Russian Space Industry Research Articles

Using an information and analytical system to assess the health status of the personnel of the Vostochny Space Center

The Vostochny Space Center is a new facility of the Russian space industry, which began launching space technology in 2016. In the normal operation of the cosmodrome, the impact of rocket fuel components on personnel, taking into account the data of sanitary and hygienic monitoring, is not expected, however, the influence of a chemical factor is possible in cases of emergency situations. The purpose of the study is a hygienic assessment of the impact of harmful and dangerous factors of the production environment on the health of the personnel of the Vostochny cosmodrome using an information and analytical system of sanitary and hygienic monitoring. The study was based on the classical methodological basis of a comprehensive sanitary and epidemiological assessment of the production environment. The analysis showed the absence of differences in the levels and dynamics of morbidity by the main classes of the disease, the absence of professionally determined pathology, which indicates the sufficiency of the complex of organizational, technical and sanitary measures implemented during the creation of the Vostochny Space Center. Thus, the introduction of information and analytical approaches to the organization and implementation of monitoring studies makes it possible to obtain the necessary comprehensive information, timely and fully record the impact of negative factors of the production environment on employees, and perform a comprehensive assessment of the health status of the personnel of the Vostochny cosmodrome.

Развитие космической отрасли: опыт США, Китая и России

In recent decades, space has begun to be viewed as an important economic resource, an engine of global competition and technological development, capable of having a multiplier effect on the development of the entire economic system of a country. It is a necessary factor in global communication and information. Each state can use space for peaceful purposes, since it is a common resource for all countries. That is why the space industry is the object of the careful study by many researchers and a special sphere of government regulation. The top three leaders in the space industry are the USA, China and Russia. The purpose of this article is to conduct a comparative analysis of the development of the space industry in the USA, China and Russia, as well as to develop recommendations for improving the regulation of the Russian space industry based on foreign experience. The author selected the following characteristics as the main parameters of comparison: 1. Significant space achievements, 2. Industry financing, 3. Structure of the space industry, 4. The scale of private space sector development, 5. Motives for international cooperation in the field of space exploration. Based on the analysis, the features of space industry development in each country were identifi ed. Special attention in the study is paid to the Russian space industry. In particular, it was found that the main structural feature of the Russian space industry, in contrast to the USA and China, is the significant predominance of state-owned companies over private enterprises. This is associated with the lack of the necessary regulatory framework in our country and, as a consequence, the underdevelopment of the market for space products and services. At the same time, Russia can be considered a leader in terms of funding for the space industry (as a percentage of GDP), but in absolute financial indicators (in millions of dollars) Russia lags significantly behind the United States and China. In addition, Russia adheres to the practice of participating in international cooperation in the space sector, based primarily on political factors rather than economic motives, which fundamentally distinguishes its approach from the approach used by the United States. The article proposes a number of practical recommendations, the implementation of which, according to the author’s opinion, will contribute to increasing the efficiency of space activities in Russia.

СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ РАКЕТНО-КОСМИЧЕСКОЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ

Author researches the general context of a firm operating in Russian space industry. Components of a strategic analysis of such a firm have been highlighted and systemized. Macro and micro environment as well as industry analyses have been made.

Implementation of “digital twin” technology within the thermo-elastic distortion testing of a precision carbon fiber reflector for the spacecraft antenna subsystem

Mirror antenna subsystems (AS) with the deployable reflectors are important integral parts of the telecommunication spacecraft payloads and provide reception and transmission of the information in a given service area [14]. The reflector design shall provide strength and stiffness, specified radiofrequency (RF) characteristics and antenna pattern boresight error of the AS. Performance compliance shall be approved in the frame of ground experimental testing, and thermo-elastic distortion (TED) testing to assess their effect on the antenna pattern boresight error is the part of the ground testing. This testing is hard to carry out because of the following aspects resulting in lack of the guaranteed achieved criteria to assess the test results: considerable difference of thermal and physics behavior between carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) filler and epoxide component and the steep CFRP anisotropy result in increased variation of the layer strain-stress state and internal stresses which make the design behavior undefined under thermal environment; it is almost impossible in the frame of the testing to implement and maintain the real map of the thermal fields of specified accuracy on the large-sized object due to the fact that the temperature in a giant thermal chamber is extremely varying; in the frame of testing it is possible to carry out few optical measurements for the deformed reflector surface points which are not enough to provide the required level of confidence for geometric parameters variation; the test lasts 50 days and requires cost-intensive chamber exploitation, huge power consumption operating fluid rate (liquid nitrogen), expensive equipment providing thermal modes. Development and implementation of the cutting-edge digital twin technology is the effective method to address TED testing issue. The main idea of the technology is to substitute real object to be tested with digital model verified based their parameter compliance using convergence criteria. The paper presents technology block diagram, convergence criteria and correlation technique of the predicted and measured TED cases. Evaluation data of the deformed reflector effects on AS RF performances are given and demonstrate that performances comply with the specified requirements and qualify successfully the digital twin technology under real testing. The digital twin was successfully implemented in 2019 year in JSC RESHETNEV in the frame of reflector TED testing for RF antenna subsystem with shaped antenna pattern for Express-AMU7 spacecraft, which was launched and accepted for the flight operation in 2021. This is the first time in the Russian space industry tests using the digital twin technology of a domestic reflector for RF space AS with parameters at the imported analogues level have been successfully qualified. The qualification of this technology will ensure the competition of domestic high-tech developments and will solve the problems of import substitution and increase the share of the Russian component in the global space telecommunications market.

Private companies in the Russian space industry: features of functioning and development factors

The object of the study are private companies which do their business in the Russian space industry. Statistical data on private space companies in Russia based on which the study was conducted, were collected by the author from open sources on the Internet. The purpose of research is to develop recommendations for improving the conditions for the development of private companies operating in the Russian space industry based on an analysis of their characteristics and environmental development factors. In the research, the author used methods of analysis and synthesis, methods of system and comparative analysis, statistical and graphical methods. Research results are the next: the article analyzes the main economic indicators of the Russian and foreign private space companies. The author identifies four main features of the Russian private companies in comparison with foreign ones, which functioning in the space industry. Author proposes a classification of environmental factors that contribute to and restrain the development of private space sector in Russia. Based on the results of the analysis, the author has developed recommendations for improving the economic and legal conditions for the development of Russian private companies in the space industry.

International scientific and technical cooperation with Russia's participation in the space sphere under sanctions: results and prospects

The article analyzes the anti-Russian sanctions regime imposed by Europe and the United States in the field of space cooperation. As a result, space became involved in a geopolitical confrontation, which was not observed during the Cold War. The purpose of the article is to understand the features and consequences of the sanctions regime in relation to international scientific and economic cooperation with Russia's participation in the space sphere. The article claims that the sanctions regime in the space sphere of international cooperation is characterized by specifics. It consists in supplementing Western sanctions with measures that Russia has taken on its part to withdraw from some international scientific and technical projects. Special attention was paid to the study of the negative consequences of sanctions, which consist in complicating the synergy of efforts so necessary to make a cardinal breakthrough in the space sphere in the interests of all mankind. General scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, abstraction and generalization were used. This made it possible to move from diverse empirical data to theoretical generalizations about the nature and models of sanctions regimes against the Russian space industry and space science. In addition to this, a comparative approach was used, as well as a modeling method and a forecasting method. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that in it the event analysis of the confrontation in the context of the "sanctions – counter-sanctions" bundle is built in the context of the theory of sanctions in the field of science and technology. In addition, the problems of Western sanctions in relation to Russia's participation in international cooperation are shown against the background of an objective trend of fragmentation of international cooperation in the field of space. The main conclusion of the work is the position on the radicalism of Europe in severing ties with Russia and the cautious approach of the United States. It is demonstrated that considering the current situation through the prism of the concept of scientific and technical isolation of Russia in the space sphere is an exaggeration. The study showed that the damage caused by sanctions and counter-sanctions in relation to the Russian space industry, as well as in relation to world cosmonautics and space science is not catastrophic. At the same time, the current situation stimulates Russia's proactive scientific and technical policy at the national and international levels.

Resource support of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises for space industry development in Russia

This study deals with the features of using the potential of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) for the development of the space industry in Russia. The task of increasing the adaptive properties of the Russian space industry, its ability to internal change and greater openness, is particularly crucial in the context of new challenges. This study emphasizes the special importance of private investment for the Russian space industry development and commercialization of space activities in connection with its enormous economic potential. Large scientific enterprises prevail in the Russian market, they have complex innovation management system and are often oriented towards large projects. Due to this reason, the number of innovations in these structures is not as great as in small and medium-sized enterprises. We analyzed the activities of small and medium-sized innovative enterprises in Russia and concluded that these enterprises are almost not involved in the space industry. However, the possibilities of innovative SMEs in the space industry are great, since such enterprises can create projects in the field of communications, data transmission, digital solutions for data processing, the creation of on-board systems, technical solutions for the “Moon Village” creation and others. We consider the barriers that prevent such enterprises from entering the space industry, for example, such as the need for licensing, the high cost and long-term return of startups, etc. One of the main problems for small and medium-sized innovative enterprises in the space industry in Russia is the lack of material and resource support for the creation and implementation of their innovative projects. This study included conducting research of different possibilities of the resource support tools for innovative SMEs in the space industry, which are divided into three mechanisms: direct public support, non-government funding, incentive programs for investors and small innovative enterprises. The study of the experiences of various countries in attracting private companies to the space industry provided a basis for formulating a set of proposals for improving the use of resource support tools for small and medium-sized innovative enterprises for the development of the space industry in Russia.

Improvement of Risk Management Process in Space Product Development Through its Continuous Integration

Relevance. Nowadays, enterprises not only have to constantly introduce new products, but also to reduce development time, reduce costs, and improve the variety and quality of their products. In the product development process, risk management is too often underutilized and relegated to the background compared to product development planning and monitoring tools. Moreover, the measurement of process performance of risk management within product development is not defined and does not allow for comparison with peers or support continuous process improvement.The purpose of the study is to provide a framework for improving the risk management process performance in space product development. So that risk managers have the proper tools to monitor and understand where resources and efforts should be directed to improve the process.Results. This article identifies how to represent risk in product development and how to measure its impact on the performance of the risk management process in product development. Through a survey of key players in the Russian space industry, the study identifies different practices and needs in risk management, product development and performance measurement of these processes.Methods. Theoretical research methods: analysis, synthesis, classification, comparison, abstraction, generalization, modeling. Empirical method — survey: questionnaire survey. The key contribution of this study (to limit the usual delays and cost overruns in the space industry) is to establish specific characteristics and methods that can serve as a reference practice and basis for the future development of a tool that will assist in the evaluation of space development projects.

К 100-летию Леонида Ивановича Гусева

This article presents a brief description of the life of one of our legendary contemporaries, who sat at the control panel of the device that communicated between two great people who initiated the era of cosmonautics, S. P. Korolyov and Yu. A. Gagarin, during the first manned flight into space. L. I. Gusev was the liaison between the General Designer and the first cosmonaut of the Earth during this epoch-making event. Today it is already obvious to everyone that without its complexes of radio engineering, telemetric and trajectory measurements, it would be impossible to explore outer space. Enterprises and organizations led by L. I. Gusev, took an active part in all key events in the Russian space industry — from the launch of the First artificial Earth satellite to the development, creation and operation of modern space complexes and systems in all areas of space activity.

Problems and Perspectives of the Russian Space Industry

Problems and Perspectives of the Russian Space Industry

Миссии и вызовы безопасности и долгосрочной устойчивости космической деятельности

The paper dwells upon the security and long-term sustainability of space activities and introduces the main guidelines, approved by the UN General Assembly, as well as the guidelines, which did not receive consensus approval in the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The challenges of the long-term sustainability of space activities for achieving the goals, objectives, and means of developing world cosmonautics and maintaining the status of the Russian Federation as a world space power are reflected. The study focuses on the problems and challenges associated with the man-made debris of near-Earth space, the delimitation of air and outer space, the need to organize space traffic control, which is inextricably linked with the deployment of multi-satellite orbital constellations. The issues of counteracting the asteroid-cometary hazard are touched upon. The research findings given in the paper should help representatives of the Russian space industry understand the problems, challenges, and essence of the long-term sustainability of space activities in conjunction with issues of ensuring its security.

Competitiveness of the Russian space industry in the global space services market

The article carries out an analysis of the competitiveness of the Russian space industry in the international space services market according to the following indicators: the volume of budget of national space organizations, the volume of the commercial space exploration market, the number of space launches, positions in manned cosmonautics, production of spacecrafts, deep space exploration, staffing of the space industry and international integration in the space sphere. The paper conducts a SWOT-analysis of the Russian space industry. Its main strengths are: leading positions in manned cosmonautics, leading positions in the number of space launches per year, and extensive experience in space exploration. The greatest concern is caused by: the lack of development of space robotics, insufficient programs for the development of deep space, financial problems and the private sector of Russian cosmonautics, which is in its infancy. The author substantiates the necessity of reforming the Russian space industry.

Application of Additive Technologies in Improving Instrumental Equipment of Space Simulators.

The paper considers: additive technologies and their practical application in solving problems of operation, testing and modernization of space simu-lators in the framework of digital transformation policy of the Russian space industry; software and hardware and the experimental setups; prac-tical recommendations and suggestions for using the advantages of 3D modeling and FDM 3D printing technologies for prototyping products ap-plied in simulator construction and operation of technical means for train-ing cosmonauts.

Ecological consequences of space rocket accidents in Kazakhstan between 1999 and 2018.

In this paper, we briefly described the ecological consequences of six space rocket accidents launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome between 1999 and 2018 and focused on an assessment of efficiency of soil remediation following the accidental crash of launch vehicle Proton-M on July 2, 2013, which resulted in the severest environmental impact in the modern Russian space industry. On the day after the accident, the content of carcinogenic unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrosodimethylamine, as well as nitrate in soils of the crash site exceeded their maximal permissible concentrations by 8900, 6100 and 85 times, respectively. Mitigation measures included soil detoxication by a solution of 10% H2O2 and 1% iron complexonate, soil excavation and ploughing. Two years later (in April 2015), both unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrosodimethylamine concentrations were below 0.05mg/kg and nitrate concentration did not exceed 3.9g/kg. As compared to background sites, soils of the crash site had significantly (P-value<0.05) lower values of pH and the content of total organic carbon, basicity from soda and carbonates and higher total nitrogen and soluble salt contents. Soil microbial communities were the most vulnerable component of the disturbed arid ecosystems, as their suppressed condition was indicated by a low biochemical oxygen demand and a very low cellulase activity.

Направления применения международного опыта коммерциализации результатов научно-исследовательских, опытно-конструкторских и технологических разработок в космической отрасли России

Направления применения международного опыта коммерциализации результатов научно-исследовательских, опытно-конструкторских и технологических разработок в космической отрасли России

CHANGE OF RUSSIA’S COMPETITIVE POSITIONS IN THE WORLD MARKET OF SPACE PRODUCTS

Subject of research – the Russian space industry against the background of the main trends of development of the world market of space products. Research objective – to give an assessment to specifics of the competition in the main segments of the world space industry and to consider the main trends of development of the Russian space industry. The result of research is that at the present stage big changes of an environment of the world space market are observed, and also competitive positions of Russia in world private and state astronautics have been scientifically substantiated and generalized. The transnational companies in the industry become more flexible and strive to provide high level of quality of the activity. In the Russian space industry more intent attention is required to quality of industrial management.

Priority Directions of Ensuring Strategic Competitiveness and Sustainability of Industrial Enterprises

The paper presents the directions of sustainability and competitiveness improvement of industrial enterprises through the use of project management tools. Special attention is given to consideration of the prospects of application of project management methods at the enterprises of the aviation and rocket and space industry. Problems that enterprises face when implementing the project management tools are identified in terms of the analysis. Advantages of implementing the tools of project management at the enterprises of the aviation and rocket and space industry are determined. The paper shows that the Russian rocket and space industry loses competitive strength in the global market for space technologies and space services. This is due to a trend towards stagnation with respect to industrial enterprises. All of these in turn lead to an obstacle to fostering of enterprises based on innovation.

Commercial space as one of the factors increasing the competitiveness of russian rocket and space industry

In article current state of space-rocket branch is considered as in Russia, and around the world, the main problems of the Russian astronautics are described, and also one of elements of increase of competitiveness of the Russian space industry in the world market - involvement in branch of business firms is considered. Against all of the becoming complicated universal economic situation search of ways of increase of efficiency of the domestic industry, becomes a priority task.

Начало истории отечественной ракетно-космической отрасли

Начало истории отечественной ракетно-космической отрасли

Innovative activity of high-technology companies as assessment and forecasting object

Innovation activities, as well as innovations, are closely related meanings, and like many others economical definitions, have a broad range of meanings. Main characteristics and attributes of innovation involves new or significantly improved product, that’s being used, or in other words, found its application, and innovative activities – activities focused on realization of innovations. In this article, innovations are mainly considered in terms of high-technology production, evidence from Russian space industry. There are 5 basic stages of lifecycle of innovative project in considered industry: initiation, development, realization, expansion, consumption. Practically, third or fourth, or even both of these stages, often missing because there is no need of them. R&amp;D activities, or even further serial production, based on previous developments, is an innovation activity, because these activities are stages of innovative projects lifecycle itself. Then it seems legit, to draw a conclusion, that in terms of high-technology production, company’s primary activity equals innovative activity. Basic characteristics of innovative activity of high-technology companies as assessment and forecasting object involves high level of uncertainty at every stage of projects lifecycle, high dependency on funding level of this activity, and high level and erratic structure of risk. All the above mentioned, means that assessment and forecasting of innovative activity of high-technology companies, needs development of its own methodological tools for each industry.