Space Resources Research Articles

Study on environmental carrying capacity of ecotourism in Wuyishan National Park

Ecotourism environmental carrying capacity, as a necessary tool for the management of national parks, was an important indicator for the protection of the ecological environment in national parks. Taking Wuyishan National Park as the research object this study established an index system for ecotourism carrying and utilized the minimum limiting factor method to evaluate the carrying capacity of national park resources space, natural, economic environment, and social environment. Based on this, natural disturbance factors were considered to further assess the ecotism carrying capacity. The results indicated: 1) Resource space carrying capacity was the primary limiting factor for ecotourism carrying capacity; 2) The daily ecotourism environmental carrying capacity of Wuyishan National Park was 87,216 person-time/day, and the annual environmental carrying capacity 26.1648 million person-time/year; 3) The utilization intensity ofotourism environmental carrying capacity in Wuyishan National Park would weak carrying capacity over a long period. The research findings aimed to practical reference for the management decisions of ecotourism carrying capacity in national parks and natural reserves.

DRCmpVis: Visual Comparison of Physical Targets in Mobile Diminished and Mixed Reality.

Numerous physical objects in our daily lives are grouped or ranked according to a stereotyped presentation style. For example, in a library, books are typically grouped and ranked based on classification numbers. However, for better comparison, we often need to re-group or re-rank the books using additional attributes such as ratings, publishers, comments, publication years, keywords, prices, etc., or a combination of these factors. In this article, we propose a novel mobile DR/MR-based application framework named DRCmpVis to achieve in-context multi-attribute comparisons of physical objects with text labels or textual information. The physical objects are scanned in the real world using mobile cameras. All scanned objects are then segmented and labeled by a convolutional neural network and replaced (diminished) by their virtual avatars in a DR environment. We formulate three visual comparison strategies, including filtering, re-grouping, and re-ranking, which can be intuitively, flexibly, and seamlessly performed on their avatars. This approach avoids breaking the original layouts of the physical objects. The computation resources in virtual space can be fully utilized to support efficient object searching and multi-attribute visual comparisons. We demonstrate the usability, expressiveness, and efficiency of DRCmpVis through a user study, NASA TLX assessment, quantitative evaluation, and case studies involving different scenarios.

Can section 45Q tax credit foster decarbonization? A case study of geologic carbon storage at Acid Gas Injection wells in the Permian Basin

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is an important pathway for meeting climate mitigation goals. While the economic viability of CCUS is well understood, previous studies do not evaluate the economic feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the Permian Basin specifically regarding the new Section 45Q tax credits. We developed a technoeconomic analysis method, evaluated the economic feasibility of CCS at the acid gas injection (AGI) wells, and assessed the implication of Section 45Q tax credits for CCS at the AGIs. We find that the compressors, well depth, and the permit and monitoring costs drive the facility costs. Compressors are the predominant contributors to capital and operating expenditure driving the levelized cost of CO2 storage. Strategic cost reduction measures identified include 1) sourcing of low-cost electricity and 2) optimizing operational efficiency in well operations. In evaluating the impact of the tax credits on CCS projects, facility scale proved decisive. We found that facilities with an annual injection rate exceeding 10,000 MT storage capacity demonstrate economic viability contingent upon the procurement of inputs at the least cost. The new construction of AGI wells were found to be economically viable at a storage capacity of 100,000 MT. The basin is heavily focused on CCUS (tax credit – $65/MT CO2), which overshadows CCS ($85/MT CO2) opportunities. Balancing the dual objectives of CCS and CCUS requires planning and coordination for optimal resource and pore space utilization to attain the basin's decarbonization potential. We also found that CCS on AGI is a lower cost CCS option as compared to CCS on other industries.

The process and mechanisms of the capitalization of marine space in China: a case study of mariculture on Guanglu Island, Changhai County

The phenomenon of transforming natural marine space into proliferative capital holds global significance in modern modes of production. Under China’s socialist market economy, the property rights system and resource allocation methods have created a unique approach to the capitalization of marine space. Drawing on concepts related to the capitalization of space and land, this paper develops the idea of the capitalization of marine space. It is a process where the right to use the sea area is transferred by the rights holders through methods such as transfer, lease, or shares and is ultimately put into production as a means of production to realize the creation of capital value and surplus value. Using the mariculture industry on Guanglu Island in Changhai County as a case, this analysis delves into the process and mechanisms of the capitalization of marine space in China, the world’s leading mariculture nation, while considering the material agency of marine space. The research results show that: ① The specific realization process of marine space capitalization in the mariculture industry has gone through three stages: from natural marine space to marine space resources, from marine space resources to marine space assets, and the participation of marine space assets in creating value and surplus value. ② The material agency of marine space determines the feasibility of the capitalization of marine space and is also the decisive subject in shaping the specific practice of capitalization. The survival and profit needs of mariculture fishermen and enterprises drive the realization of the capitalization of marine space. China’s central and local governments participate in realizing the capitalization of marine space with the relevant institutional policies and norms aimed at economic development.

Space sustainability: Current regulatory challenges

AbstractNowadays, outer space is becoming increasingly congested, contested and competitive. Humanity's growing dependence on outer space and experiences with the new space race have necessarily turned the attention of the international community to the safety, security and sustainability of space activities. This paper focuses on space sustainability and seeks to highlight some of its most important regulatory challenges. These challenges include the establishment of an appropriate space traffic management system, the mitigation of space debris, and the utilization of space resources. Following the overview of related problems, the paper examines the urgency and the modalities of appropriate legal regulation.

Predicting Structural Consequences of Antibody Light Chain N-Glycosylation in AL Amyloidosis.

Background/Objectives: Antibody light chains form amyloid fibrils that lead to progressive tissue damage in amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis. The properties of each patient's unique light chain appear to determine its propensity to form amyloid. One factor is N-glycosylation, which is more frequent in amyloid-associated light chains than in light chains from the normal immune repertoire. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. Here, we investigate the frequency and position within the light chain sequence of the N-glycosylation sequence motif, or sequon. Methods: Monoclonal light chains from AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma were identified from the AL-Base repository. Polyclonal light chains were obtained from the Observed Antibody Space resource. We compared the fraction of light chains from each group harboring an N-glycosylation sequon, and the positions of these sequons within the sequences. Results: Sequons are enriched among AL-associated light chains derived from a subset of precursor germline genes. Sequons are observed at multiple positions, which differ between the two types of light chains, κ and λ, but are similar between light chains from AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. Positions of sequons map to residues with surface-exposed sidechains that are compatible with the folded structures of light chains. Within the known structures of λ AL amyloid fibrils, many residues where sequons are observed are buried, inconsistent with N-glycosylation. Conclusions: There is no clear structural rationale for why N-glycosylation of κ light chains is associated with AL amyloidosis. A better understanding of the roles of N-glycosylation in AL amyloidosis is required before it can be used as a marker for disease risk.

Analysis and Design of a Recyclable Inductive Power Transfer System for Sustainable Multi-Stage Rocket Microgrid with Multi-Constant Voltage Output Characteristics—Theoretical Considerations

After a traditional one-time rocket is launched, most of its parts will fall into the atmosphere and burn or fall into the ocean. The parts cannot be recycled, so the cost is relatively high. Multi-stage rockets can be recovered after launch, which greatly reduces the cost of space launches. Moreover, recycling rockets can reduce the generation of waste and reduce pollution and damage to the environment. With the reduction in rocket launch costs and technological advances, space exploration and development can be carried out more frequently and economically. It provides technical support for the sustainable use of space resources. It not only promotes the sustainable development of the aerospace field but also has a positive impact on global environmental protection, resource utilization, and economic development. In order to adapt to the stage-by-stage separation structure of the rocket, this paper proposes a new multi-stage rocket inductive power transfer (IPT) system to power the rocket microgrid. The planar coil structure is used to form wireless power transfer between each stage of the rocket, reducing the volume of the magnetic coupling structure. The volume of the circuit topology structure is reduced by introducing an auxiliary coil. An equivalent three-stage S/T topology is proposed, and the constant voltage output characteristics of multiple loads are analyzed. A multi-stage coil structure is proposed to supply power to multiple loads simultaneously. In order to eliminate undesired magnetic coupling between coils, ferrite cores are added between coils for effective electromagnetic shielding. The parameters of the magnetic coupling structure are optimized based on the finite element method (FEM). A prototype of the proposed IPT system is built to simulate a multi-stage rocket. A series of experiments are conducted to verify the advantages of the proposed IPT system, and the three-stage rocket system efficiency reached 88.5%. This project is theoretical. Its verification was performed only in the laboratory conditions.

Development of a dynamic cumulative damage model and its application to underground hydropower caverns under multiple blasting

Underground infrastructures are crucial for resource extraction, energy storage, and space utilisation. The geomaterials that make up these structures, such as rock and concrete, are subjected to multiaxial stress conditions and are frequently exposed to dynamic and extreme loadings caused by both natural disasters and human activities. These stresses are particularly significant during the construction phase, which involves operations such as drilling and blasting excavation, as well as during the operational phase, which may include events like explosions. For instance, while drilling and blasting induce rock breakage within the excavated profile as designed, they inevitably lead to the formation of a damage zone in the surrounding rock mass. Moreover, the cumulative effects of sequential excavations and multiple blasts can cause significantly greater damage, thereby threatening the stability of tunnel structures during the operation phase. This paper highlights the importance of thoroughly analysing these phenomena during both static and dynamic loadings to ensure the stability of underground infrastructures. To address these challenges, a rate-dependent damage constitutive model is proposed for geomaterials to assess the impacts of blasting loads and the cumulative damage resulting from repeated blasts. The model is conceptualised using the strength envelope of loading-unloading curves to represent the progressive accumulation of damage under repeated impacts. Through theoretical derivation, a dynamic cumulative damage model is developed, based on a modified Mohr-Coulomb strain-softening model incorporating rate-dependent parameters, and is validated against dynamic experimental data. The model captures the transition between static strain-softening and dynamic cumulative damage, triggered by a critical strain-rate threshold. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through simulations of tunnel excavation, emphasising the impact of blasting loads and the accumulation of damage zones. To assess its practical feasibility, the developed model is applied to simulate different excavation scenarios for an underground hydropower cavern. Damage in the surrounding rock mainly results from static unloading and/or dynamic disturbances. Blasting construction, in particular, causes significant damage in tunnel intersection zones and the connecting areas of two benches, leading to increased displacement and higher damage levels compared to static excavation. To mitigate excessive damage while maintaining the construction timeframe, it is recommended to consider alternating cycles of dynamic loading and static excavation unloading continuously, which helps understand damage formation in critical zones without significantly delaying project completion.

The effectiveness of microwave heating as an ISRU extraction technique on different arrangements of icy lunar regolith.

The lunar poles potentially contain vast quantities of water ice. The water ice is of interest due to its capability to answer scientific questions regarding the Solar System’s water reservoir and its potential as a usable space resource for the creation of a sustainable cislunar economy. The lunar polar water ice exists in extremely harsh conditions under vacuum at temperatures as low as 40 K. Therefore, finding the most effective technique for extracting this water ice is an important aspect of ascertaining the suitability of lunar water as an economically viable space resource. Based on previous work, this study investigates the impact of the different possible arrangements of icy regolith in the lunar polar environment on the suitability of microwave heating as a water extraction technique. Three arrangements of icy regolith analogues were created: permafrost, fine granular, and coarse granular. The samples were created to a mass of 40 g, using the lunar highlands simulant LHS-1, and a target water content of 5 wt. %. The samples were processed in a microwave heating unit using 250 W, 2.45 GHz microwave energy for 60 min. The quantity of water extracted was determined by measuring the sample mass change in real-time during microwave heating and the sample mass before and after heating. The permafrost, fine granular, and coarse granular samples had extraction ratios of 92 %, 83 %, and 97 %, respectively. Possible explanations for the observed variations seen in the mass loss profiles of the respective samples are provided, including explanations for the differences between samples of varying ice morphology (permafrost and granular) and the differences between samples with varying ice surface areas (fine and coarse granular). While differences were observed, microwave heating effectively extracted water in all the samples and remains an effective ISRU technique for extracting water from icy lunar regolith. Differences in the water extraction of different icy regolith could be useful in determining the arrangement of ice in buried samples.

Editorial: Technologies for prospecting, extraction, and utilization of space resources

Editorial: Technologies for prospecting, extraction, and utilization of space resources

Optimization of Class Scheduling Problem: A Multi-Constraint Approach for Effective Resource Allocation and Space Utilization

Optimization of Class Scheduling Problem: A Multi-Constraint Approach for Effective Resource Allocation and Space Utilization

Research on the Impact and Strategies of Rail Transit Network Integration in the Context of Metropolitan Area Development: A Case Study of the Wuhan Metropolitan Area

The metropolitan area is one of the key focal points in the construction and development of China’s new urbanization. Urban integration is an emerging trend in metropolitan areas. This paper explores the traffic demand characteristics and economic aspects of rail transit within metropolitan regions and argues that the construction of an integrated urban rail transit network is an effective approach to support their development. Rail transit in metropolitan areas offers both technical and economic advantages, improving the efficiency of time and space resource utilization, fostering economic cooperation, and ultimately contributing to an integrated development model. However, the integration of rail transit networks faces several challenges, including road network planning, technical standards, and operational organization. Using the Wuhan metropolitan area as a case study, this paper analyzes the challenges of rail transit network integration and proposes strategic solutions for development.

Competition is the main factor, compared to non-lethal threat of predation, affecting life-history traits of Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) mosquitoes.

Mosquito larvae coexist with different species of predators in small freshwater bodies. These environments can vary widely in terms of the amount of food and larval densities. Our objective was to understand the impacts of the non-lethal threat of predation, combined with competition effects on Aedes aegypti development and adult life cycle. We tested the effects of two types of non-lethal threat of predation, divided into nine combinations of larvae densities and resource availability on Ae. aegypti larvae. We measured their isolated and combined impacts on larval mortality rate, time to reach pupation, adult size, and lifespan. Real non-lethal threat of predation resulted in a higher larval mortality (71%), compromised the sizes of the individuals (-7%) and prolonged the lifespan (19%) compared to control. Simulated treatment, the anti-predation behaviors led to an increase in larval mortality (21%) compared to the control treatment. Accelerating the larva's development time (-14%) to escape from a dangerous environment severely compromised the size of the individuals (-23%) and increased adult life (10%). The scarcity of food resources, high levels of competition, and non-lethal threat of predation as well, are effective stressors for Ae. aegypti. We observed that resources (food and space) were more important than predation risk for the fitness of the survivors. However, these stressors, individually or combined, can result in high larvae mortality, altered larval development and pupation, affecting the emergence of the adults, with small sizes and altered lifespan, ultimately reducing the fitness of the individuals. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Redefinition for Fundamental Characteristics of Waterway Traffic Stream Considering Vessel Displacement

As the basis for characterizing traffic conditions in waterways, fundamental characteristics of waterway traffic streams are of great practical significance in ensuring traffic safety and improving navigation efficiency. In the study of the fundamental characteristics of waterway traffic flow, although some scholars consider the length or area of the vessel, few scholars take the displacement of the vessel into account and make light of the influence of the three-dimensional size of the vessel. This paper proposes a method for defining the fundamental characteristics of a waterway traffic stream considering vessel size. This method defines fundamental characteristics in terms of vessel displacement and quantifies flow, density, and speed based on vessel trajectories in time–space regions. This study selects a unidirectional channel in the south trough waters of Shanghai Harbor for a case study and draws the fundamental diagram of the waterway traffic stream while considering vessel number and displacement. The comparison result shows that the definition considering vessel displacement can more accurately reflect the actual traffic condition of the selected channel. Finally, based on the flow–density subgraph of the waterway traffic stream (measured by vessel displacement), this paper constructs a traffic stream model and derives critical parameters. The definition proposed in this study effectively characterizes how vessels occupy the time–space resources of waterways, revealing the inherent mechanisms governing waterway traffic stream and, thus, enhancing accuracy in describing fundamental relationships among waterway stream characteristics. The outcome of this research underlies how the waterway traffic stream is measured, operated, and managed to ensure safety and productivity.

SPACE RESOURCES: A NEW BALANCE OF INTERESTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Purpose: the Art. II of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), which prohibits national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, use or occupation, is a jus cogens norm and has become a guarantee of peace in space, as well as the basis of international space law. In opposition, the creation of national legislations that allow the appropriation of space resources to their citizens, the advance of the private sector in space activities all over the world, the initiative to create the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), and The Artemis Accords, put the interpretation of this fundamental principle under debate. In the 21st century, the proliferation of new space missions of public-private nature has created feasible commercial opportunities, such as space mining. All of this has deepened the debate within the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) on the need (or not) for elaborate new legal definitions and a legal regime for space resources. For this, it’s necessary to generate a unified interpretation by the States based on the "balance of interests" principle. Research methods: study of specialized bibliography and national and international legislations, observation methods and analysis of information related to space activities. Results: in this article it will be evaluated whether it’s possible to establish a new global legal interpretation of Art. II of the OST of 1967 to allow the harmonization of private and public interests. Discussion: the Artemis Accords, the ILRS and the national legislations of States that currently allow their citizens to appropriate space resources are, in fact and in practice, the spearhead of NewSpace and their main characteristic is that they are initiatives carried out outside UNCOPUOS. What would happen if soon, in a hypothetical case, The Artemis Accords and the ILRS project were to have more than a hundred signatory States in total?

Precise motion control for a space mining robot based on improved African vultures optimization

Space mining robots can develop and utilize abundant mineral resources in the outer space to solve the problem of the depletion of earth mineral resources. However, the motion errors of space mining robots in complex environments on the outer space surface of asteroids greatly hinder its applications. To bridge this research gap, a precise motion controller of the space mining robot is proposed in this study. Firstly, the kinematics model of robot’s wheels and the whole vehicle dynamics model in soft soil are established. Then, the optimal PID motion controller is developed based on the improved African vultures optimization algorithm (IAVOA). The Henon chaotic mapping, nonlinear adaptive incremental inertial weight factor and reverse learning competition strategy are introduced to optimize the initial population position, position update method and optimal solution output, respectively. Meanwhile, the excellent optimization performance of IAVOA is also validated by test results of nine benchmark functions. Lastly, the performance of controller is verified by simulations and experiments. The simulation results show that the proposed IAVOA-PID controller is superior to the original PID and AVOA-PID controller with faster response time and smaller overshoot. The experiment results show the space mining robot with the assistance of proposed motion controller can move with a trajectory error of less than 0.2 m and a motion error of less than 0.01 m.

Optimization of an Urban Microgreen Space Distribution Based on the PS-ACO Algorithm: A Case Study of Shenyang, China

In this study, optimization of the microgreen space distribution through multistage regulation is investigated, with the goal of alleviating the imbalance between the supply and demand of green resources in the central urban area of Shenyang. An optimized evaluation model of green space supply and demand is employed to calculate the green space accessibility index at a 100-m grid scale and identify different levels of green space resource supply and demand. Priority is given to supplementing resources for the elderly population by balancing the green space supply in vulnerable areas. Particle swarm—ant colony optimization (PS-ACO) is used to select microgreen space sites within each priority level. On the basis of the “important-urgent” quadrant analysis, S1-priority residential areas account for 8.12% of the grid, S2-priority areas account for 67.01%, and S3-priority areas account for 24.87%. The PS-ACO algorithm outputs potential microgreen space sites within each priority level to accurately regulate the green space distribution in residential areas with different supply pressures and limited land availability. A spatial correlation analysis of the new sites reveals good spatial dispersion within service units, effectively alleviating demand pressures, and good aggregation at a regional scale to address imbalances in the supply of green space in a targeted manner. Thus, the optimized results of the PS-ACO algorithm are effective, providing reliable site-selection references for subsequent urban microgreen space distributions.

Supply Chain Sustainability in Outer Space: Lessons to Be Learnt from Remote Sites on Earth

Space exploration, with its enormous distances and extreme environments, is a challenge to technology, human habitation, sustainability, and supply chains. On the flip-side, however, it can provide a new vantage point on how to improve human life and planetary prosperity. This objective requires the development of economic and sustainable supply chains and a governance framework to guarantee fundamental human needs and well-being under the limitations of distant and inhospitable environments. This review describes learnings for human habitation in space from remote communities on Earth that have developed and survived over generations. These include a long history of human survival strategies on Tristan da Cunha, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and Easter Island. Their supply chain management solutions and their problems can guide the implementation of logistics systems for the efficient use of resources in space, to satisfy vital needs of human survival but also to ensure social and governance in space, e.g., build-up of thriving communities, mobility, and industrial activities. This review demonstrates that there are significant gaps in recent space supply chain studies with respect to the space environment, social and governance. Analysis of established practices and concepts from remote regions on Earth can readily respond to these deficiencies and thus supplement space exploration. This review recommends extending the assessment of supply-chain assets from the near future to long-term strategic. This implies going far beyond current space supply chain reports to include aspects of social responsibility and governance, such as sustainable health systems, product quality management, and local decision-making.

Dynamic spatial–temporal conflict quantification of construction machinery for pouring blocks in arch dams

PurposeThe spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process of concrete arch dams are related to the construction quality and duration, especially for pouring blocks with a continuous high-strength and high-density construction process. Furthermore, the complicated construction technology and limited space resources aggravate the spatial–temporal conflicts in the process of space resource allocation and utilization, directly affecting the pouring quality and progress of concrete. To promote the high-strength, quality-preserving and rapid construction of dams and to clarify the explosion moment and influence degree of the spatial–temporal conflicts of construction machinery during the pouring process, a quantification method and algorithm for a “Conflict Bubble” (CB) between construction machines is proposed based on the “Time–Space Microelement” (TSM).Design/methodology/approachFirst, the concept of a CB is proposed, which is defined as the spatial overlap of different entities in the movement process. The subsidiary space of the entity is divided into three layered spaces: the physical space, safe space and efficiency space from the inside to the outside. Second, the processes of “creation,” “transition” and “disappearance” of the CB at different levels with the movement of the entity are defined as the evolution of the spatial–temporal state of the entity. The mapping relationship between the spatial variation and the running time of the layered space during the movement process is defined as “Time–Space” (TS), which is intended to be processed by a microelement.FindingsThe quantification method and algorithm of the CB between construction machinery are proposed based on the TSM, which realizes the quantification of the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate and efficiency loss rate of the construction machinery at any time point or time period. The risk rate of spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process was calculated, and the outbreak condition of spatial–temporal conflict in the pouring process was simulated and rehearsed. The quantitative calculation results show that the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate and efficiency loss rate of construction machinery at any time point or time period can be quantified.Originality/valueThis study provides theoretical support for the quantitative evaluation and analysis of the spatial–temporal conflict risk in the pouring construction process. It also serves as a reference for the rational organization and scientific decision-making for pouring blocks and provides new ideas and methods for the safe and efficient construction and the scientific and refined management of dams.

Geek saviours to the rescue? Primitive accumulation, astropropriation, and exoimperialism in NewSpace entrepreneurship

In this paper, we examine the contemporary commercial space race – colloquially known as NewSpace – from a Marxian, technofeminist and decolonial perspective. Theorising the emergent entrepreneurial activities aimed at the human colonisation and exploitation of outer space as part of an ongoing process of primitive accumulation, we contribute innovative conceptualisations of 21st century entrepreneurial space adventurism as exoimperialism, and the privatisation of outer space resources as astropropriation. We develop the notion of geek saviourism as a function of the new geek hegemony within normative white masculinity, used to justify species-level risk under the auspices of homo entrepreneurus, a subgenre of homo economicus. Our critical examination exhorts extreme caution regarding NewSpace entrepreneurial activities, given the longstanding trajectory of entrepreneurial coloniality they reproduce, the mythoi from which they stem, and the devastatingly unequal sociogeny they can generate.