Suborbital Space Research Articles

Mapping the Longitudinal Magnetic Field in the Atmosphere of an Active Region Plage from the Inversion of the Near-ultraviolet CLASP2.1 Spectropolarimetric Data

We apply the HanleRT Tenerife Inversion Code to the spectropolarimetric observations obtained by the Chromospheric Layer Spectropolarimeter. This suborbital space experiment measured the variation with wavelength of the four Stokes parameters in the near-ultraviolet spectral region of the Mg ii h and k lines over a solar disk area containing part of an active region plage and the edge of a sunspot penumbra. We infer the stratification of the temperature, the electron density, the line-of-sight velocity, the microturbulent velocity, and the longitudinal component of the magnetic field from the observed intensity and circular polarization profiles. The inferred model atmosphere shows larger temperature and electron density in the plage and the superpenumbra regions than in the quiet regions. The shape of the plage region in terms of its brightness is similar to the pattern of the inferred longitudinal component of the magnetic field in the chromosphere, as well as to that of the overlying moss observed by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly in the 171 Å band, which suggests a similar magnetic origin for the heating in both the plage and the moss region. Moreover, this heating is particularly significant in the regions with larger inferred magnetic flux. In contrast, in the superpenumbra, the regions with larger electron density and temperature are usually found in between these regions with larger magnetic flux, suggesting that the details of the heating mechanism in the chromosphere of the superpenumbra may be different from those in the plage, but with the magnetic field still playing a key role.

Multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization of the aerodynamic shape of the SpaceLiner passenger stage

The SpaceLiner is a futuristic concept of a suborbital space plane intended to provide ultra-fast intercontinental passenger transport, currently in pre-development at DLR-SART. Vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds inevitably produce shock waves that are perceived at ground level as sonic booms, with associated disturbance of the overflown populations. The reduction of this disturbance, together with the decrease of the noise associated to the launch and ascent phase, is critical for a viable future operation of the SpaceLiner. The objective of this work is the redesign of the passenger stage aerodynamic shape in order to improve its atmospheric re-entry performance, in terms of a reduction of both the heat flux and the disturbance of the overflown populations. For this purpose, a MDAO methodology was developed with the tasks of (1) computing vehicle performance from a wing shape parametrization using fast estimation methods, (2) exploring the design space and (3) finding a new promising aerodynamic shape. First, a Python tool-chain was developed to compute vehicles performances from a wing shape parametrization using fast estimation methods. The tool-chain was then systematically exploited to explore the design space by means of parametric studies, whose results informed the implementation of the forthcoming optimization. Afterwards, the wing shape was optimized using a three-objective evolutionary algorithm that minimized the vehicle mass and maximized its lift-to-drag ratio and lift coefficient. Simplified trajectory optimizations were then run on the set of non-dominated solutions in order to identify the most performing configurations. Finally, multi-objective evolutionary trajectory optimizations were run for the most promising candidate along intercontinental point-to-point routes of interest. Comparisons with the previous design iteration showed a significant improvement in terms of a reduction of both reentry heat flux and population disturbance.

Commercial spaceflight: Regulatory framework assessment and safety perspectives

Recent years are witnessing the rapid technological development in airspace domain, actually paving the way to the development of a commercial space market. Until the recent past, space operations have been essentially performed by research centers or military agencies, in usually segregated areas to ensure third parties’ safety, governed by launch base regulations and organized in an unscheduled manner. However, with the entry of private companies into the space domain, a new market niche is being created: that of commercial space transportation. For example, a promising area is the one related to operations performed by commercial suborbital flights, whether aimed at space tourism or simply transporting things and/or passengers from one point to another on the Earth's surface. The traffic volumes are supposed to increase in next years and segregating airspace does not represent a sustainable solution for the future.The present paper will first assess the state of the art of the regulatory framework currently applicable to operators in order to obtain authorization to perform space missions for commercial use, then propose a comparison between the United State of America and European regulatory frameworks. Main challenges related to regulatory aspects will be identified and perspectives on possible higher airspace operations integration in the medium-long term will be derived. Finally, safety considerations deriving from a seamless accommodation of higher airspace operations in current Air Traffic Management will be derived for the medium-long term. In conclusion, this work reveals that neither the United States nor Europe has formally approved a legal framework establishing certification procedures for sub-orbital space transport systems. Currently, the US legislation is the most applicable as it has comprehensive rules to allow operators to obtain flight authorization ensuring compliance with requirements through a compliance matrix periodically updated.

Point-to-point suborbital space tourism motivation and willingness to fly

Suborbital space tourism is a catalyst for space industry revenue that could reach $1.1 billion by 2032. This study evaluated the influence of the four dimensions of Iso-Ahola's (1982) theory of tourism motivation on willingness to fly as a point-to-point suborbital space tourist. 870 participants responded to an online survey. The survey results were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The tourism dimensions of interpersonal seeking and personal seeking had the greatest influence on willingness to fly. The model explains 40% of the variance in willingness to fly. The results provide validated data for targeted marketing to potential point-to-point space tourists. The results of this study are a catalyst for future space tourism research.

Cardiovascular Effects of Cosmic Radiation and Microgravity.

Recent spaceflights involving nonprofessional people have opened the doors to the suborbital space tourism business. However, they have also drawn public attention to the safety and hazards associated with space travel. Unfortunately, space travel involves a myriad of health risks for people, ranging from DNA damage caused by radiation exposure to the hemodynamic changes that occur when living in microgravity. In fact, the primary pathogenetic role is attributed to cosmic radiation, since deep space lacks the protective benefit of Earth's magnetic shielding. The second risk factor for space-induced pathologies is microgravity, which may affect organ function and cause a different distribution of fluid inside the human body. Both cosmic radiation and microgravity may lead to the alteration of cellular homeostasis and molecular changes in cell function. These, in turn, might have a direct impact on heart function and structure. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the fact that spaceflights constitute a novel frontier in biomedical research. We summarize the most important clinical and experimental evidence regarding the cardiovascular effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity. Finally, we highlight that unraveling the mechanisms underlying how space radiation and microgravity affect the cardiovascular system is crucial for identifying potential countermeasures and developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Addressing Space Tourism’s Environmental Effects: Marine Environment Regulations as a Basis for Regulating Orbital Space Debris

With the success of private suborbital space flight, the space industry is now facing unprecedented growth as billionaires strive to accomplish the task of sending astrotourists into space. However, given the novelty of this objective, the current domestic and international legal regimes governing outer space and space travel are both confusing and outdated, and thus, they have not adequately accounted for space tourism activities. Given the projected growth of this industry, detrimental and dangerous environmental effects—such as an increase in orbital space debris—have become a pressing concern. These effects will not only affect the global climate on Earth but will likely pose additional obstacles to future space travel by cluttering the Earth’s stratosphere. Therefore, this comment proposes a new international regulatory framework based on the London Protocol and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—two instances of international cooperation protecting the marine environment—in order to regulate the environmental effects stemming from space tourism activities.

Data acquisition unit for suborbital rocket vibration measurement

Suborbital rockets and space launch vehicles experience high levels of vibration. They are caused by various factors, such as aerodynamic effects on the external surfaces and engine combustion instability. The second factor is especially pronounced in hybrid rocket engines, such as the main engine of the ILR-33 AMBER 2K rocket. In order to ensure the correct operation of all the equipment and payload on board, vibration testing of the devices is necessary as part of pre-flight qualification. For such tests to be truly indicative of in-flight performance, the vibration environment of the vehicle must be analysed. A conceptual measurement method was proposed, along with a prototype measurement system. The system is adapted to be integrated into the modular ILR-33 AMBER 2K on-board computer or work independently as a separate module. The device measures vibration in three axes in several key points onboard the rocket, with the possibility of connecting multiple units in a daisy-chain configuration. This paper presents the design of the module, including the key aspects of integrating it as part of the avionics package. The means of acquiring and storing of measurement data are presented. The method of validating the system’s data acquisition capabilities is described in detail. Qualification testing results and identified issues are discussed. Possible future improvements are proposed.

Orbital and sub-orbital space tourism: motivation, constraint and artificial intelligence

Propósitoexiste una investigación limitada sobre el comportamiento de las diferentes categorías de turistas espaciales identificados por diferentes tipos de turismo espacial. Para abordar esta deficiencia, este trabajo examina qué factores hacen que los consumidores participen en el turismo espacial orbital y/o suborbital, junto con tres dimensiones de motivación, restricción e inteligencia artificial. Para lograr los objetivos del estudio, se desarrolló un modelo de investigación integral que incluía tres dimensiones de motivación intrínseca y extrínseca, restricción intrapersonal e interpersonal, y conocimiento y confianza en la inteligencia artificial, al comparar grupos de turismo espacial orbital y suborbital.Diseño/metodología/enfoquese realizó un cuestionario con los encuestados que querían participar en el turismo espacial orbital (n = 332) y suborbital (n = 332) en el futuro. Se utilizaron modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) de mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS), análisis comparativo cualitativo de conjuntos borrosos (fsQCA), análisis multigrupo y aprendizaje profundo para comprender el comportamiento potencial del turista espacial.Hallazgosla motivación extrínseca tiene el mayor impacto positivo en la intención de comportamiento, seguida de la conciencia y la confianza en la inteligencia artificial, mientras que la restricción intrapersonal afecta negativamente la intención de comportamiento. Sorprendentemente, la restricción interpersonal es insignificante por PLS-SEM, pero sigue siendo una de las configuraciones causales suficientes por fsQCA. Curiosamente, los dos tipos de turismo espacial tienen características muy distintas.Originalidad/valoreste trabajo creó un modelo de investigación integral integral con tres dimensiones de motivación, restricción e inteligencia artificial, junto con posibles grupos de turistas espaciales orbitales y suborbitales para identificar el comportamiento futuro del consumidor. Es importante destacar que este estudio empleó métodos de análisis múltiple utilizando cuatro enfoques diferentes para arrojar mejor luz sobre los posibles turistas espaciales orbitales y suborbitales.

The Magnetic Sensitivity of the (250–278 nm) Fe ii Polarization Spectrum

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the polarization and magnetic sensitivity of the near-ultraviolet (near-UV) solar spectral lines of Fe ii between 250 and 278 nm. In recent years, UV spectropolarimetry has become key to uncovering the magnetism of the upper layers of the solar chromosphere. The unprecedented data obtained by the CLASP2 suborbital space experiment across the Mg ii h and k lines around 280 nm are a clear example of the capabilities of near-UV spectropolarimetry for magnetic field diagnostics throughout the whole solar chromosphere. Recent works have pointed out the possible complementary diagnostic potential of the many Fe ii lines in the unexplored spectral region between 250 and 278 nm, but no quantitative analysis of the polarization and magnetic sensitivity of those spectral lines has been carried out yet. To study the polarization signals in these spectral lines, we create a comprehensive atomic model including all the atomic transitions resulting in strong spectral lines. We then study the magnetic sensitivity of the linear and circular polarization profiles in a semiempirical model representative of the quiet Sun. We present a selection of Fe ii spectral lines with significant linear and circular polarization signals and evaluate their diagnostic capabilities by studying their formation heights and magnetic sensitivity through the action of the Hanle and Zeeman effects. We conclude that when combined with the CLASP2 spectral region these Fe ii lines are of interest for the inference of magnetic fields throughout the solar chromosphere, up to near the base of the corona.

EUSO-SPB2: A balloon experiment for UHECR and VHE neutrino observation

The Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon 2 (EUSO-SPB2) experiment will make new measurements from suborbital space as a precursor for future space missions that will address the challenge of the extremely low fluxes of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) and very high energy (VHE) neutrinos. The EUSO-SPB2 detector is comprised of two 1m diameter aperture telescopes. The Fluorescence Telescope (FT) will point in nadir and will record fluorescence light from cosmic ray EAS with energies above 1 EeV in its field of view of 36 by 12 degrees. The Cherenkov Telescope (CT) features a silicon photomultiplier focal surface with a field of view of 12 by 6 degrees. The CT will switch between two observation modes: one which points the CT above the limb to measure the Cherenkov emission of cosmic ray EAS with energies above 1 PeV and one which points the CT below the limb to record the Cherenkov emission produced by PeV scale EAS initiated by neutrino-sourced tau decay. As it is the first time such an instrument has been flown, one of the priorities of the CT will be the study of the optical background for observing neutrinos in this way. EUSO-SPB2 is undergoing the final integration steps for launch on a NASA super pressure balloon payload in the spring of 2023 from Wanaka NZ. The CT was field-tested in March 2022 and the FT in August - September 2022. The data collected during the EUSO-SPB2 mission will be essential to advancing the development of a space-based multi-messenger observatory such as the Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA). In this contribution, we discuss the EUSO-SPB2 science goals, the instruments, the expected performance and the current status.

Space tourism needs a bioethical reboot.

Space tourism includes a medical ‘module’, which studies physiopsychic variables of these ‘tourists’. Therefore, before sub-orbiting the Earth, this type of space travel should orbit the ethical safeguards of research. Such a premise has, as far as Sub-orbital Space Tourism is concerned, three domains: subject bioethics, social bioethics, and eco-bioethics.

A Detailed Study of Space X Vs. Blue Origin Vs. Virgin Galactic and the Future of Space Travel

Space travel has had a generally short history. Regardless of its recency, the field has seen quick improvement in recent years. When the area of legislatures, space travel is currently likewise confidential. Starting from the primary business of human space flight occurred in 2001; a few other well-off space vacationers bought their rides into space. Over 150 individuals have pursued sub-orbital space trips with Virgin Galactic. Be that as it may, there are critical hindrances in making space travel a reality for the overall population. The enormous three Space X, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are as yet developing confidential space industry was established entirely by super business visionaries who rose to acclaim (and significant riches) through non-space undertakings. Each has entered the ring with the usual point of reforming space travel, yet in light of one-of-a-kind goals and various dreams regarding how to accomplish their missions. Assuming that one property is shared by the administrations of SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, it is the definition of aggressive objectives. Here is a gander at the expressed missions of these three spearheading organizations: 1. SpaceX's central goal to make "humankind multi-planetary" is well in progress and has the red planet Mars soundly in its sights with the reusable Starship rocket program as the essential stage 2. Blue Origin additionally embraces rocket reusability as vital to its primary goal to save the planet by taking advantage of the room's "limitless assets and energy," comparing the new time of room travel and investigation to the Industrial Revolution of the cutting-edge period. 3. Virgin Galactic's main goal to "democratize space" will rely to a great extent upon the outcome of its space travel industry model by which the world's most memorable space line (rather than a carrier) will offer standard "flights" to space from its Spaceport America in New Mexico.

Utilizing the KSC Fixation Tube to Conduct Human-Tended Plant Biology Experiments on a Suborbital Spaceflight.

Suborbital spaceflights now enable human-tended research investigating short-term gravitational effects in biological systems, eliminating the need for complex automation. Here, we discuss a method utilizing KSC Fixation Tubes (KFTs) to both carry biology to suborbital space as well as fix that biology at certain stages of flight. Plants on support media were inserted into the sample side of KFTs preloaded with RNAlater in the fixation chamber. The KFTs were activated at various stages of a simulated flight to fix the plants. RNA-seq analysis conducted on tissue samples housed in KFTs, showed that plants behaved consistently in KFTs when compared to petri-plates. Over the time course, roots adjusted to hypoxia and leaves adjusted to changes in photosynthesis. These responses were due in part to the environment imposed by the encased triple containment of the KFTs, which is a requirement for flight in human spacecraft. While plants exhibited expected reproducible transcriptomic alteration over time in the KFTs, responses to clinorotation during the simulated flight suggest that transcriptomic responses to suborbital spaceflight can be examined using this approach.

Dossier: Eduardo Kac’sAdsum, Artwork for the Moon

Dossier: Eduardo Kac’s<i>Adsum</i>, Artwork for the Moon

Preparing Civilians to Travel, Live, and Work in Space: A Human Research Agenda

The prospect of thousands—perhaps even millions—of civilians traveling, living, and working in space in the coming decades requires a collaborative human research program (HRP) to ensure their health and safety. After a substantial review of the literature on the health of civilians in space, it was found that little is known about the impact of the space environment on health and safety of civilians, many with underlying health conditions and disabilities. To address this gap, the author and the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) decided to conduct a workshop on developing an HRP to study the impact of the space environment on the health and safety of average civilians in the commercialization of space. With the cooperation of experts in health research in space, a Workshop Planning Committee was created. The committee included experts from CSF, the space industry, government, and academia to develop the first ever HRP for civilians in the commercialization of space. The CSF/MITRE workshop was conducted on May 11–12, 2021, with ∼100 participants. Recommendations were made to conduct specific research projects to understand and prevent/mitigate any adverse impact of the space environment on average civilians in suborbital space and in space travel and habitation in low Earth orbit and beyond. The summary report of the workshop's recommendations was written, vetted, and completed for public dissemination in November 2021. The summary concludes with recommendations for implementation of the HRP for civilians in commercial space.

PACE CARGO: Ultra-fast Delivery on Earth –Potential of Using Suborbital Space Vehicles for the Transportation of Cargo

PACE CARGO: Ultra-fast Delivery on Earth –Potential of Using Suborbital Space Vehicles for the Transportation of Cargo

SUBORBITAL AND COSMIC SPACES LEGISLATIVE DIVISION PROBLEM IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE LAW (GEORGIA - UKRAINE)

Purpose: the purpose of the scientific article is to reveal the main problems associated with the legal regulation of suborbital space. Attention is paid to the problem of suborbital flight organization and the legal regime of air and space international navigation. Methods: to achieve a certain goal were used general and special scientific (special) methods: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, abstraction, concretization, generalization, etc. Results: it is important to consolidate the international legal treaty on the delimitation of air, space and suborbital spaces, which will contribute, in particular, to the progressive development of international space law, as well as to ensure proper international space law. Space borders are as untouchable as land and sea borders. Each state gains the right to defend its air space from the illegal irruption of the other countries’ aircrafts. The issue of the delimitation of borders between the air space (sovereign and international) and cosmic space is discussed in the UN Organizations committee. Discussion: today the issue of regulating the provisions of international law, which would legalize the existence and separation of space tourists from astronauts, define them as space tourists, regulate the legal status and general features of the legal regime of their activities.

Dynamic lung behavior under high G acceleration monitored with electrical impedance tomography

Objective. During launch and atmospheric re-entry in suborbital space flights, astronauts are exposed to high G-acceleration. These acceleration levels influence gas exchange inside the lung and can potentially lead to hypoxaemia. The distribution of air inside the lung can be monitored by electrical impedance tomography. This imaging technique might reveal how high gravitational forces affect the dynamic behavior of ventilation and impair gas exchange resulting in hypoxaemia. Approach. We performed a trial in a long-arm centrifuge with ten participants lying supine while being exposed to +2, +4 and +6 G x (chest-to-back acceleration) to study the magnitude of accelerations experienced during suborbital spaceflight. Main results. First, the tomographic images revealed that the dorsal region of the lung emptied faster than the ventral region. Second, the ventilated area shifted from dorsal to ventral. Consequently, alveolar pressure in the dorsal area reached the pressure of the upper airways before the ventral area emptied completely. Finally, the upper airways collapsed and the end-expiratory volume increased. This resulted in ventral gas trapping with restricted gas exchange. Significance. At +4 G x , changes in ventilation distribution varied considerably between subjects, potentially due to variation in individual physical conditions. However, at +6 G x all participants were affected similarly and the influence of high gravitational conditions was pronounced.

Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon 1 calibration: from the laboratory to the desert

The Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon 1 (EUSO-SPB1) instrument was launched out of Wanaka, New Zealand, by NASA in April, 2017 as a mission of opportunity. The detector was developed as part of the Joint Experimental Missions for the Extreme Universe Space Observatory (JEM-EUSO) program toward a space-based ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) telescope with the main objective to make the first observation of UHECRs via the fluorescence technique from suborbital space. The EUSO-SPB1 instrument is a refractive telescope consisting of two 1m$^2$ Fresnel lenses with a high-speed UV camera at the focal plane. The camera has 2304 individual pixels capable of single photoelectron counting with a time resolution of 2.5$\mu$s. A detailed performance study including calibration was done on ground. We separately evaluated the properties of the Photo Detector Module (PDM) and the optical system in the laboratory. An end-to-end test of the instrument was performed during a field campaign in the West Desert in Utah, USA at the Telescope Array (TA) site in September 2016. The campaign lasted for 8 nights. In this article we present the results of the preflight laboratory and field tests. Based on the tests performed in the field, it was determined that EUSO-SPB1 has a field of view of 11.1$^\circ$ and an absolute photo-detection efficiency of 10%. We also measured the light flux necessary to obtain a 50% trigger efficiency using laser beams. These measurements were crucial for us to perform an accurate post flight event rate calculation to validate our cosmic ray search. Laser beams were also used to estimated the reconstruction angular resolution. Finally, we performed a flat field measurement in flight configuration at the launch site prior to the launch providing a uniformity of the focal surface better than 6%.

Measuring the Magnetic Origins of Solar Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections, and Space Weather

Abstract We take a broad look at the problem of identifying the magnetic solar causes of space weather. With the lackluster performance of extrapolations based upon magnetic field measurements in the photosphere, we identify a region in the near-UV (NUV) part of the spectrum as optimal for studying the development of magnetic free energy over active regions. Using data from SORCE, the Hubble Space Telescope, and SKYLAB, along with 1D computations of the NUV spectrum and numerical experiments based on the MURaM radiation–magnetohydrodynamic and HanleRT radiative transfer codes, we address multiple challenges. These challenges are best met through a combination of NUV lines of bright Mg ii, and lines of Fe ii and Fe i (mostly within the 4s–4p transition array) which form in the chromosphere up to 2 × 104 K. Both Hanle and Zeeman effects can in principle be used to derive vector magnetic fields. However, for any given spectral line the τ = 1 surfaces are generally geometrically corrugated owing to fine structure such as fibrils and spicules. By using multiple spectral lines spanning different optical depths, magnetic fields across nearly horizontal surfaces can be inferred in regions of low plasma β, from which free energies, magnetic topology, and other quantities can be derived. Based upon the recently reported successful sub-orbital space measurements of magnetic fields with the CLASP2 instrument, we argue that a modest space-borne telescope will be able to make significant advances in the attempts to predict solar eruptions. Difficulties associated with blended lines are shown to be minor in an Appendix.