechnical magneto-gravity model testing method is adopted to conduct triaxial tests and CPTs in a type of magnetic regolith simulant, under various low gravity fields. Triaxial testing data indicate the influence of g-level on both stress–strain curves and shear strength characteristics, as well as the independence of critical-state indexes at failure. The interpretation of CPT data under low gravity fields is then investigated, showing that the correlations between soil properties and CPT measurements require modifications for the application of in situ tests in the near-earth space exploration. The findings of this study provide some insights into the mechanics under various gravity-induced stress gradients and potentially contribute to further developments on surface excavation, base construction, and resource exploitation.

EFFECTS ON THE IONOSPHERE DUE TO PHENOMENA OCCURRING BELOW IT

The terrestrial thermosphere and ionosphere form the most variable part of theEarth's atmosphere. Because our society depends on technological systems thatcan be affected by thermospheric and ionospheric phenomena, understanding,monitoring and ultimately forecasting the changes of the thermosphere–ionosphere system are of crucial importance to communications, navigation and the exploration of near-Earth space. The reason for the extreme variability of the thermosphere–ionosphere system isits rapid response to external forcing from various sources, i.e., thesolar ionizing flux, energetic charged particles and electric fields imposed via the interaction between the solar wind, magnetosphere and ionosphere, as well as coupling from below (“meteorological influences”) by the upward propagating, broad spectrum,internal atmospheric waves (planetary waves, tides, gravity waves) generated in thestratosphere and troposphere. Thunderstorms, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes andeven seismological events may also have observable consequences in the ionosphere.The release of trace gases due to human activity have the potential to cause changes inthe lower and the upper atmosphere.A brief overview is presented concerning the discoveries and experimentalresults that have confirmed that the ionosphere is subject to meteorologicalcontrol (especially for geomagnetic quiet conditions and for middle latitudes).D-region aeronomy, the winter anomaly of radiowave absorption, wave-liketravelling ionospheric disturbances, the non-zonality and regional peculiaritiesof lower thermospheric winds, sporadic-E occurrence and structure, spread-Fevents, the variability of ionospheric electron density profiles and Total ElectronContent, the variability of foF2, etc., should all be considered in connection withtropospheric and stratospheric processes. “Ionospheric weather”, as a part of spaceweather, (i.e., hour-to-hour and day-to-day variability of the ionospheric parameters)awaits explanation and prediction within the framework of the climatological, seasonal,and solar-cycle variations.