Space Science Research Articles

Practical Applications of a Participatory Science Project Evaluation Tool: Perspectives from Across Earth and Space Science

While traditional science often focuses on peer-reviewed scientific publications and citations to gauge efficacy, citizen science projects, also called participatory science projects, span a broader range of goals, methods, and products than are capturable by such means. The Science Products Inventory (SPI) is one tool to assist with participatory science evaluation that extends beyond scientific outputs such as publications. Its use cases were limited to a cohort of projects during its initial development, so here we explored its utility and flexibility for use cases across multiple US federally-funded participatory science projects. We examined the tool’s formative and longitudinal utility, accessibility, and adaptability with contributory projects spanning different sizes, scopes, and goals. We found that the tool was easily customizable, making it suitable for individual project needs, including meeting the needs of funders for evaluation. It was easy to use, making it suitable for data gathering by non-expert evaluators, and it enabled practitioners to reflect on ways to enhance a project’s impact. We also found it useful for comparing evaluation data over time and between projects. Ultimately, citizen science includes elements across various dimensions that can be examined using quantitative indicators—like those in the SPI—and qualitative means. A combination of evaluation approaches could be appropriate for individual project goals and stakeholders, but we show how the simplicity and customizability of the SPI can provide benefits across a range of projects and programs.

Testing the LSST Difference Image Analysis Pipeline Using Synthetic Source Injection Analysis

We evaluate the performance of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time Science Pipelines Difference Image Analysis (DIA) on simulated images. By adding synthetic sources to galaxies on images, we trace the recovery of injected synthetic sources to evaluate the pipeline on images from the Dark Energy Science Collaboration Data Challenge 2. The pipeline performs well, with efficiency and flux accuracy consistent with the signal-to-noise ratio of the input images. We explore different spatial degrees of freedom for the Alard–Lupton polynomial-Gaussian image subtraction kernel and analyze for trade-offs in efficiency versus artifact rate. Increasing the kernel spatial degrees of freedom reduces the artifact rate without loss of efficiency. The flux measurements with different kernel spatial degrees of freedom are consistent. We also here provide a set of DIA flags that substantially filter out artifacts from the DIA source table. We explore the morphology and possible origins of the observed remaining subtraction artifacts and suggest that given the complexity of these artifact origins, a convolution kernel with a set of flexible bases with spatial variation may be needed to yield further improvements.

Enhanced cryogenic magnetocaloric performance and the existence of short-range magnetic correlations in frustrated diamond geometries

The magnetocaloric effect in the cryogenic temperature regime has gained enormous attention due to its application in the field of cryogenic refrigeration technology, which is required for quantum computing, space sciences and basic research activities. In this context, Gd- and Dy-based frustrated systems are considered as promising cryogenic magnetocaloric materials. Hence, in this paper the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of GdTaO4, GdNbO4 and DyNbO4 are comprehensively investigated. Structural analysis suggests that these compounds crystallize in a monoclinic structure, wherein magnetic ions form an elongated diamond geometry. Analysis of magnetization, heat capacity and field-dependent magnetic entropy changes confirms the presence of short-range magnetic correlations in these compounds. Additionally, a remarkably large magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power are noted. The mechanical efficiency is found to be comparable to (or even better than) those reported for good magnetic refrigerants. Our study suggests that GdTaO4, GdNbO4 and DyNbO4 can be regarded as promising cryogenic magnetic refrigerant materials.

Space Activities and the Simultaneous Development of the Economy in Türkiye

As space technologies have become an integral part of our daily lives, they have profoundly influenced the course of human civilization since 1957. These technologies have provided humanity with many remarkable insights. Therefore, they have an important role in modern society. Satellite technology is not only vital for military and defence but also for civil applications such as transportation, communication, disaster management, agriculture planning, land, and urban planning. These applications make the space sector an engine of economic growth having advanced and the state-of-the art technology. Technological advances in space continuously benefit the citizens of developed countries. The space economy is defined as all the actions and resources that produce value and benefit to people through exploration, research, knowledge, management, and utility of space. Through satellite communications, navigation systems, earth observation missions, space science and technology research, employment is created, economic growth is achieved, and many industries become more competitive in worldwide economic market. Spinoff companies are born from space activities. In 1994, the Türkiye had its first communication satellite TURKSAT 1B built by Aerospatiale; thus, Türkiye entered the space field being an operator in its region. After millennium, the Turkish space industry has ramped-up by developing its dedicated communication and observation satellites, and their subsystems and creating a launcher system for microsatellites. Türkiye is now developing space technology more comprehensively. This article describes recent developments of space activities and future work in Türkiye. In the article, the strategies in other countries in space technologies are also discussed and suggestions are made for space technology education, development of space economy and regulation of space activities for Türkiye.

Implementation of TPACK through Lesson Study: Pre-service Science Teachers' Initial Knowledge in an Earth and Space Science Course

Teaching and learning at school cannot be replaced by robots or technology. However, teachers who cannot adapt to technological developments will be unable to compete in the field. TPACK is an educational theory that discusses the teacher knowledge needed to integrate technology into education effectively. Teachers with TPACK skills cannot only prepare students with scientific knowledge, but they can also integrate technology into science learning. Therefore, the long-term goal of this research is to instil the TPACK aspect of pre-service science teachers in order to prepare teachers who can compete in the development of Industry 4.0. The research method was descriptive quantitative research, where the process of implementing aspects of TPACK through lesson study was explained clearly, as well as descriptions of meaningful numbers related to the initial TPACK abilities of pre-service science teachers. A random sampling method was used to select 62 pre-service science teachers who attended the earth and space science course in the science education program at Universitas Negeri Medan. The results of the study indicated that the TPACK ability level of pre-service science teachers was generally still low. It is hoped that this initial data can be a reference for researchers in implementing aspects of TPACK through lesson study in earth and space science courses. Keywords: TPACK, Pre-service Science Teachers, Earth and Space

Disaster Literacy Inventory at Earth and Space Sciences (ESS) Lectures as Education in the Post-Covid-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to analyze the level of disaster literacy in students after ESS lectures during COVID-19 and post-pandemic. The research subjects were fourth-semester students. The research method uses research and development which refers to the development steps of Borg & Gall. The findings of this study are that disaster literacy is a disaster mitigation effort so that students know information about disasters so that they have an awareness of the potential for disasters and can prepare themselves to deal with disasters. Because disasters cannot be stopped, disaster literacy is expected to minimize the risks caused by training in disaster mitigation skills. ESS lectures are one of the lessons that can integrate mitigation and adaptation from a natural phenomenon in educating disaster literacy in the community in the future. The post-Covid-19 pandemic has had many impacts on the world of education, especially in preparing creative teachers by preparing various forms of learning media to online, and offline learning methods and can even be combined into both, called blended learning or hybrid learning. Keywords: disaster literacy inventory, Earth and Space Sciences (ESS), post-Covid 19

Superdiffusion of energetic particles at shocks: A fractional diffusion and Lévy flight model of spatial transport

The observed power laws in space and time profiles of energetic particles in the heliosphere can be the result of an underlying superdiffusive transport behavior. Such anomalous, non-Gaussian transport regimes can arise, for example, as a consequence of intermittent structures in the solar wind. Non-diffusive transport regimes may also play a critical role in other astrophysical environments such as supernova remnant shocks. To clarify the role of superdiffusion in the transport of particles near shocks, we study the solutions of a fractional diffusion-advection equation to investigate this issue. A fractional generalization of the Laplace operator, the Riesz derivative, provides a model of superdiffusive propagation. e vy motion. The expected power law profiles of particles upstream of the plasma shock, where particles are injected, can be reproduced with this approach. The method provides a full, time-dependent solution of the fractional diffusion-advection equation. The developed models enable a quantitative comparison to energetic particle properties based on a comprehensive, superdiffusive transport equation and allow for an application in a number of scenarios in astrophysics and space science.

Space Durable 3D Printed High‐Performance Polymers Based on Cyanate Ester/Extended‐Bismaleimide

AbstractTo accomplish the potential of the New‐Space emerging era and facilitate scientific and commercial space exploration, the development of versatile, customized, and affordable space technologies is essential. 3D printing is established as a disruptive technology, enabling the production of complex and lightweight structures with enhanced performance. However, the harsh conditions of the space environment, including atomic oxygen (AO), extreme temperatures, and ionizing radiation, pose significant challenges to the durability and longevity of additive manufacturing‐produced polymers. Until now, there are no additive‐manufacturing polymeric materials that are specifically developed and qualified to withstand space hazards. To address these challenges, novel materials for additive manufacturing, composed of cyanate ester and extended‐bismaleimide are engineered to withstand the extreme conditions in space. The developed materials demonstrate superior thermo‐mechanical properties (flexural stress of 72 MPa and Tg = 260 °C), enhanced durability to AO erosion, ionizing radiation (10 years in orbit), and thermal stability (Td5% = 360 °C). Moreover, it is found that printing orientation governs the AO erosion, thus guiding optimal printing designs for enhanced durability to AO. The materials show improved performance, endurance, and reliability, thus contributing to the development of space‐qualified components and enabling the advancement of additive manufacturing for future space missions.

Mission analysis and guidance and control for the SpEye inspection CubeSat

The space community is moving forward with the development of in-orbit servicing and removal technologies to enable the circular economy in space and improve future space missions’ scientific and commercial return and space environment exploitation. The application of nanosatellites to carry out proximity operations presents an additional opportunity to support various novel and cost-effective distributed mission architectures. The SpEye CubeSat mission, funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana in the framework of the Alcor Program, aims at demonstrating inspection and rendezvous guidance navigation and control capabilities of a nanosatellite in close-proximity of the satellite carrier in a low Earth orbit environment. This paper focuses on the design of the SpEye mission and on the guidance and control strategies to enable its technological demonstrations. Particular attention is placed on the safety aspects of trajectory design, considered of paramount importance for the robust autonomous operations of a low-cost CubeSat in proximity to another satellite.

The concept of “document” in the epistemological system of knowledge: A methodological discourse in the philosophy of science

Transformational changes in the modern scientific environment are conditioned by the information and technological development of all branches, among which document science has undergone significant changes due to digitalisation and the development of e-documenting, which leads to changes in the object of research and the expansion of interdisciplinary tasks and indicates the transition of the philosophy of science to a new stage of development. In the process of objectifying the conceptual search of philosophers of science, there was an evolution from relatively simple systems in the classical period to complex systems in the non-classical period and to complex systems that self-develop. The purpose of this study is to clarify the epistemological essence of the concept of “document” through the methodological prism of the theories of the philosophy of science. In the research process, general scientific methods and special methods of philosophy, documentation science, archival science, information science, and social communication were used. The synergy of general scientific and specialised methods, along with philosophical methodology, allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the concept of “document” as a sociocultural phenomenon, analysis of the philosophical characteristics of the document, and identification of interdisciplinary connections. Emphasis has been placed on positivist achievements, which have contributed not only to the activation of the search for and establishment of the informativeness of documents and their quantitative increase but also to the theoretical study of carriers of information from the past. Such processes have enriched knowledge about documents, contributing to the expansion of their methodological and epistemological boundaries. It should be noted that the post-positivist stage has caused philosophical discussions between representatives of the “historical school” and “critical rationalism”. The structure-forming functions of scientific knowledge and the sociologisation of the examination of the scientific information space, based on the methodology of the philosophy of science, have led to the acquisition of modern characteristics by document science, the development of complex interdisciplinary connections that ensure the integrity of the study of the document phenomenon. Thanks to the methodology of the philosophy of science in the research, the ideas of the unity of scientific knowledge, the epistemological and philosophical methodological determinism of document science, and the integral significance of philosophy in constructing a holistic scientific picture of the world have been revealed. The conceptual and terminological toolkits and mechanisms for introducing the philosophical concepts of determinism, causality, space, and time into the documentary discourse have been defined. Such modern trends in the development of the philosophy of science and an interdisciplinary approach to the scientific and theoretical substantiation of document science issues will contribute to the development of the discussion on documentation science issues and will lead to the emergence of new theoretical and methodological developments in the field of social communications

University 4.0: Contours of Post-Industrial Manifestations In The Optics Of The Triple Helix Model

Relevance. Universities, as institutional organizations, are subject to the greatest reform in the transforming matrix of goals, values and norms of building the Future. In this regard, the problem of conceptualizing the ultra-new model of the University of the fourth generation (4.0) is the most relevant for science and social sciences.The purpose of this study is to consider and analyze the conceptual foundations reflected in the scientific manifestations of the formation of the fourth generation University model (4.0) as a subject of the “triple helix".Objectives. To analyze the concepts, ideologems and other units of the theoretical basis of the University 4.0 model presented in the scientific media space; to reflect the emerging concept of University 4.0 in the optics of the “triple helix” model, implemented in the context of the formation of a post-industrial society.Methodology. The study was carried out on the basis of synergetic principles of complexity theory, general provisions of system theory and interinstitutional and transinstitutional communication using system-structural and convergent network methods.Results. Today, new ontological continuums of social multi-subject practices are objectively “unfolding” based on the ethics of subjective integration and synergy of individual and collective, as well as machine and hybrid intelligences. Flexible models of collective management of the future should be synthesized on such university cognitive platforms 4.0, where even transinstitutional forms of relations, such as the “triple helix”, begin to be perceived as tools, rather than platforms for the implementation of new ideas and solutions that overcome historical and cultural predestination. The platform of the “cognitive turn of postindustriality” is the Universities of the fourth generation.Conclusions. The platform of the "cognitive turn of postindustriality" in the future is the Universities of the fourth generation. Then, in university activities, existing traditional subject (for example, institutional) ontologies act only as a tool for generating on their basis “packages” of understanding posteconomics in the spirit of “meta-subject forms of thinking”, such as collective, including hybrid human-machine intelligence. New ethics (bio-, techno-, etc.) are also being institutionalized and progressing.

JASMINE: Near-infrared astrometry and time-series photometry science

Abstract The Japan Astrometry Satellite Mission for INfrared Exploration (JASMINE) is a planned M-class science space mission by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. JASMINE has two main science goals. One is Galactic archaeology with a Galactic Center survey, which aims to reveal the Milky Way’s central core structure and formation history from Gaia-level (∼25 ${\mu} $as) astrometry in the near-infrared (NIR) Hw band (1.0–1.6 ${\mu} $m). The other is an exoplanet survey, which aims to discover transiting Earth-like exoplanets in the habitable zone from NIR time-series photometry of M dwarfs when the Galactic Center is not accessible. We introduce the mission, review many science objectives, and present the instrument concept. JASMINE will be the first dedicated NIR astrometry space mission and provide precise astrometric information on the stars in the Galactic Center, taking advantage of the significantly lower extinction in the NIR. The precise astrometry is obtained by taking many short-exposure images. Hence, the JASMINE Galactic Center survey data will be valuable for studies of exoplanet transits, asteroseismology, variable stars, and microlensing studies, including discovery of (intermediate-mass) black holes. We highlight a swath of such potential science, and also describe synergies with other missions.

REFLECTION OF THE SIBERIAN OUTSKIRTS IN THE ARTISTS’ PAINTINGS AND ALBUMS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE XIX CENTURY (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE EXHIBITIONS IN THE IRKUTSK PROVINCE)

The work restores the history of reflecting the Siberian outskirts in the paintings and albums of the artists that were shown at the exhibitions in the Irkutsk province in the second half of the XIX century. It is said that the study, based on the handwritten materials, considers the artists’ activity to cre-ate not only paintings and graphic works but also the albums with the detailed descriptions of the Siberian outskirts, gradually presented at the events in the social and scientific space. Besides, the author describes the activity of the sci-entific societies which studied the Irkutsk province within the period of the road network construction and emphasizes that the materials, placed in the archives of Irkutsk, transmit detailed data concerning the peculiarities of creat-ing paintings and albums where the images of settlements, natural objects and architectural structures, participants of the scientific expeditions in Siberia were demonstrated.

Upgrading the Performance Features of the CBSS Indigenous Weather Station

This work presents an upgrade on the legacy version of the Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS) indigenous Weather Station. The station is a microcontroller-based system that employed the use of sensor modules to acquire atmospheric, environmental and soil parameters values for scientific purpose. These data variables, station’s coordinate and owner’s informations are logged into an on-board Random Access Memory (RAM) in a Comma-Separated Value (CSV) format. The information is transmittable via radio telemetry setup to a handheld user-interactive communication console sub-system. In the event of components’ failure, the system offers precise identification of these failed components for ease of troubleshooting and maintenance.

DEEP LEARNING FOR SPACE DEBRIS REMOVAL

The advances in deep learning have revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence. These advances, as well as new tasks and requirements in space exploration, have led to an increased interest in these deep learning methods among space scientists and practitioners. The problems of controlling the attitude and relative motion of spacecraft are considered for both traditional and new missions, such as contactless space debris removal. Both supervised and reinforcement learning is used to solve such problems based on various architectures of artificial neural networks, including convolutional ones. The possibility of using deep learning together with methods of control theory is analyzed to solve the considered problems more efficiently. The difficulties that limit the application of these methods for space applications are highlighted. The necessary research directions for solving these problems are indicated.

Transcriptome sequencing reveals the promotion of apoptosis and M1 polarization of microglia under simulated microgravity

The exponential progress in the field of space science and technology has facilitated the prolonged habitation of astronauts in the space environment. However, the neurological and cognitive impairments of astronauts have become major factor that directly impede the successful completion of space missions. Studies have demonstrated that microgravity can diminish neuronal functions and cognitive abilities by altering the microenvironment of the brain (BME). Microglia, vital immune cells responsible for regulating the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, have been identified as the principal contributing elements to the neurological deterioration observed in microgravity conditions. The primary objective of this study was to provide an understanding of the molecular processes underlying the behavior of microglia under conditions of microgravity. Using a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) to simulate microgravity, our study found that microgravity reduces BV2 microglial cell viability, induces M1 polarization, and significantly increases late apoptosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed 142 differentially expressed genes related to microglial phenotype and inflammation, with qPCR validating selected DEGs. These results elucidate the molecular mechanisms of microglial behavior under microgravity, highlighting gene expression changes and cellular damage. This study provides a conceptual framework for comprehending the influence of microgravity on the neurological system, establishing countermeasures against functional damage to the nervous system caused by space flight, and serving as a reference for future deep space exploration and long-term manned space medical support.

Thank You to Our 2023 Reviewers

AbstractThe Editors and Staff of Earth and Space Science thank the reviewers whose selfless work has significantly contributed to the publication process of papers highlighting the best research in geophysics, planetary, and space science in 2023. Peer‐reviewing is a demanding and thankless job. It is however an essential component of the scientific process, requiring the highest standards of integrity and rigor. Reviewers check data and procedures and test reproducibility of methods and results; they share their expertise to verify that the interpretations and conclusions of a paper are consistent with assumptions and existing knowledge. Without this essential work it would not be possible to trust in the scientific process. Publication of papers in a multidisciplinary journal such as Earth and Space Science, that highlights methods, instruments, data and algorithms, relies directly on the expertise of its reviewers to verify and vouch for the quality of the papers that are published. We are indebted to all our reviewers and are delighted to acknowledge them publicly in this Editorial.

Stratasys to test 3D-printed material performance on moon

On March 12, 2024, Stratasys Ltd. announced that it will provide 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the surface of the moon. The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace, Inc.’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1).

YOLO-ET: A Machine Learning model for detecting, localising and classifying anthropogenic contaminants and extraterrestrial microparticles optimised for mobile processing systems

Imminent robotic and human activities on the Moon and other planetary bodies would benefit from advanced in situ Computer Vision and Machine Learning capabilities to identify and quantify microparticle terrestrial contaminants, lunar regolith disturbances, the flux of interplanetary dust particles, possible interstellar dust, β-meteoroids, and secondary impact ejecta. The YOLO-ET (ExtraTerrestrial) algorithm, an innovation in this field, fine-tunes Tiny-YOLO to specifically address these challenges. Designed for coreML model transference to mobile devices, the algorithm facilitates edge computing in space environment conditions. YOLO-ET is deployable as an app on an iPhone with LabCam® optical enhancement, ready for space application ruggedisation. Training on images from the Tanpopo aerogel panels returned from Japan’s Kibo module of the International Space Station, YOLO-ET demonstrates a 90% detection rate for surface contaminant microparticles on the aerogels, and shows promising early results for detection of both microparticle contaminants on the Moon and for evaluating asteroid return samples. YOLO-ET’s application to identifying spacecraft-derived microparticles in lunar regolith simulant samples and SEM images of asteroid Ryugu samples returned by Hayabusa2 and curated by JAXA’s Institute of Space and Astronautical Sciences indicate strong model performance and transfer learning capabilities for future extraterrestrial applications.

Conceptual design for a 5 kWe space nuclear reactor power system

Enhancing the capabilities of unmanned space exploration, such as satellite monitoring and space science missions, requires efficient and reliable nuclear power systems. A viable solution is found in the 1–10 kWe power level of space nuclear reactor power systems, offering advantages such as a manageable research and development process, and relatively low investment requirements. This paper introduces a conceptual design for a 5 kWe space nuclear reactor power system, outlining its components and characteristics. The study includes a thorough analysis of potential challenges, encompassing heat pipe failure accidents, re-entry scenarios, and weight estimation considerations. The results demonstrate that the proposed space nuclear reactor power system effectively meets the safety requirements. The total mass of the power system is estimated at approximately 1.5 tons, with a specific mass of around 300 kg/kWe. This research contributes valuable insights for the design of space nuclear reactor power systems operating within a similar power range.