Space Technology Research Articles

The impact of the new space economy on sustainability: an overview

The first overarching objective of the Space Agenda 2030 is to strengthen the role of the space sector as a major driver of sustainable development. To achieve this objective, the European Space Agency launched already 10+ years ago the ESA Business Applications Programme to foster the adoption of space technologies in non-space sectors, promoting the development of commercial satellite-based projects (i.e., projects developing business applications based on Earth Observation, Satcom and Navigation satellite technologies and data) and contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).While space technologies undeniably offer substantial societal benefits, there exists an opportunity to provide professionals and academics with a comprehensive perspective on the ongoing progress of commercial satellite-based projects in their vital role in advancing the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling Grand Challenges. Our research aims to clarify commercial satellite-based applications' direct and indirect impacts on SDGs and their features contributing to achieving them.We develop a taxonomy of the ESA Business Applications programme portfolio, analysing 603 commercial satellite-based applications developed between 2014 and 2022 across 34 variables (including SDGs directly or indirectly impacted), sourced from the program's web pages. We perform descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis to present commercial satellite-based applications' direct or indirect impact on the 169 SDG targets. Finally, we describe the features of commercial satellite-based projects (e.g., geographical scope, satellite technology adopted, non-space domains of application) contributing to the SDGs' achievement.Our results show that 603 commercial satellite-based applications impact at least one SDG. Overall, SGD3 is the most impacted (136, 22 %), followed by SDG11 (105, 17 %) and SDG2 (78, 12 %). 257 Earth Observation-based applications mostly impact SDG2 (58, 23 %), SDG15 (38, 15 %) and SDG11 (34, 13 %). 230 Satellite Navigation-based applications mostly impact SDG3 (68, 30 %), SDG11 (52, 23 %) and SDG6 (22, 10 %). 116 Satellite communication-based applications mostly impact SDG3 (33, 28 %), SDG11 (16, 14 %) and SDG4 (15, 13 %). Moreover, we identify 14 application domains, and for each of them, we investigate their impact on SDGs. The application domains that mainly impact SDGs are Health (91, 16 %), Food and Agriculture (85,15 %), and Energy (51, 9 %).Our research demonstrates and strengthens the space sector's role as a major driver of sustainable development. Researchers may adopt the methodology in other contexts, overcoming the geographical and data accessibility limitations of our research.

The role of modern educational technologies in the Russian university space

The role of modern educational technologies in the Russian university space

Development of a novel two-way 3D printed flexible spiral composite actuator based on shape memory alloy wire and its control

Soft robotics find its applications across numerous of scientific and industrial fields, spanning from medicine and surgery to gripper technology, assistive devices, and exploration in underwater and space. The study introduces a soft actuator design for soft robotics, produced using 3D printing technology, offering an efficient alternative to traditional molding and curing methods. A shape memory alloy wire is integrated to the spiral body printed using a flexible filament. The spiral enhances the actuation stroke (AS) to 2 cm for a wire of 189 mm in length, while actuation in the literature is typically accomplished through an axial AS of 3%–5% of the wire’s length. Four types of spirals with increasing gaps are prepared to observe the cooling effect. Their performances are evaluated in terms of AS and time through image processing in order to determine the optimal configuration. An electrical current constraint is established to prevent potential damage, and spiral control is attained using a proportional–integral–derivative controller. Moreover, a pick and place operation showcases the spiral’s ability to autonomously lift a gripped object weighing 6.5 g, achieving a specific displacement of 6.5 mm. Subsequently, the object is lifted down to its initial position using a two-way actuator that utilizes the stored energy within the spiral’s structure and elastic effect. The proposed actuator has the potential to be widely applied across various soft robotic applications, including medical robots, delicate gripping robots, and bioinspired robots.

Study of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Heat Pipe Using Water as a Working Fluid

Heat pipes are efficient and versatile thermal management devices widely used in various applications to transfer heat. This study focuses on investigating the heat transfer characteristics of a heat pipe employing de-ionized water as the working fluid. The experiment involved analyzing the thermal performance, heat transport capacity, and operational limits of the heat pipe. The aim of the experiment is to assess the heat pipe's performance under different operating conditions, such as varying heat loads. The study aimed to understand the heat transfer limitations and advantages of water-based heat pipes, which can have practical implications for numerous applications, such as electronics cooling, solar thermal systems, and space technology

Advanced material technologies for space and terrestrial medicine

Advanced material technologies for space and terrestrial medicine

Space and cybersecurity: Challenges and opportunities emerging from national strategy narratives

Modern societies are increasingly dependent on space technology. The number of activities that rely on space infrastructure includes global positioning and communications systems, financial transactions and global trade, public and private scientific research, environmental monitoring and fore-casting, and audio-visual entertainment. Within the security and defence domain, this reliance becomes even more pronounced as satellites enhance command, control, communications and intelligence, surveillance, and recon-naissance (C4ISR), missile defence, or advanced autonomous systems. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in science and technology are opening new frontiers in outer space, promising significant economic potential through ventures like space travel and space mining. Considering the geopolitical implications of the dependence on space technology, the objective of this study is to examine how Western countries and organizations understand space within their strategic thinking. By conducting a comparative analysis of the most recent national security strategies and security and defence space strategies released by a sample of Western countries and organizations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union and NATO, this study aims to discern the narratives employed to depict the space domain and to identify the key trends within it, with a specific focus on the interplay between space and cybersecurity.This exercise will facilitate the identification of areas where enhanced collaboration among the selected actors is feasible or where competition may define their relationships. Consequently, it will help determine the potential for a coordinated response to collective challenges.

Overview on Sea Drones Evolution and their Use in Modern Warfare

Abstract The unjustified invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation created the necessary conditions for the development and testing of technologies in the operational space of the traditional war theater. Considering that Ukraine has lost a large part of its naval forces in the first days of the conflict, there was an essential need to develop new technologies that would allow this state to defend itself. Moreover, given the innovative character of the surface and underwater technologies developed by the Ukrainians, they were able to be used for offensive actions, which surprised the naval forces of the Russian Federation repeatedly. Access to operational vehicles was made easier and more accessible with the introduction of smaller, lighter and less expensive equipment. The article proposes an analysis of the evolution of naval drones and how they were used in the most recent conflict in the Black Sea area. The main objective of the study is to identify and present the main types of underwater technologies that have enabled the development of naval drones, the analysis of how they have been used in a contemporary conflict and the recent evolution of their actions. The conclusions of the study are focused on the potential use of these technologies and how they can be used in combination with other combat technologies in armed conflicts of various types.

Toward Enhanced Prediction of High‐Impact Solar Energetic Particle Events Using Multimodal Time Series Data Fusion Models

AbstractSolar energetic particle (SEP) events, originating from solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections, present significant hazards to space exploration and technology on Earth. Accurate prediction of these high‐energy events is essential for safeguarding astronauts, spacecraft, and electronic systems. In this study, we conduct an in‐depth investigation into the application of multimodal data fusion techniques for the prediction of high‐energy SEP events, particularly ∼100 MeV events. Our research utilizes six machine learning (ML) models, each finely tuned for time series analysis, including Univariate Time Series (UTS), Image‐based model (Image), Univariate Feature Concatenation (UFC), Univariate Deep Concatenation (UDC), Univariate Deep Merge (UDM), and Univariate Score Concatenation (USC). By combining time series proton flux data with solar X‐ray images, we exploit complementary insights into the underlying solar phenomena responsible for SEP events. Rigorous evaluation metrics, including accuracy, F1‐score, and other established measures, are applied, along with K‐fold cross‐validation, to ensure the robustness and generalization of our models. Additionally, we explore the influence of observation window sizes on classification accuracy.

Failure mechanisms of lightweight high strength Si/SiC non-uniform lattice structures by SLS/RMI

Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic lattice structures were pivotal in advancing space technology and other sectors by merging structural lightness with high strength. This study explored non-uniform lattice designs tailored for specific load-bearing applications to maximize lightness, although machining such SiC structures proved challenging due to their high hardness and wear resistance. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) was employed to fabricate non-uniform lattice structures featuring graded volume fractions. Micro computed tomography (Miro-CT) characterized the geometric characteristics of the macroscopic non-uniform lattice structure. Extensive investigations were conducted on the impact of these gradient structures on the quasi-static compressive behavior and mechanical properties of SiC ceramics, revealing that the R-A structure achieved a maximum compressive strength of 14.989 MPa and a specific strength of 13.268 × 10³ N·m/kg, approximately double that of a uniform structure. Furthermore, a finite element model (FEM) was established to verify and predict the mechanical and fracture responses of SiC-based structures, showing effective dispersion of stress concentration along the outer rim of the R-A structure, markedly alleviating the usual stress concentration found in traditional lattices and averting catastrophic failure. The alignment between experimental and simulation outcomes substantiated these findings.

Cybersecurity in New Space and the Problem of International Regulation

The cruciality of New Space technologies for sustainable development has made them perfect targets of hostile cyber operations. However, even though cybersecurity appears in many socioeconomic and political think tanks, lawmakers have paid little attention to cybersecurity for New Space systems. In particular, no adequate international rules exist on this global urgent challenge. In this realm, some new initiatives have been recently adopted at the domestic level. Significant examples of these provisions are the standards designed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the US Space Force.This paper will claim that these initiatives offer an important contribution to the drafting of new transnational regulation on the topic at hand and constitute a crucial feature of the evolving New Space legal governance, characterized by bottom-up actions; however, global transnational standards would be desirable to address global challenges, like cybersecurity.

현대 전쟁과 국제 안보 환경에서의 우주 기술의 역할과 전략적 중요성

현대 전쟁과 국제 안보 환경에서의 우주 기술의 역할과 전략적 중요성

Experimental Design and Analysis of MWCNT, Nanoclay and ZnO Nanofillers on Bi-Directional-Chopped Stranded Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Matrix on Mechanical Properties using L9 and L18 Taguchi’s Orthogonal Technique

Stealth, mechanical and thermal properties, resistance to fire by limiting oxygen and retarding flame can lead to save several human lifes travelling and working in civil, commercial as well as defence air transport and could even develop drone and aircraft meant to escape enemy countries radar tracing and monitoring range. GFRP play very important role in engineering application. The composite manufactured using nanofillers have found to posses better propeties in certain application. In the present work, MWCNTs, Nanoclay and ZnO have been used in GFRP. The developed material can be a promising replacement of composites being used for structural applications in the aerospace sector and space technology apart from the automotives to impart light weight, superior bending and tensile strength. Testing of GFRP infused nanofillers was conducted to obtain the ultimate tensile strength and flexural bending strength of the composite. Experimental design with three Nanofillers as parameters at three levels for optimization of output characteristics with superior properties for structural applications was done using Taguchi’s L9 and L18 orthogonal arrays. ANOVA Analysis was also performed for both L9 and L18 arrays. The effects of three nanofillers infused GFRP was investigated and their impact on tensile and flexural strength were evaluated.

Antena Tatasusun Grid Lut Sinar Gandaan Tinggi bagi Aplikasi Jalur-Ku

roducing compact devices for space technology. Transparent antennas are seen as the solution to this problem. With the presence of a transparent antenna, it can save antenna installation space as its transparency properties allow it to be integrated with solar technology. However, the use of transparent material on the antenna causes the antenna gain to be low due to the low conductivity of the material. When a low conductivity material is used it also causes the antenna efficiency to decrease. Therefore, modifications to the antenna design are needed to overcome such problems. This study aims to design a transparent antenna that can operate on Ku-band. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of transparent materials on conductivity, design a transparent antenna with an efficiency as low as 85% and design a grid array antenna to increase gain. The material verification test is carried out by making a comparison of the material in the antenna design simulation that works on Ku-band. The transparent antenna material selected is Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). Then, the design of the grid array antenna is carried out to increase the antenna gain hence for high efficiency. In this research, 8 loops grid array antennas increase the gain by 52% compared to reference antennas. The antenna meets performance requirements and can be integrated with solar panels to efficiently harness sunlight for electricity generation, while effectively transmitting and receiving wireless signals.

Bioinspired flexible gripper for vacuum non-cooperative target capture

With the development of space exploration activities, the proliferation of non-cooperative targets in space, such as defunct satellites and space debris, has made the development of efficient and reliable non-cooperative target capture technologies in space a priority for space exploration. In this paper, a flexible gripper inspired by the dermo-muscular sac found in flatworms is presented to address the challenges of non-cooperative target capture in the vacuum environment of space. The gripper design leverages magnetorheological fluid and a magnetic field to enable adjustable stiffness, facilitating the effective grasping of delicate target objects while ensuring a stable connection post-capture. Extensive tests demonstrate the strong potential of the gripper for space applications, showcasing its ability to adjust pre-grip contact force and increase gripping force by adjusting indentation depth. The simplicity of the design contributes to ease of manufacturing, making it a promising tool for future space missions.

Addressing and resolving issues with hybrid flexible/dual mode teaching and technology in learning spaces: the 2 × n matrix model

AbstractHybrid flexible learning is a mechanism for providing flexible learning to both online and on-campus students. Synchronous HyFlex teaching uses both technology and pedagogy to connect both groups within the same cohort. It is gaining popularity in higher educational institutions, but it also can create challenges associated with pedagogy, including technology, acoustics, and logistics. Finding solutions to these challenges is an organisational imperative for institutions aiming to address them. This article provides an overview of a mechanism for reviewing and problem solving as it relates to hybrid flexible teaching. A conceptual overview is detailed, building on previous literature; and experience from implementation, and rooted in a learning environments context, is described. The unique contribution of the study is demonstrated through the framework for resolving and understanding problems to provide solutions within the specific example of hybrid learning, which has not been analysed or considered in this way before. Example case studies are provided and considered, with an emphasis on practical real-world solutions (rooted in literature and evidence) that are likely to be useful to fellow practitioners.

Saved by the Moon: Imaginaries of Earthly Afterlife in Space

Today, emergent space technology engages in visions of future off-world colonizing, while conservation technology is employed in ensuring the continuation of life on earth. In this article, we combine social science of outer space literature with biodiversity conservation work to analyze how utopian visions of off-world futures and dystopian visions of earth entangle in technoscientific future-making practices. Our case is the Lunar Ark, which is a proposed technoscientific project for a conservation base to be assembled inside the moon’s lava tubes comprising samples of the earth’s ecosystems. We investigate two interwoven imaginaries involving an imaginary of the Lunar Ark as a “reseeding of earth” and secondly, an imaginary in which the Lunar Ark becomes a platform for “escaping earth.” Based on scientific papers, web material, news articles, an interview with the head of the research group, and ethnographic observations, we conclude that the Lunar Ark engages with a speculative bioeconomy, wherein earth is imagined as an unstable and unfit protector of life. In contrast, the Lunar Ark emerges as a pan-humanitarian and maternal-like technoscientific environment.

“Consider Carefully the Best Use of Our Limited Resources”: Australian Space Policy, 1960–72

In Australia's long engagement with space activities, the 1960s are singled out as a particular period of technological achievement. In turn, these achievements are often described as having been a potential foundation for an expanded Australian space programme that was rejected by the Australian government. However, these arguments, which might be termed a narrative of “missed opportunity” in writing about Australia's space past, are rarely made with reference to the archival record. This article argues that analysis of key decisions around space during the 1960s show that rather than being dismissive of space technology, the Australian government was cognisant of the potential benefits of space. It was supportive of Australian involvement when it met with broader national needs and willing to expend significant government resources in investigating and supporting space endeavours. Equally, it declined to expand Australia's expenditure on space when, like any other policy area, the proposals did not meet Australian needs, were poorly designed, or both.

Нелинейная радиофизика межзвездных перелетов: разгон макрообъектов с помощью электромагнитного излучения

We discusses one of the implementations of acceleration, based on powerful artificial radiation, of spacecraft capable of reaching the nearest stars in the constellation Alpha Centauri in twenty to thirty years (i.e., during the active life of one generation of people). The Breakthrough Starshot project (BS, Breakthrough: Starshot) was proposed in 2016. The key new aspects of the project are: 1) the idea of interstellar vehicles of ultra-small dimension, which makes the physical parameters of the project potentially achievable in the foreseeable future; 2) modular construction of the launch system and 3) extension of Moore's law to the development of space technology. As an alternative to the linear “BS” type scheme, a closed ring scheme for laser acceleration of macro-objects is considered below. It is shown to be promising for dramatically reducing the peak requirements for a linear-type micro spacecraft launch.

Space Technology and Its Military Application: Options for Pakistan

Space technology has aided military operations and has established its place in national defense. There is a dire need for Pakistan to exploit this military tool for the balance of power in the region. Space technology is changing the face of military warfare and the contest for dominance in space has increased its pace. The same has been a neglected part of the national policy of Pakistan and has not received its prioritization yet despite having an early start on this front. This article focuses mainly on the current performance comparison of Pakistani-leased satellites with Indian indigenous developed satellites. If Pakistan does not plan to keep pace with India’s fast-growing space technology, it may result in disastrous results in the future, keeping in mind the history of wars between the two countries. The authors suggest that an inclusive, steady, and strong national space policy on the part of Pakistan should be articulated and executed.

Harnessing ferroic ordering in thin film devices for analog memory and neuromorphic computing applications down to deep cryogenic temperatures

The future computing beyond von Neumann era relies heavily on emerging devices that can extensively harness material and device physics to bring novel functionalities and can perform power-efficient and real time computing for artificial intelligence (AI) tasks. Additionally, brain-like computing demands large scale integration of synapses and neurons in practical circuits that requires the nanotechnology to support this hardware development, and all these should come at an affordable process complexity and cost to bring the solutions close to market rather soon. For bringing AI closer to quantum computing and space technologies, additional requirements are operation at cryogenic temperatures and radiation hardening. Considering all these requirements, nanoelectronic devices utilizing ferroic ordering has emerged as one promising alternative. The current review discusses the basic architectures of spintronic and ferroelectric devices for their integration in neuromorphic and analog memory applications, ferromagnetic and ferroelectric domain structures and control of their dynamics for reliable multibit memory operation, synaptic and neuronal leaky-integrate-and-fire (LIF) functions, concluding with their large-scale integration possibilities, challenges and future research directions.