Space Technology Research Articles

Preface

3rd National Forum on Contemporary Space Research (NaFSKI 2022), November 10-12, 2022, Sofia TechPark, Bulgaria The National Forum on Contemporary Space Research is an initiative of the “Cosmos” Branch of the Union of Physicists in Bulgaria aiming to promote space research networking both on national and international levels. The event was shaped as a platform where the Bulgarian academia and industry meet, discuss, and collaborate. The Forum is held under the auspices of the Bulgarian Ministry of Innovation and Growth with the financial support of EnduroSat, Space Fluent, and Sfera Technologies. The first edition of the Forum took place in 2020 and it proved the idea is timely and successful. The second and third editions of the Forum was organized as a 3 days event in Sofia TechPark “Incubator” in October 2021 and attracted even more attention. Thus, it was natural to continue the Forum as annual event and to hold the fourth edition in October 2022. The program and presentations during the Forum are available at https://bulgarianspace.online/nafski2023/ The NAFSKI 2023 Forum programme was a two-days event, aiming at bringing the industrial, research, and education sectors closer together. The event was in three general themes: Space science, Space technologies and Space education, with representatives of the three sectors collaborating in all sections. The collected papers passed a peer-review process, and we are proud to present the collection to the readers of the Journal of Physics – Conference Series. The papers are separated in three categories, according to the topic: fundamental space science research, aerospace technologies and Earth observations. We are thankful to all participants, sponsors, and guests, who contributed to the Forum and helped us to fulfil one of the most recognized events in this scientific topic this year - without you this would never have happened. We are looking forward to welcoming you again at the fifth edition in October 2024. Assoc. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hristomir Yordanov (Guest Editor) List of Programme Committee and Organisation Committee are available in this Pdf.

Green technologies in the knowledge space: Insertion and the moderating role of industry knowledge bases

Green technologies in the knowledge space: Insertion and the moderating role of industry knowledge bases

Outcomes and Perspectives from the 4th ESA ModelBased Space Systems and Software Engineering Workshop (MBSE2023) on reducing the gap between model‐based systems engineering and domain‐specific approaches

AbstractIn the context of its initiative to promote the adoption of model‐based approaches in the development of present and upcoming missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) organised this year its annual workshop on Model‐Based Space Systems and Software Engineering (MBSE2023) at its European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) premises. The aim of this year's workshop was to investigate how the model‐based systems engineering community could contribute to bridging the gap with domain‐specific model‐based approaches used in subsystem design. The World Café Method was used to facilitate the group discussions, the outcomes of which are summarized and presented in this paper.

Novel Composites for Lightweighting in Deep Space Applications

Abstract The evolution of carbon nanotube composites, as inspired by the Materials Genome Initiative, unlocks new potential for materials sustainability in challenging deep space applications. This article describes research and development work at the Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP), a NASA Space Technology Research Institute consortium. US-COMP has developed a novel composite material with mechanical properties per unit mass that exceed state-of-the-art structural composites.

The Integration Chosen of Innovative Technologies Focusing on Adoption of Space Technologies and Management Digital Systems in Aviation Security

The Integration Chosen of Innovative Technologies Focusing on Adoption of Space Technologies and Management Digital Systems in Aviation Security

DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEFENCE INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE NATIONAL SECURITY

The national defence industry concentrates on military, electronic, information and space technologies. In the near future, Ukraine's defence industry may become one of the most knowledge-intensive industrial sectors of the economy. Accordingly, the purpose of the study is to assess the capacity of Ukrainian defence enterprises to produce weapons and military equipment to ensure national security. The research aims not only to assess the problems of the defence industry under martial law but also to ensure the effective development of the defence industry sectors by identifying priority areas of funding.It was found that the current state of the Ukrainian defence industry does not meet the current realities of the time, especially in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The provision of equipment and weapons to military units is at a low level. It is found that the renewal of modern models of weapons and military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, before the full-scale invasion, was less than 1%, which in turn did not allow to compensate for the rate of ageing of existing weapons. The authors suggest ways to support the development of Ukraine's defence industry, in particular, through the creation of a Defence Industry Development Fund.The authors propose to create a Defence Industry Development Fund using public and private sources of funding not prohibited by the legislative framework of Ukraine, which will expand the capabilities of defence industry enterprises to produce weapons and military equipment. The creation of a system of multi-level continuous education in the defence industry and long-term conditions for the sustainable development of the defence industry's human resources will allow to engage in capacity building and reach a new level of support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the implementation of NATO standards.

Role of Space Technology in India: The Perceived Threats and Recommended Measures for Pakistan

India’s advancements in space technology have had significant implications for the South Asian region, particularly for Pakistan's neighboring countries. These papers examine the perceived threats posed by India’s space capabilities and propose strategic measures for Pakistan to address these challenges. By analyzing India’s space program history, current capabilities, and potential military and economic impacts, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic landscape. Furthermore, it offers recommendations for Pakistan to enhance its own space capabilities to improve its cybersecurity measures, form strategic alliances, and engage in diplomatic efforts to mitigate the risks associated with Indian space advancements.

Satellite‐Derived Bathymetry in Dynamic Coastal Geomorphological Environments Through Machine Learning Algorithms

AbstractIn the field of coastal geomorphology, advancements in space technology have revolutionized coastal mapping and understanding. Satellite‐derived bathymetry (SDB) research has progressed, focusing on various estimation methods using high‐resolution satellite imagery and in‐situ data. Challenges arise when applying these methods to the Indian coastline due to its turbid waters and intricate features such as creeks and deltas, laden with sediment and submerged rocks. A study aims to assess multivariate machine learning (ML) regression techniques for estimating bathymetric data. The study employs ground‐truth data and imagery from Aster, Landsat‐8, and Sentinel‐2 at distinct sites known for complex underwater landscapes. Several algorithms including Multiple Linear Regression, Support Vector Regressor, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Decision Tree Regression, K‐Neighbors Regressor, k‐fold cross‐validation with Decision Tree Regression, and Random Forest (RF) are evaluated for SDB. Results from the Vengurla Site show that using the Landsat‐8 data set with the GPR algorithm achieves R2 0.94, root mean squared error (RMSE) 1.53 m, and MAE 1.14 m, utilizing visible spectrum bands. At Mormugao, the Sentinel‐2 data set with GPR and RF algorithms attains R2 0.97 and RMSE 1.23 m, with GPR outperforming RF, having an MAE of 1.05 m compared to RF's 1.22 m. This study underscores the potential of ML regression techniques in overcoming challenges with using SDB for mapping coastal geomorphology, particularly in intricate underwater terrains and turbid waters by assimilating sophisticated algorithms and their refined cartographic representation.

Experimental investigation and numerical simulation of intense plume impingement effects from a 10 N bipropellant thruster

The intense interaction between thruster plumes and spacecraft surfaces presents substantial challenges for the advancement of space technologies. The impingement effects from a 10 N bipropellant thruster plume on a vertical instrumented plate were experimentally and numerically investigated in this study. Impingement pressure and heat flux were measured using micro differential pressure transducers and Gardon gauges, respectively, while the spatial distribution of the plume was captured using the high-speed camera. The phenomena and the distribution characteristics of plume impingement have been summarized, thereby providing a comprehensive validation dataset for subsequent predictions. Numerical simulations are conducted utilizing the coupled hybrid Computational Fluid Dynamics and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (CFD-DSMC) algorithm. The dependence of the simulation outcomes on grid resolution was critically assessed, and the accuracy of the results was validated by comparison with experimental data. An integrated methodology, combining experimental and numerical approaches, was developed to calculate the maximum heat flux under realistic grid configurations. This method has proven to be effective and supports the accurate and efficient evaluation of intense plume impingement effects for engineering applications.

An Accurate and Rapid Docking Algorithm for Four-Way Shuttle in High-Density 3D Warehousing Environment

High-density 3D warehousing is the future cornerstone of modern logistics storage. It aims to efficiently manage and store various types of goods by utilizing 3D space and automation technology. The accurate and fast docking algorithm of the four-way shuttles, as a core method of carrying the goods in high-density 3D warehousing, has become an increasingly important technical challenge. Inaccurate docking will result in a failure to change direction, while long docking time will affect the operation efficiency of the four-way shuttle. To overcome these obstacles, this paper presents an accurate and rapid docking algorithm for four-way shuttles. Firstly, the deceleration and jerk of a four-way shuttle in the braking stage are initialized according to the motion parameter set calculated by the docking motion model. Then, the four-way shuttle starts to move until the stop signal has been detected. If the system fails to detect the stop signal, the distance compensation is needed to ensure that the four-way shuttle can arrive at the stop point. Finally, the four-way shuttle stops immediately by way of amplifying the deceleration when reaching the stop point. The result shows that the accuracy of rapid docking is superior to that of direct docking. Compared with crawling docking, rapid docking reduces the braking time by 3.99s and stops at a speed lower than the crawling speed. The rapid docking algorithm not only enhances the throughput of high-density 3D warehousing but also improves the service life of four-way shuttles.

Overflow Simulation and Optimization of a Drainage System in an Urban Area in the Northern Anhui Plain

Quantitative simulation of urban waterlogging using computer models is an effective technical means for urban storm water management, especially for predicting and preventing waterlogging. In this study, a city in the northern Anhui Plain, China, was selected as the study site. The Storm Water Management Model was applied to simulate the dynamic changes in the pipeline overload, node overflow, and discharge port runoff characteristics from three perspectives: surface runoff, pipe network transmission, and flow control of low-impact development. The operation of the rainwater pipe network under different return periods and the real-time operation of the rainwater pipe network were simulated to seek solutions to urban waterlogging problems caused by flat terrain and slow drainage. The results revealed that surface runoff is the primary source of rainfall in the study area, with a runoff coefficient of 0.599. The drainage pipe network was optimized by expanding the diameter of the pipe from ≤1.5 mm to ≥2 mm. The water reduction rate was more than 50%, and overload did not occur after optimization. Therefore, sinking green space technology and optimization methods for expanding a pipe diameter can reduce urban waterlogging.

Structural design and surface networking analysis of a truss antenna based on hexagonal frustum deployable mechanism units

With the development of space technology, deployable mechanism has been widely applied in large aperture space antennas. In this paper, a hexagonal frustum deployable antenna unit and an innovative modular assembling concept are proposed for large parabolic truss antenna. Screw topology diagram and screw constraint matrix are established to solve degree of freedom (DOF) of the antenna mechanism. By separating column vectors of screw constraint matrix, whole actuations of antenna mechanism are obtained according to unique solution condition. A new hexagon antenna network method based on hexagon frustum units and rotation transformation matrix is proposed, and correctness and efficiency of the modeling principle are proved by simulation. Finally, a prototype of the proposed hexagonal frustum truss deployable antenna mechanism is constructed, and a deployment experiment is conducted, which demonstrate the mobility and deployment performance of the mechanism. The mechanism proposed in this paper provides a theoretical reference for the parabolic truss deployable antenna mechanism, which is potentially valuable in the application of large aperture deployable antennas.

Про фундаментальну підготовку фахівців авіаційної та аерокосмічної галузей

The subject of the study is the state of the fundamental training of specialists in aviation, rocket, and space technology. Recently, the processes of expanding and deepening the fundamental training of specialists in the specialized areas of specific higher education institutions have been intensified. Unfortunately, experience of recent years has shown, the priorities rightfully belong to the aviation and aerospace industries, both in the scientific/creative and design/production spheres. Training of the specialists in the field of aerohydrodynamics of aircraft and their components; gas dynamics of the modern aircraft engines of various types, is currently the priority. In addition, both – the problems in aeroelasticity and research in the field of aerodynamic acoustics related to the environmental safety of the operation of aviation equipment are important for the design of the modern aircraft. Moreover, the design of aircraft that overcomes trans- and supersonic flight speed, requires in-depth study of the processes of heat and mass exchange determining physico-chemical transformations, which are also present in the internal gas-dynamic processes of gas-turbodynamic and rocket engines of aircraft. Structure and comparative analysis study of programs and courses for fundamental training of specialists in the aerospace industry at the universities of USA, Canada, Germany, China, as well as in KhAI, Ukraine, are presented. This study provides comparative information about scientific and experimental bases of aerodynamic complexes available in Ukraine and in leading organizations of North America and Western Europe. This study demonstrates the real unification of deep fundamental theoretical knowledge and practical skills with experimental research based on existing modern research laboratories. Conclusion. Analysis and comparative indicators presented in paper allow us to state that based on today’s needs, the National Aerospace University "Kharkiv Aviation Institute" is capable of significant increase of the quality of training for specialists of all levels for the developed aviation and rocket-space industries of Ukraine.

Problems of digital inclusion in vocational (vocation-technical) education institutions

The content of the article presents an analysis of the problems and trends in the development of modern digital technologies of inclusive education in the field of professional education, taking into account the development of relevant guidelines for customers of educational services. Current problems of digital inclusion in vocational education institutions are considered, namely: high-quality digital Ukrainian-language content that is accessible to various nosologies of education seekers with special educational needs, and the problem of training pedagogical workers in educational institutions to implement the concept of digital inclusion. It was determined that the use of digital technologies means a paradigm shift in approaches to teaching and learning, which is a potential for the transformation of professional education and an opportunity for customers of educational services to succeed in the global economy, ensuring the personalization of the educational process and overcoming the distance between the academic environment and production. At the same time, realizing this potential requires concerted action to address issues such as the digital divide, technology obsolescence, and quality and trust issues. In the context of inclusive educational innovation, digital accessibility is an important aspect of ensuring that all people, including persons with disabilities, have equal access to digital technologies and services. During the study of trends in the development of modern learning technologies in the field of professional and technical education, the staff of the department conducted an analysis of the interaction of inclusive learning technologies and modern digital technologies, focused on understanding how these two elements can interact to create an inclusive educational environment. The ways and possibilities of using digital technologies in the process of inclusive education are determined. The implementation and integration of digital technologies requires significant investment in infrastructure and ongoing support to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness. A successful example of such an infrastructural solution is the single educational-digital ecosystem of the Bilotserk Institute of Continuing Professional Education, which combines the intellectual, scientific, professional, educational, and technological potential of the subjects of the network educational-digital environment, provides for the use of digital, andragogic and interactive technologies in virtual space. The findings of the study indicate that although digital technologies have the potential to significantly improve the quality of vocational education, their successful implementation depends on addressing the associated challenges. It is important to constantly evaluate, study and introduce new initiatives in the field of digital learning and digital inclusion into the educational process, constantly update the educational process through the integration of digital technologies, ensure the appropriate quality of educational programs and resources.

The weakest link: The vulnerability of U.S. and allied global information networks in the nuclear age

ABSTRACT The arrival of the nuclear age highlighted the inadequacy of U.S. and allied information networks for transmitting vital messages across the globe. Submarine cables could be cut and radio easily jammed. U.S. and allied officials looked to emerging space technologies to compensate for the inadequacies of radio and submarine cables and to reduce their dependence on terrestrial telecommunications hardware. But satellites were also vulnerable and insufficient for meeting all communications requirements. Consequently, creating layered telecommunications networks that stretched from under the sea, across the land, and into space emerged as the optimal strategy for strengthening information security.

Russia’s Construction of a Post-Soviet National Image at World Fairs, 1992–2022

This article examines the evolution of Russia’s use of world expos to reshape its image and construct a non-socialist national identity after the end of the Soviet Union. Between 1992 and 2000, Russia’s exhibitions at Seville’s Expo ’92, Hannover’s Expo 2000, and Aichi’s Expo 2005 echoed earlier Soviet pavilions’ emphasis on material objects and space technology. Since Shanghai’s Expo 2010, however, Russia has been developing an updated, contemporary expo brand that celebrates its historical achievements and status as a leading nation. Imposing pavilions, state-of-the-art multimedia displays, forums on business opportunities and global issues, popular music shows, dance parties, and cute mascots have contributed to forging a friendly, contemporary image of Russia as a desirable trading partner that is open to cooperation with the world. At the most recent world expo, Dubai’s Expo 2020, Russia signalled its leadership of the ‘Russian world’ with a multi-coloured double-domed pavilion that, in the words of its chief architect, reflected the idea that Russia is part of the global community but also ‘an integral and huge world in itself, with a completely unique cultural charge’. The soft-power successes of Russia’s nation-branding efforts at the world expos have been undermined, however, by its government’s use of hard power at home and abroad. The benign image cultivated at world expos contrasts with media coverage of domestic repression and military intervention. Russia’s image suffered a precipitous decline in the West following its 2022 attack on Ukraine, and it subsequently withdrew from Osaka’s Expo 2025. However, given that it continues to be regarded more favourably in many countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, Russia is likely to continue to use world expos in these regions to project a positive image.

Assessment of Seasonal Distribution and Characterisation of Geomagnetic Storm Occurrence during Solar Cycles 21–24

Geomagnetic storms (GMSs) are an important space weather phenomenon that poses serious threats to the advancement of space technology, power transmission lines, oil pipelines, and other infrastructure. This study investigates seasonal patterns of GMSs due to recent reports on the prominence of large storms (Dst ? -50 nT) during equinox conditions. Hourly Dst index data provided by the World Data Center, Kyoto, Japan, for solar cycles 21–24 (1976–2019) were employed. Storm occurrences in each solar cycle considered were identified using the minimum Dst value. The identified storms were categorized and analyzed statistically. Results revealed that storm occurrence varied from month to month, season to season, and solar cycle to solar cycle based on storm categories. Furthermore, the observed seasonal distribution of GMS occurrence decreases in the following order: autumn, spring, winter, and summer. This indicates that equinox conditions are more likely to have GMSs, consistent with the Russell-McPherron effect, compared to solstice conditions. The findings suggest that the distribution and characterization of storm occurrence vary seasonally due to solar activity. The insights on storm occurrence, distribution, and characterization may serve as a guide to space scientists to avert the impacts of GMSs while exploring space.

მულტიმედიური ჟურნალისტიკის განვითარება საქართველოში

As a result of the modernization of the information space and various information technologies, we have the opportunity to watch wars, natural disasters, sports events and others on television. Every day we receive international news from all over the world. A characteristic feature of the Internet today is media convergence, the technological fusion of content in various mass media. In recent years, the Internet has truly become a hub of convergence, a place where music, television shows, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, books, and movies are created, distributed, and presented. Today, computers and mobile phones are the most popular digital devices for online convergence, which can themselves create or stream books, movies, music, video games, and any other form of digital media. Today's global media market does not consist of any particular place, space or habit, it no longer has dimensions such as time and borders. It is permanently established in the digital world and cyberspace, on the screens of all computers and interactive televisions connected to the Internet, as well as mobile phones and still unbelievable inventions. In the digital age, where technologies are evolving every day, it is very important to adapt to innovations and news in time. In the modern world, the introduction of technological innovations in the means of mass communication is taking place rapidly, which has completely changed the forms of information dissemination. Today, accuracy, promptness, flexibility and interactivity are the key elements of modern multimedia journalism.

METHOD OF ASSESSING THE CHANGE IN DESIGN PARAMETERS OF PRECISION ROTARY SYSTEMS BY THE PHASE SHIFT OF THE VIBRATION STATE

The article examines the issue of precision rotary systems (PRS) and the relationship between their dissipative characteristics and changes in design parameters, which is applicable for assessing the quality of their assembly and diagnosing objects in general. We identified a dynamic model, the dissipative parameters of which sufficiently accurately reflect the local properties of the structure. The question of assessing the quality of assembly by dissipative parameters comes down to the choice of the diagnostic sign that is most suitable for this case and the method of its measurement. Such a sign is a phase shift between the disturbance force and the vibration velocity. From this point of view, phase-frequency measurement methods are generally more accurate, which allows using the advantages of precise hardware methods to obtain information to the fullest extent. The proposed variation ratio, which connects the changes in a real object’s phase vector of the mechanical impedance (PVMI) and the deviation of the dissipative parameters of its mathematical model, makes it possible to diagnose the dissipative parameters with a sufficient accuracy degree. The considered numerical example of a partial assembly of precision rotary systems confirms the accuracy of the calculation. Thus, the proposed variation ratio, which connects the changes in the PVMI of a real object and the deviation of the dissipative parameters of its mathematical model, allows for the diagnosis of the dissipative parameters with a sufficient accuracy degree. The considered numerical example of a partial assembly of the PRS confirms the accuracy of the calculation. This fact is of particular importance in manufacturing aviation and space technology products. We should also note that the existing analysis methods do not provide an opportunity to form an idea about the nature of the total measured signal and its structure. Therefore, the work solves the task of developing a method for diagnosing the controlled technical condition of a rotary electromechanical system based on the selection of the most informative ranges of the output signal to increase the reliability of diagnosis. Keywords: oscillatory system, dissipative properties, mathematical model, phase angle, impedance, sensitivity matrix.

METHOD OF ASSESSING THE CHANGE IN DESIGN PARAMETERS OF PRECISION ROTARY SYSTEMS BY THE PHASE SHIFT OF THE VIBRATION STATE

The article examines the issue of precision rotary systems (PRS) and the relationship between their dissipative characteristics and changes in design parameters, which is applicable for assessing the quality of their assembly and diagnosing objects in general. We identified a dynamic model, the dissipative parameters of which sufficiently accurately reflect the local properties of the structure. The question of assessing the quality of assembly by dissipative parameters comes down to the choice of the diagnostic sign that is most suitable for this case and the method of its measurement. Such a sign is a phase shift between the disturbance force and the vibration velocity. From this point of view, phase-frequency measurement methods are generally more accurate, which allows using the advantages of precise hardware methods to obtain information to the fullest extent. The proposed variation ratio, which connects the changes in a real object’s phase vector of the mechanical impedance (PVMI) and the deviation of the dissipative parameters of its mathematical model, makes it possible to diagnose the dissipative parameters with a sufficient accuracy degree. The considered numerical example of a partial assembly of precision rotary systems confirms the accuracy of the calculation. Thus, the proposed variation ratio, which connects the changes in the PVMI of a real object and the deviation of the dissipative parameters of its mathematical model, allows for the diagnosis of the dissipative parameters with a sufficient accuracy degree. The considered numerical example of a partial assembly of the PRS confirms the accuracy of the calculation. This fact is of particular importance in manufacturing aviation and space technology products. We should also note that the existing analysis methods do not provide an opportunity to form an idea about the nature of the total measured signal and its structure. Therefore, the work solves the task of developing a method for diagnosing the controlled technical condition of a rotary electromechanical system based on the selection of the most informative ranges of the output signal to increase the reliability of diagnosis. Keywords: oscillatory system, dissipative properties, mathematical model, phase angle, impedance, sensitivity matrix.