Russian Segment Of ISS Research Articles

ОПЫТ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ МКС ТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ НАУЧНОЙ АППАРАТУРЫ «БАР». СРЕДСТВА КОНТРОЛЯ КЛИМАТИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ В ИНТЕРЕСАХ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ГЕРМЕТИЧНОСТИ МОДУЛЕЙ

The authors present 4-component research equipment BAR and results of monitoring the internal climatic factors in the ISS Russian segment, i.e. temperature, humidity and airstreams, and images of corroded shell sections. The authors dwell on the presence of microbial contaminants and associated climatic parameters, and further developments in the transfer module since 2020 when shell defects were detected. It was concluded that corrosion and bacterial and fungal colonies could have emerged as in the zones of conceivable moisture condensation with surface temperatures below the dew point, so, unpredictably, in zones with higher temperatures. It is imperative to proceed dynamic monitoring of corroded zones and check for possible leakage of window sealants.

Апробация автоматизированного алгоритма анализа телеметрических параметров состояния бортовых систем космического аппарата

The paper focuses on the problem of analyzing spacecraft telemetric information solved by wavelet transform, reveals the prerequisites for automating the analysis process, and indicates the possible results of implementing algorithms for analyzing the state of spacecraft onboard systems according to the proposed method. To detect abnormal changes in telemetric parameters, we propose an algorithm for automated processing of their values; to analyze reliable data on the state of spacecraft onboard systems, we describe the step-by-step process of wavelet filtering of telemetric parameters time series. The study also introduces the ways to identify and eliminate faulty values in telemetric information. The method for automating the analysis process is based on the developed special mathematical apparatus; the paper briefly describes the mathematical transformations used in the study. We tested the method by analyzing the archival spacecraft telemetric information. The test results are given, as well as the results of the wavelet analysis of the telemetric parameters of the air conditioning system and the power supply system of the ISS Russian Segment.

OPTICAL SYSTEM DESIGN OF THE DETECTOR FOR SOLAR TERAHERTZ EMISSION MEASUREMENTS

The objectives and scientific tasks of the planned space experiment “Solntse-Terahertz” to be performed onboard the ISS Russian Segment are briefly described in the paper. In particular, the aim of the experiment is to study uninvestigated solar electromagnetic emission in the terahertz domain, in ~ 1012 – 1013 Hz (300-30 µm) frequency range. It is expected to obtain new data on solar active region emission including solar flare emission. These data are necessary to clarify the nature of solar activity and construct physical model of charged particle acceleration in active regions during solar flares and other astrophysical objects. We focus on the telescope optical system design and evaluation of main characteristics of this system. Results of simulations and comparison with the experimental verification of obtained characteristics are presented. A close correlation of the estimations and experimental results was obtained. As a result, main parameters of the telescope optical system of experimental hardware “Solntse-Terahertz” were determined. Key words: Sun, solar flares, terahertz emission, optical system.

Перспективы применения околоземной ГНСС в качестве инфраструктуры для навигационного обеспечения лунных миссий

An increasing number of space agencies consider Moon exploration as a part of national and international space programs. Exploration plans include a distributed network of facilities on and around the Moon; opportunities for “driving force” projects based on the International Space Station program experience; and, on the whole, formation of the “Earth – low lunar orbit – Moon surface” payload traffic flow. The payload needs analysis shows that the cutting-edge Moon exploration program requires high quality navigation services (precise estimation of coordinates and velocity in near-real time). The subject of this paper is the issues of creating a navigation service based on the experience of the Russian segment of ISS and using the existing near-Earth GNSS systems as a navigation infrastructure.

Study of the Quality of Cosmonauts’ Activities When Simulating the EVA Environment on the Martian Surface in the Experiments Involving the ISS Crews.

The paper studies the possibilities and quality of performing a number of standard EVA operations by cosmonauts after a long-duration space mission aboard the ISS Russian Segment. Experiments have been conducted using the gravity offload stand that allows simulating the Martian gravity and conditions of spacesuited activity of cosmonauts on the planet surface. A comparative evaluation of the EVA operations performed by cosmonauts in pre- and post-flight experiments has been carried out.

ПРЕДВАРИТЕЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА КОМБИНИРОВАННЫХ ЗАТРАТ НА РАЗРАБОТКУ И ИСПЫТАНИЯ ВЫСОКОНАДЕЖНЫХ ФИЗИКО-ХИМИЧЕСКИХ СИСТЕМ ЖИЗНЕОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ДЛЯ ПОЛЕТОВ В ДАЛЬНИЙ КОСМОС С УЧЕТОМ ОТКАЗОВ ПО ОБЩИМ ПРИЧИНАМ

We have made a preliminary comprehensive cost estimation for reliability of life support systems (LSS) in 1000-d remote space exploration missions with the loss-of-crew probability at 0.0001 due to failure of hybrid, partly and maximally closed-loop LSSs currently used onboard the ISS Russian segment. Comprehensive cost of a simplified test program is 5-times higher than cost of any LSS. A beta-factor parametric model was used to analyze LSS reliability against common cause failures (CCFs) when reiterative redundancy cannot provide superhigh reliability. It appears that the required reliability against CCFs is achievable on the diversification principle, i.e. reiterative diverse redundancy of basic LSS technologies. The estimated LSS cost is twice as much in comparison with the traditional approach that takes into account independent failures only. Diverse inherent cold redundancy can reduce the cost about 30 % provided that R&D expenses on regenerative subsystems are equal.

EXPERIENCE OF HANDLING ON THE ISS TECHNICAL COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH EQUIPMENT «BAR». CHAPTER 1. ACOUSTIC COMPONENTS

The paper presents the results of operational testing of two acoustic components of research equipment «Bar» (a leak detector and ultrasound analyzer) onboard the ISS Russian segment. It was found that the ultrasonic (US) background noise interferes in leak search; besides, it exceeds dramatically the adopted noise level constraint thus impacting crew health and efficiency, and oral communication. The narrow-band noise spectra were measured and the expressed tone property of the US noise was demonstrated. The authors make the point that the present noise level constraints for space habitats do not take into account all realities of the life of cosmonauts and lack a solid medical and acoustic background.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ГЛУБОКОГО ОБУЧЕНИЯ ИСКУССТВЕННЫХ НЕЙРОННЫХ СЕТЕЙ ДЛЯ МОНИТОРИНГА СОСТОЯНИЯ ЗРИТЕЛЬНОЙ СИСТЕМЫ В ДЛИТЕЛЬНОМ КОСМИЧЕСКОМ ПОЛЕТЕ

Integration of artificial intelligence in cosmonaut's health monitoring system is a top priority trend in space medicine aimed to enhance crew safety in long-duration space missions. The cutting-edge diagnostic tools aboard the ISS Russian segment such as digital funduscopy, and optic CT of the retina and optic disk allow of piling up statistics of pre- in- and post-flight examinations for calculating the basic block for AI applications. Timely detection of visual dysfunctions in autonomous remote space missions with the help of AI algorithms will increase efficiency of prevention and therapy. Analysis of the experience with convolutional neural networks inophthalmology suggested a CNW architecture for detecting eye grounds pathologies by DF automatic analysis. A developed binary classifier demonstrated sensitivity, specificity and precision of 88.6%, 85.2% and 87%, respectively. In remote missions, the healthcare and therapy system should embody the concept of intelligence telemedicine circuit with artificial neural networks being the pivot. Digital ophthalmology with integrated CNW techniques can be useful also for early diagnostics of eye grounds pathologies within the program of exploration crews screening.

Development Stages and Results of the 20-year Operation of the Simulation Complex of the ISS RS’s Modules.

The presented material gives a holistic notion about the simulation com-plex (SC) of the ISS Russian Segment’s modules (ISS RS). The paper con-siders the purpose and components of the ISS RS simulation complex, the main stages of its development, the results of operation over 20 years and the prospects for future evolution.

POWER BUDGET OF THE SCIENCE AND POWER MODULE DURING ITS FREE FLIGHT AND INTEGRATION INTO THE ISS RUSSIAN SEGMENT

The paper presents data obtained as a result of solving the power balance computation problem for the Science and Power Module (SPM) during the most difficult phase of its flight — up until the point in time when its solar arrays are deployed. The calculation took into account: prediction of the lighting and shadowing environment and the angle between the SPM orbital plane and direction towards the Sun; timeline of the SPM free flight, which takes into account changes in its attitude; timeline of SPM integration into the ISS Russian Segment, including the SPM docking and re-docking and the SPM solar array deployment. The feasibility of implementing the nominal flight plan of the module is demonstrated, a problem was identified with carrying out the SPM re-docking and pull-away maneuver in case of a miss. Measures are proposed for solving the above problem. Key words: Science and Power Module, power balance, ISS Russian Segment, free flight, docking, solar arrays, nickel-hydrogen storage battery

Analysis of consequences of structural damage to the ISS Russian Segment caused by collision with space debris

Under the conditions of increasing littering in the near-Earth space, a quantitative estimate of the criticality of consequences of the ISS penetration with fragments of space debris is a necessary tool when developing measures to recover from the contingency related to the penetration. The ISS Russian Segment (RS) is mostly susceptible to penetration due to the fact that it includes transportation spacecraft, which have weaker shielding as compared with the station modules. In connection with this, there arises a problem of determining the degree of criticality for penetration of the pressure hull of the modules, transportation spacecraft, propellant tanks and bottles in the RS taking into account possible types of catastrophic consequences of the penetration and the distribution of the penetration risk over the modules and the transportation spacecraft. In order to solve the problem, a procedure was developed for calculating the risks of a catastrophic penetration of the station, based on breaking up the original problem into two stages. Calculated during the first stage is the probability of penetration of individual compartments constituting the station and having a certain type of shielding protection, using a finite-element geometrical model of the station and a model of the technogenic environment. The obtained results are used during the second stage of calculation of the catastrophic penetration probability using statistic test method (Monte-Carlo method). This method uses a model of the ISS RS consisting of compartments with simplified shapes (cylinders and truncated cones), which makes it possible to simplify the procedure for obtaining a random penetration location and reduce the time needed to obtain statistically valid results. Based on the procedure presented in the paper, a program was developed, which is used for calculating the probability of catastrophic consequences of the ISS RS penetration. Analysis of calculation results has shown that the relative probability of a catastrophic penetration accompanied by the loss of the crew and/or the station is 13.3%; probability of emergency crew evacuation because of the threat of hypoxia is 3.716%; probability of emergency crew evacuation in a spacecraft with a punctured orbital module is 21.59%. The paper proposes steps that need to be taken in order to further reduce the risk of catastrophic consequences of the penetration through including into onboard systems the subsystem for promptly determining coordinates of the penetration location, as well as the use of oxygen masks by the crew during recovery operations. Key words: International space station, ISS Russian Segment, meteoroid, space debris, protective shielding structure, penetration probability, probability of catastrophic consequences of penetration.

USING PSEUDOSPECTRAL METHOD TO SEARCH FOR PROPELLANT-OPTIMAL TRAJECTORIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION ATTITUDE CONTROL MANEUVERS

The paper discusses the problem of searching for propellant-optimal trajectories of the International Space Station attitude control maneuvers involving spatial turns through large angles using attitude control jet thrusters. Development of such algorithms for controlling the ISS angular motion is currently a crucial task for Russian developers of the onboard software. In order to generate the optimal trajectory for the attitude control maneuver, the paper proposes to use the Lobatto pseudospectral method. This method allows stating the optimal control problem as a nonlinear mathematical programming problem which can be solved using the method of sequential quadratic programming. Simulation results demonstrated significant savings of attitude control thrusters propellant and life during station attitude control maneuvers in comparison with the algorithms that are currently used in the motion control system of the ISS Russian Segment. Key words: International Space Station, optimal control problem, angular motion control, pseudospectral method, nonlinear programming

Scientific and engineering problems involved in the implementation of the project «Manned space systems and complexes»

This paper, which is, to a large extent, a review, presents results of an analysis of the current status and future prospects for the development of our country’s manned spaceflight from the standpoint of RSC Energia as the prime organization in Russia in this field of science and engineering. It addresses the issues involved in the ISS Russian Segment deployment completion, which is to be achieved by the addition of three new modules currently being developed at RSC Energia: the Multipurpose Laboratory Module in 2020; the Node Module in 2021; Science and Power Module in 2022, and the development of an improved version of cargo spacecraft Progress-MS. It describes quick ISS rendezvous profiles for crew and cargo transportation spacecraft. It discusses the issues involved in improving the efficiency of the ISS Russian Segment utilization, commercialization problems and plans to expand scientific applied research. The paper explores the desirability of establishing a Russian orbital station after the ISS program completion. As a strategic outlook for the development of our country’s manned space flight the paper formulates proposals on the national program of lunar research and exploration. It summarizes RSC Energia’s proposals on the development of a multifunctional system for crew search and rescue during launches of manned spacecraft from Vostochny launch site. It discusses the results and problems involved in laying the scientific, engineering and manufacturing groundwork for the development of advanced manned space systems, including introduction of digital technologies, development of new instrumentation, use of composite materials, additive and robotic technologies. Key words: Manned spaceflight, ISS Russian Segment, commercialization of scientific research, Russian orbital station, lunar research and exploration program, crew search and rescue system, problems of laying the scientific and engineering groundwork.

Проблемы управления при проведении экспериментов на российском сегменте МКС и участие МФ МГТУ им. Н.Э. Баумана в их решении

Проблемы управления при проведении экспериментов на российском сегменте МКС и участие МФ МГТУ им. Н.Э. Баумана в их решении

Convective current experiments using Dakon-P equipment onboard “Progress” cargo spacecraft

In order to conduct experiments to study convection under microgravity it is proposed to use the Progress cargo transportation spacecraft. This is due to the fact that the microgravity environment onboard the Russian Segment (RS) of the ISS is not favorable, since the ISS center of mass is in the US segment, while many onboard systems generating micro-accelerations are installed in the ISS RS. There is no crew and no life support systems onboard the cargo spacecraft and micro-accelerations in it are significantly lower than those in the ISS RS. Passive modes of the cargo spacecraft attitude control are particularly favorable for carrying out microgravity experiments in space. In the course of a series of experiments conducted onboard a cargo spacecraft to find the minimal level of residual micro-accelerations, the gravity orientation mode turned out to be the most suitable one. It is planned to conduct an experiment to study convective isothermal currents using the Dakon-P scientific gear specifically developed for this purpose onboard Progress spacecraft in free flight in the gravity orientation mode.

MEASUREMENT OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF SECONDARY RADIATION ONBOARD INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION BY MEANS OF PASSIVE DETECTORS.

The evaluation of different components of secondary radiation (charged fragments and neutrons) onboard ISS is described. Solid-state nuclear track detectors CR-39™ were applied for the measurements of short-range nuclear fragments, while the measurements of neutrons were carried out by means of thermo-luminescent dosimeters with various concentrations of 6Li and 7Li. The flux of charged secondaries and the gamma-equivalent neutron dose are presented in function of the low-LET dose in various modules of the Russian segment of ISS.

Проблемы энергообеспечения РС МКС и пути их решения

Проблемы энергообеспечения РС МКС и пути их решения

Study of dose distribution in a human body in international space station compartments with the tissue-equivalent spherical phantom

Space radiation is known to be key hazard of manned space mission. To estimate accurately radiation health risk detailed study of dose distribution inside human body by means of human phantom is conducted. In the space experiment MATROSHKA-R, the tissue-equivalent spherical phantom (32 kg mass, 35 cm diameter and 10 cm central spherical cave) made in Russia has been used on board the ISS for more than 8 years. Owing to the specially chosen phantom shape and size, the chord length distributions of the detector locations are attributed to self-shielding properties of the critical organs in a real human body. If compared with the anthropomorphic phantom Rando used inside and outside the ISS, the spherical phantom has lower mass, smaller size and requires less crew time for the detector installation/retrieval; its tissue-equivalent properties are closer to the standard human body tissue than the Rando-phantom material. Originally the spherical phantom was installed in the star board crew cabin of the ISS Service Module, then in the Piers-1, MIM-2 and MIM-1 modules of the ISS Russian segment, and finally in JAXA Kibo module. Total duration of the detector exposure is more than 1700 days in 8 sessions.In the first phase of the experiment with the spherical phantom, the dose measurements were realized with only passive detectors (thermoluminescent and solid-state track detectors). The detectors are placed inside the phantom along the axes of 20 containers and on the phantom outer surface in 32 pockets of the phantom jacket. After each session the passive detectors are returned to the ground. The results obtained show the dose difference on the phantom surface as much as a factor of 2, the highest dose being observed close to the outer wall of the compartment, and the lowest dose being in the opposite location along the phantom diameter. Maximum dose rate measured in the phantom is obviously due to the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) and Earth' radiation belt contribution on the ISS trajectory. Minimum dose rate is caused mainly by the strongly penetrating GCR particles and is observed behind more than 5 g/cm2 tissue shielding. Critical organ doses, mean-tissue and effective doses of a crew member in the ISS compartments are also estimated with the spherical phantom data. The estimated effective dose rate is found to be from 10 to 15% lower than the averaged dose on the phantom surface as dependent on the attitude of the critical organs.The spherical phantom proved its effectiveness to measure the critical organ doses together with the effective dose in-flight and if supplied with active dosimeters can be recommended for future exploratory manned missions to monitor continuously the effective dose.

Effectiveness of the long-term program of scientific and applied experiments on the ISS Russian segment

The analysis and effectiveness evaluation of the Russian long-term program of scientific and applied experiments on the ISS RS have been done on the basis of adopted indicators and statistics accumulated for the entire period of manned flight of ISS. The planned and actual implementation of experiments, results of comparison of the Russian and foreign programs, as well as resources and capacities of the ISS for experimental research are presented. The requirements and criteria for more in-depth analysis of this program, assessment of the effectiveness of its implementation, the procedure for the most priority experiments selection are suggested. The analysis of problems and bottlenecks identified during the implementation of program in the period 2001–2009, as well as the forecast of long-term program realization has been done. Joint experimental programs are proposed, which leads to more efficient use of ISS resources for partners.

Biological component of life support systems for a crew in long-duration space expeditions

Creation of effective life support systems (LSSs) is one of the main tasks of medico-biological support of long-duration space flight. Principles of development of such an LSS will be defined on the basis of number of parameters, including mass-overall and energetic limitations of interplanetary spacecraft, duration of expedition and crew size. It is obvious that including biological subsystems in LSS of long-duration interplanetary space flights will help to form a full-fledged environment for humans in the spacecraft. It would be an appropriate solution for long-term biological needs of humans and important for elimination of possible negative consequences of their long stay under artificial (abiogenous) environment. Experiments with higher plants, conducted on board “MIR” orbital complex and Russian segment of ISS, showed that plant organisms are capable of long-duration normal growth, full development and reproduction without deviations under real space flight environment. These results allow us to assume that greenhouses are potential candidates to be a biological subsystem to be included in the LSS for interplanetary space flight. Inclusion of greenhouse equipment in the spacecrafts will require a number of corrective actions in functional schemes of the existing LSS, i.e. it will lead to redistribution of material streams inside an LSS and increase in functional load of authorized systems. Furthermore, involvement of greenhouse in an LSS of an interplanetary spacecraft requires a number of technical tasks to be cleared. In the present review, we discuss the constructive, technological and mass-transfer characteristics of greenhouse as a component part of the LSS for crews of long-term interplanetary missions, in particular, Mars expedition.