Space Industry Research Articles (Page 1)

Abstract— Recently, “green fuel” based on highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions has become increasingly popular for use in rocket and space production; its main advantages are low toxicity, versatility, and economic efficiency. With the development of modern technologies in the rocket and space industry, where high reliability and operational safety are of primary importance, the use of additive technologies (3D printing) is a challenge. In this regard, the study of compatibility of rocket fuel components (solutions of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide) with finished products is very promising. The catalytic activity and chemical (corrosion) resistance of materials in hydrogen peroxide solutions has been analyzed. Various polymer materials with metal powder fillers, used in 3D printing, were considered and studied. These technologies are characterized, and their advantages are shown.

Abstract This study investigates the performance of a desiccant wheel configured into two process sections (P1 and P2) and a regeneration section (R), designed to meet the simultaneous demands of humidity control, cooling, and heating in industrial and building environments. The wheel's performance was assessed based on the exit humidity ratio and temperature under three conditions: precooling of P1 streams, precooling of P2 streams, and no precooling, using a two-dimensional mathematical model. Without precooling, P2 demonstrated superior dehumidification, making it ideal for low-humidity industrial processes, while P1 is better suited for moderate-humidity applications, such as air conditioning systems in buildings. To evaluate the impact of sensible precooling, a precooler was first placed before P1, but this setup compromised P2's dehumidification and P1 failed to meet HVAC standards. Relocating the precooler to P2 yielded better results with P2 delivering low-humidity air for industrial applications while P1 provided air with moderate humidity to meet the humidity control requirements of air conditioning and, after post-cooling, air from P1 can achieve temperatures appropriate for air conditioning. The regeneration section (R) produced warm, humid air, which can be useful for heating industrial or building spaces in winter. This configuration offers a flexible solution for humidity control in industrial environments and energy-efficient HVAC systems for building applications.

This study takes Tate Modern as a case to explore how the transformation of an abandoned industrial space into a contemporary art museum shapes public perception through spatial narratives and brand language. A total of 500 high-quality user comments were collected from Instagram and Reddit, and the Semantic Brand Score (SBS) method was applied to construct a semantic network of keywords based on three dimensions: Prevalence, Diversity, and Connectivity. The results reveal that public discourse predominantly centers around the themes of “space–experience–curation,” with high-SBS keywords such as “space” and “turbine_hall” occupying core positions in the semantic network. In contrast, official brand terms like “bold,” “inclusive,” and “visionary” appeared in less than 3.5% of comments and scored more than one standard deviation below the mean, failing to enter the Top 20. The study highlights a gap between institutional brand language and public narratives, and proposes strategies to enhance brand communication through spatial storytelling. This research offers valuable insights for museum branding and the cultural communication of industrial heritage sites.

ABSTRACT Orbital Transport und Raketen Aktiengesellschaft (OTRAG), a pioneering West German aerospace firm, sought to revolutionize space access using low-cost satellites. OTRAG challenged state-controlled space programs. Its activities sparked geopolitical tensions and concerns over dual-use missile technology. Despite its ambitions, OTRAG met resistance, especially from the United States, the Soviet Union, and West Germany, all concerned with technology transfers to hostile states. Forced out of Zaire in 1979, ORTAG relocated to Libya to develop rockets under controversial circumstances, especially given Arab regional politics. OTRAG’s role in missile development fueled issues over dual-use technologies, which are capable of both civilian and military uses. The 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) directly addressed these proliferation risks. Although OTRAG predated MTCR, its activities highlighted challenges of regulating non-state actors and underscored the narrow differences between commercial and military applications. This article examines how Cold War geopolitics shaped OTRAG’s trajectory and explores its broader impact on the evolving private space industry. The debate around civilian use of dual-use technologies paved the way to future civilian projects.

Radiative cooling, dissipating thermal energy via electromagnetic waves, is the predominant thermal management pathway for the space industry. Developing materials that combine high broadband infrared emissivity, thermal stability, and flexibility represents a desirable yet highly challenging goal. Herein, a metafabric based on high-entropy engineering and a 1D induced shaping strategy for efficient spacecraft cooling is pioneered. Benefiting from the multiplicity absorption mechanisms and ordered structure, the engineered (La0.2Y0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sr0.2)CrO3 exhibits inherent thermal stability and broadband infrared emissivity. Building on this feature, the developed (La0.2Y0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sr0.2)CrO3 nanofibers demonstrate excellent spectral response and flexibility, enabled by restricted planar infrared scattering and randomly distributed amorphous regions. After weaving them into a fabric-like architecture, the resulting metafabric demonstrates both ultra-high emissivity within a broad IR band, flexibility, exceptional temperature resistance, and structural stability during bending. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that the metafabric exhibits additional cooling properties and a high cooling power compared to conventional cooling systems. These advancements highlight significant potential for efficient cooling in next-generation spacecraft thermal management systems.

Abstract The reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction is vital for CO 2 utilization and carbon cycling, yet catalyst stability and CO selectivity remain major challenges due to its endothermic nature and competing methanation. Here, a synergistic α‐Mo 2 C:MoO 2 (MoCO) catalyst with carbide–oxide interactions was in situ constructed via a one‐step temperature‐programmed calcination, achieving high dispersion and synergy. MoCO‐3.5 (Mo/C = 1:3.5) reached near‐equilibrium CO 2 conversions (50.56% at 500°C, 74.71% at 800°C) and >99.6% CO selectivity under H 2 /CO 2 = 3:1 at industrial space velocity (8400 mL·g cat −1 ·h −1 ), maintaining stability for 120 h without coking. Mechanistic studies revealed a hydrogen‐assisted formate pathway, and weak CO adsorption enabled rapid desorption, effectively suppressing methanation. This synergy‐driven structural regulation strategy offers a promising strategy for designing highly stable and CO‐selective non‐noble metal RWGS catalysts.

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (1,1-Dimethylhydrazine, UDMH) is widely used as a high-performance liquid rocket propellant for the space industry globally. The release and leakage of UDMH into the environment, especially the soil environment, pose serious threats to ecosystems and human beings. In order to reveal the hazards of UDMH to soil and facilitate subsequent remediation, the adsorption behavior of UDMH in typical soil (yellow-brown soil, red soil, and black soil) matrices was explored, the environmental fate and toxicity of UDMH were presented by simulation calculation, and the phytotoxicity was evaluated by germination assay in the present study. The results showed that the adsorption performance of red soil, yellow-brown soil, and black soil for UDMH increased sequentially by integrating the findings from kinetic and thermodynamic studies. A highly significant correlation between the physicochemical and adsorption parameters for various soil matrices indicated a considerable impact of soil physicochemical properties on the adsorption behavior of UDMH in soils. The environmental fate simulation calculation indicated that UDMH and its transformation products were prone to being dissolved in soil water and migrating; however, once these compounds were present in the surface layer of dry soil, severe ecological and environmental pollution would occur. Based on a thorough evaluation of the toxicity parameters, formaldehyde dimethylhydrazone has been identified as demonstrating the most pronounced environmental toxicity profile, thus warranting prioritized attention. The results of a germination assay demonstrated that more than 100 mg·kg−1 of UDMH in the soil would lead to strong phytotoxicity to plants, and more than 200 mg·kg−1 of UDMH would significantly affect the early germination of seeds. Hence, this research provided helpful insights and theoretical support for the environmental fate and remediation of UDMH.

The article considers theoretical and applied aspects of optimizing accounting business processes at high-tech enterprises through the implementation of modern information technologies. The authors propose a methodological approach to adapting modern information technologies to the specifics of high-tech enterprises, using the example of enterprises in the rocket and space industry of the Yuzhnoye State Design Office, whose activities are characterized by a high level of technical complexity, a large volume of data, and the critical importance of operational management. It is shown that the digitalization of accounting processes, in particular the formation and submission of reports, electronic document flow, and automation of tax and expense accrual, is a key factor in increasing the efficiency and reliability of the functioning of such enterprises. The advantages of using modern information SMART and ERP technologies, which provide centralized resource management, control over the execution of operations, the formation of relevant management information, and allow making informed management decisions in real time, are analyzed. Using examples, it is substantiated that the use of BI analytics systems and OLAP tools (such as: automation of accounting processes, artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, the Internet of Things, analysis of large databases) in accounting processes contributes to the identification of key patterns in financial and production data, as well as reducing risks through analytical support of management. The economic feasibility of implementing such IT solutions is proven by comparing costs with potential productivity gains, reducing errors and data losses, and increasing the competitiveness of the enterprise. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the improvement of corporate software for accounting and management based on a single ERP database, which takes into account the requirements for high reliability, adaptability, and scalability of IT infrastructure in the rocket and space sector. Algorithms for structuring accounting information and implementing intelligent data analysis have been developed, which increase the speed, accuracy, and transparency of management decisions. The practical significance of the research is confirmed by the possibility of implementing the obtained results in the activities of Yuzhnoye State Design Office and other high-tech enterprises, which allows achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in a fast-paced business environment.

The current paper will explore the intangible quality of light to create space which is transient during the performance yet transforms the solidity of space into narrative and dramaturgy, giving the audience the opportunity to connect with the endless theme of loss. The author, drawn by her current practice as a lighting designer, will explore the notion of space and time in a performance in an industrial space which has strong links to the urban memory of Athens (Athens Festival venue in Pireos 260), and how light can transcend time and the space in which the performance is placed in. The paper will present the findings of the 2015 performance at the Athens Festival, directed by Nanouris, music by Xarchakos with Marinella on the lead role, and Alexiadou as light designer. Moonlight Sonata (1956), the earliest of Ritsos’ compositions from the Fourth Dimension, has a particular form and atmosphere and is the beginning of a new era that leaves room for light to inhabit a storytelling space with generosity and grace. Inspired by the poet’s most personal life and creations, retrieved from the past experiences, anxieties and emotions, the work revisits the wider space of the Left, to which Ritsos is ideologically and politically included and, therefore, creates space for a “void scenography” in which light takes centre stage. The Moonlight Sonata, one of Ritsos’ best-loved and best-known texts, is a stage monologue, a personal confession, an emotional plea for life and hope, through a flow of symbols that gracefully gives space to abstract interpretation for the lighting designer to create a non-space and time-based habitat for the audience to immerse themselves in the timeless themes of love, belonging, trust and loneliness.

Abstract: Due to the increase in energy demand and depletion of natural resources, the development of energy harvesting technologies becomes very important. Thermoelectric devices, based on the direct conversion of heat into electrical energy, are being the essential part of cost-effective, environmental-friendly, and fuel-saving energy sources for power generation, temperature sensors, and thermal management. High reliability and long operation time of thermoelectric energy systems lead to their extensive use in space industry and gas pipe systems. Development and wide application of solar thermoelectric converters (generators) is mainly limited by relatively low thermoelectric conversion efficiency. In this work, we suggest for the first time to use direct conversion of solar energy by systems based on high-performance multistage thermoelectric modules operating in the temperature range of 300 - 900 K for creation of autonomic systems with electric power up to 500 W and electric efficiency up to 15 %. Furthermore, we developed film thermoelectric modules on thin flexible substrates with the figure of merit Z corresponding to that of bulk modules. Such film thermoelectric converters with output voltage of several volts and electric power of several microwatts can be used at micro-solar energy systems.

With the development of integrated circuit technology to 3 nm and below advanced nodes, traditional transistors are difficult to meet the requirements of high performance and low power consumption due to the short channel effect and insufficient electrostatic control ability. The gate-all-around field-effect transistor (GAAFET) has emerged as the core candidate of next-generation nanoelectronics devices under its unique structure. However, its complex structure brings many research problems, such as the traditional physical model is difficult to accurately describe the electrical characteristics, and the efficiency of parameter extraction is low. As semiconductor technology continues to move towards more advanced nodes, GAAFET is expected to become the core support to break through the limits of Moore's Law. In the future, we can focus on complex application scenarios, further strengthen the research on the performance stability and reliability of GAAFET, overcome the problems of precise control of multi-layer stack thermal coupling and noise suppression at different frequencies, and accelerate its industrialization from laboratory theoretical exploration. At the same time, we will actively expand the integration path with emerging technologies such as quantum computing assistant circuits and brain-like chips, tap more potential application scenarios such as ultra-low power Internet of Things devices and high-performance edge computation chips, help 5G/6G communications, artificial intelligence, and other frontier industries achieve leapfrog development, and open up a new technology track and growth space for the semiconductor industry.

The rapid space technologies development, the growth of the space powers number and the private sector activation in the space industry lead to the transformation of space into a strategic arena for ensuring global security. The need to repel russian armed aggression and restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine necessitates a radical improvement of the system of ensuring national security in Ukraine and the reformatting of the domestic defense forces in accordance with the requirements of the war. Today, when russia's aggressive war against Ukraine continues, the issue of creating our state's own Space Forces is acute. The article reviews the world experience of creating Space Forces by leading countries of the world, identifies leaders in the space military race, analyzes the state of the space industry of Ukraine and its main drivers, reveals Ukraine's actions to create the Space Force for the military security of the state, reveals the actions of the central executive power body and military management – the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and all relevant departments regarding the development of the space industry for the next 10 years, until 2035. Research into the space militarization challenges is relevant for the effective tools development aimed at ensuring stability and security in outer space. The future of Ukrainian space military programs lies in cooperation. With Europe, NATO, and those partners who have access to orbital platforms, ground control stations, as well as technologies for orbital monitoring and countering threats in the space environment. Own satellites, integration with European observation constellations, military-space communication systems creation – all these are absolutely real things, provided there is competent synergy between the public and private sectors. In addition to the creation of the relevant Department, there are a number of private companies that are ready to work in this direction and contribute to the development of the Space Forces. And that is why the space forces creation in Ukraine is a necessary response to the realities of the russian-ukrainian war.

History of the space industry in Asia: A concert in three movements

Abstract This study highlights the phytomonitoring potential of some selected woody perennials in terms of their resilience against pollution stress from brick kilns. The effect of pollution stress on some biochemical, physiological, morphological, biological, laminar and socioeconomic traits has been evaluated for screening of suitable species. Results of our studies exhibited a range of average APTI at experimental site from 9.41 ± 2.15 (B. papyrifera) to 12.03 ± 2.07 (F. religiosa) that is higher for all species except F. virens in comparison with the same species at control site. Our findings revealed F. religiosa (APTI 12.03 ± 2.07) and M. indica (APTI 11.93 ± 1.98) as tolerant (T), E. citriodora (APTI 11.13 ± 2.35), F. benghalensis (APTI 11.81 ± 2.09) and S. cumini (APTI 11.25 ± 1.60) as moderately tolerant (MT), B. ceiba (APTI 10.98 ± 2.22), D. sissoo (APTI 10.28 ± 2.39), F. virens (APTI 10.65 ± 2.38) and M. alba (APTI 10.96 ± 2.34) as intermediate (I) and B. papyrifera (APTI 9.41 ± 2.15) as sensitive (S) species. Regression analysis indicated the more reliability of APTI on relative water content than other parameters. Two-way ANOVA results exhibited statistically significant interaction of species and sites on dependent variables. The API categorization of same species placed F. benghalensis and F. religiosa into ‘best’, M. indica under ‘very good’, B. ceiba, D. sissoo, E. citriodora, M. alba and S. cumini into ‘good’, F. virens under ‘moderate’ and B. papyrifera under ‘poor’ performer category. Evergreen woody perennials expressed a better tolerance level than deciduous tree species. The findings of this study provide a valuable practical information regarding the selection of more tolerant species for future plantation projects around brick kilns, urban and industrial spaces to cope with pollution load for restoration of a bio-sustainable air.

Subject. This article analyzes the factors of sustainable competitive development of enterprises of the rocket and space industry in the context of external economic instability, technological constraints, and the transformation of sectoral governance institutions. Objectives. The article aims to develop a scientifically grounded systematization of the factors determining the sustainable competitive development of enterprises of the rocket and space industry. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of logical and content-based classification, structural and functional analysis, as well as generalization. Results. The article presents an author-developed system of factors that determine the sustainable competitive development of enterprises of the industry, and highlights groups of factors that ensure sustainability, as well as groups that form competitive advantages in the market. Conclusions and Relevance. Sustainable development is the basis of competitiveness, while competitiveness factors influence the resilience of business. The results obtained can be used for the development of enterprise development programmes, improving mechanisms of State support, and forming industry strategies in conditions of limited access to external resources and technologies.

The development of the space industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan is acquiring particular significance in the context of rapid digitalization, increasing dependence on advanced telecommunication solutions, and intensifying international competition in the field of high technologies. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized the need to shift from fundamental scientific developments to applied research and the commercialization of space technologies as a key element of modern state policy. The implementation of national projects such as «KazSat-2», «KazSat-3» and the planned «KazSat-3R» satellite demonstrates the Republic of Kazakhstan’s determination to ensure independence in satellite communications, expand the range of digital services, reduce reliance on foreign operators, and simultaneously create an economically sustainable model of revenue generation through the commercial use of space infrastructure. This study is devoted to the legal analysis of public procurement procedures applied in the implementation of the «KazSat-3R» project, considering its strategic importance and technological complexity. Particular attention is given to the provisions of the new Law «On Public Procurement» which came into force on January 1, 2025. An important element of the research is a comparative legal analysis of international practices in France and Germany, where flexible approaches are applied in procurement for strategic sectors. These instruments help to strike a balance between ensuring competitiveness and the need to implement complex projects in the space sector. The study examines institutional and regulatory barriers that arise in practice when attempting to engage foreign contractors - such as the absence of financial indicators in domestic sustainability assessment systems, as well as the inability to participate in procurement without a Kazakhstan Business Identification Number (BIN). Based on the analysis, the paper proposes specific measures to improve legislation aimed at eliminating legal barriers to the implementation of high-tech projects. These include the development of sector-specific procurement standards, the introduction of flexible procedures, and the formalization of mechanisms for the participation of foreign suppliers based on international evaluation criteria.

Navigation in dynamic industrial environments for robotic systems is particularly problematic due to the classification of obstacles, safety policies, spatial constraints, and the presence of constantly changing dynamic entities. In this work, we propose a novel solution to constraint path planning using safety-grained reinforcement learning where lower bounds on safety regarding control actions within the plant are set a priori. Collision avoidance and proximity bounds during reward shaping policy optimization, avoidance, and proximity violation unlock exceeding defined safety constraints. The framework is tested with industrial layouts of varying complexity and density of obstacles, which have been simulated and field tested. Results achieved within RL baseline models surpass the thresholds set for the defined safe bounding box for pathing and collision avoidance, demonstrating increased efficiency. Alarms encapsulated within the model maintain consistent robustness under arbitrary and unanticipated tracking scenarios where randomly placed obstacles may move during unobstructed times across unpredicted locations. Adaptive learning policies bolster traditional frameworks at the guarded learning core time constraints, allowing for responsive violation of safety regions in a real-time response to changing warehouse and industrial environments. Further developments expand future objectives by combining multi-agent coordinated targeting situational awareness with semantic mapping.

Magnesium alloys are being extensively demanded in airplane and space industry, biomedical product manufacturing and particularly in automotive industry because of their low density, high corrosion resistance and good strength properties. However, the main limitation in their use during manufacturing is the problems encountered when they are welded, such as cracks which occurred in the welded metal, thus decreasing the mechanical properties. The aim of this study is to determine to effect of the welding speed on AZ31 magnesium alloy joined via TIG welding. Therefore, AZ31 magnesium alloy was welded at three different welding speeds in this study. Afterwards, microstructure and mechanical properties of the AZ31 magnesium alloy welded at different speeds were analyzed. Macro and microstructures of the samples manufactured by welded joints were analyzed and tensile, hardness and bending tests were performed to the samples. The results suggested that heat input, which decreased by increasing welding speed, effected both the microstructure and the mechanical properties.

The use of composite materials, especially in space technology, is becoming increasingly relevant due to their unique properties, which make it possible to function effectively in extreme conditions and maintain specified characteristics. The article presents a study of polymer composite materials based on aramid fibers and their applications in the rocket and space industry. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the possibilities of creating such composites and to assess their prospects for use in spacecraft. The paper defines the key physical and mechanical properties of aramid fibers and the effect of these properties on the characteristics of composite materials based on an epoxy matrix. The analysis of polymer composite manufacturing technologies with comparative characteristics of various matrices, fillers and production methods is also carried out. The results obtained confirm the high potential and expediency of using aramid-epoxy composites in rocket and space technology due to their high strength, lightness and resistance to aggressive environments. For reliable applications, an in-depth study of the stability and durability of such materials in outer space is necessary. Further research should cover aspects such as impact resistance and thermal stability to ensure the safety and reliability of future spacecraft designs.

The relevance of the article’s topic is determined by the current trend of searching for ways to ensure the sustainable development of national space activities and methods of financing them. Along with them, we take into account the emergence of the private space industry and the accelerated overall pace of innovation processes in high-tech sectors of the economy. The objectives of this research work is to analyse the most significant transformation stages of financial sector of the People’s Republic of China and the impact of this process on the country’s achievements in space exploration within the period over the past several decades. The principal method used by the authors is qualitative content analysis, combined with a chronological approach to data systematisation. The scientific novelty lies in the combination of several aspects into a single causal field, namely, the development of Chinese financial system, the organisational structure of its space industry, its achievements, as well as the state support measures. The results of the study suggest that one of the key factors of success in space exploration of the People’s Republic of China could be the combination of market mechanisms with strong elements of a planned economy, which allows for the effective management of investment allocation in this strategic industry. The practical significance of the research work insofar, lies in potential application of its results to provide effective instruments for the financial support of high-tech industries, including the space exploration sector. The conclusions obtained may be beneficial for specialists involved in the planning activities and in the implementation of major national projects.