Multi-objective optimisation of integrated space-based and terrestrial solar energy systems

This paper proposes the simultaneous optimisation of a combination of a number of ground solar power plants with a space-based solar plant (SPS) delivering electric power for European needs. A simplified mathematical model of the integrated space and ground system is developed and used to quantify the mass in space and the cost of the ground plants. The model takes into account the geographical location of the ground stations, the size of the power storage units as well as the orbital motion of the SPS. An evolutionary algorithm is then used to find the optimal trade-off between size and location of the space segment and cost of the ground segment. The results in this paper provide an insight in the usefulness of the support that an SPS system can provide to a ground-based solar power generation system

Designs of multi-spacecraft swarms for the deflection of apophis by solar sublimation

This paper presents two conceptual designs of multi-spacecraft swarms used for deflecting Apophis. Each spacecraft is equipped with a solar concentrator assembly, which focuses the solar light, and a beaming system that projects a beam of light onto the surface of the asteroid. When the beams from each spacecraft are superimposed, the temperature on the surface is enough to sublimate the rock, creating a debris plume with enough force to slowly alter the orbit of Apophis. An overview of the dynamics, control and navigation strategies are presented along with preliminary system budgets

Conceptual design of a multi-mirror system for asteroid deflection

This paper presents the conceptual design of multiple spacecraft system for the use of deflecting Near Earth Asteroids. Each spacecraft is equipped with a solar concentrator assembly, which focuses the solar light, and a beaming system that projects a beam of light onto the surface of the asteroid. When the beams from each spacecraft are superimposed, the temperature on the surface is enough to sublimate the rock, creatng a debris plume with enough force to slowly alter the orbit of Apophis. An overview of the dynamics, control and navigation strategies is presented along with simulated results of the deviation distance achieved for various mission configurations

Prospects for space solar power in Europe

In 2002, a phased, multi-year approach to space solar power has been published. Following this plan, several activities have matured the concept and technology further in the following years. Despite substantial advances in key technologies, space solar power remains still at the weak intersections between the space sector and the energy sector. In the 10 years since the development of the European SPS Programme Plan, both, the space and the energy sectors have undergone substantial changes and many key enabling technologies for space solar power have advanced significantly. The present paper attempts to take account of these changes in view to assess how they influence the prospect for space solar power work for Europe.Solar Power from Spac

A biomimetic approach to shielding from ionizing radiation: The case of melanized fungi.

Melanized fungi have been shown to thrive in environments with high radionuclide concentrations, which led to the association of the pigment melanin with the protection against ionizing radiation. Several hypotheses regarding the function of melanin have been proposed. Yet, the exact mechanism behind the protective property of melanin is unclear and poorly explored. A better understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in increasing the tolerance of the organisms to ionizing radiation could lead to technology transfer to human-related applications. Effective protection from radiation is essential for human space flight in general and human missions beyond Low Earth Orbit specifically. In this paper, we follow a biomimetic approach: we test two of current hypotheses and discuss how they could be applied to radiation shield designs. First we focus on the interaction of melanin with high energy electrons, which has been suspected to reduce the kinetic energy of the electrons through a cascade of collisions, thus providing physical shielding. Second, we investigate if the spatial arrangement of melanin, organized as a thin film or a collection of hollow micro-spheres, affects its shielding properties. To this end, we measured experimentally and by numerical simulations the attenuation of β-radiation as pass through solutions and suspensions of melanin and contrasted the values to the ones of cellulose, a substance with similar elemental composition. Further, we investigate the spatial arrangement hypothesis using Monte Carlo simulations. In agreement with the simulations, our experiments indicated that melanin does not provide improved shielding in comparison to cellulose from β-radiation. However, our simulations suggest a substantial effect of the spatial arrangement on the shielding performance of melanin, a pathway that could be transferred to the design of composite radiation shields

Beyond astronaut's capabilities : the current state of the art

Space agencies have developed extensive expertise with sustaining human presence in low earth orbits and microgravity. Prolonged human presence in space beyond Earth. A Z's orbit presents additional, some still unsolved issues. These are linked to the distance to Earth (impossibility of effective tele-operation, psychological effects linked to remoteness from Earth, required autonomy, the handling of emergencies, long mission durations), and to the environments beyond the Earth magnetosphere (radiation levels, local environments including atmospheres, dust, gravity, day-night cycles). These issues have impacts on the spacecraft design, the mission operations, astronaut selection and preparation and required supporting/enabling technologies. This paper builds upon previous work by Rossini et al., in critically reviewing and updating the current state of scientific research on enhancing astronaut's capabilities to face some of these challenges [1]. In particular, it discusses the pertinence and feasibility of two approaches aiming at enhancing the chances of success of human missions: induced hibernation state and brain-machine interfaces

Design of Earth Mars transfer trajectories using evolutionary-branching technique

In this paper a novel global optimisation approach is used to search for potentially interesting solutions for a mission to Mars. The approach blends the characteristics of evolutionary algorithms with the systematic search, typical of branching 11 techniques. Solutions for a roundtrip to Mars, either direct or via Venus, considering long and short stays on Mars or free return trajectories are considered, thus providing a comprehensive view of all the opportunities within a wide range of possible 13 launch dates. Finally, electric propulsion options are investigated including the possibility of using Mars’ Lagrangian points for a low cost capture. The proposed global search was effectively able to find globally minimal Av solutions for Earth–Mars 15 roundtrips giving the expected characterisation of the problem under study. Moreover, it will be shown how the method was able to automatically rediscover known solutions along with new ones of practical interest for future Mars exploration

Stardust Final Conference

Space debris and asteroid impacts pose a very real, very near-term threat to Earth. In order to help study and mitigate these risks, the Stardust program was formed in 2013. This training and research network was devoted to developing and mastering techniques such as removal, deflection, exploitation, and tracking. This book is a collection of many of the topics addressed at the Final Stardust Conference, describing the latest in asteroid monitoring and how engineering efforts can help us reduce space debris. It is a selection of studies bringing together specialists from universities, research institutions, and industry, tasked with the mission of pushing the boundaries of space research with innovative ideas and visionary concepts. Topics covered by the Symposium: Orbital and Attitude Dynamics Modeling Long Term Orbit and Attitude Evolution Particle Cloud Modeling and Simulation Collision and Impact Modelling and Simulation, Re-entry Modeling and Simulation Asteroid Origins and Characterization Orbit and Attitude Determination Impact Prediction and Risk Analysis, Mission Analysis- Proximity Operations, Active Removal/Deflection Control Under Uncertainty, Active Removal/Deflection Technologies, and Asteroid Manipulation