This is our latest selection of worldwide publications and patents in english on Space Exploration, between many scientific online journals, classified and focused on space exploration, astronaut, cosmonaut, spacecraft, extravehicular activity, launch vehicle, space station, terraforming, asteroid belt, lunar module, space probe, Mars rover, space telescope, zero gravity, interstellar, astrobiology and exoplanet.
Electronic Design and Test
Published on 2025-03-07 by Lewis R. Williams, Karina Vieira Hoel, Lars Erling Br�ten, Arthur Romeijer, Natanael Hjermann, Bendik Sagsveen @MDPI
Abstract: An ultra-high-frequency (UHF) deployable conical log spiral antenna’s design and experimental test results are presented. The antenna is a spring constructed from a carbon-fiber-infused epoxy matrix. The spring design simplified the spacecraft deployment mechanism, and the use of composite materials allowed for the integration of radiating elements into the spring structure. A Chebyshev transformer at the base of the antenna is used to match the incoming transmission line impedance[...]
Our summary: Design and test of a UHF deployable conical log spiral antenna using composite materials and Chebyshev transformer for impedance matching. Realized gain of 3-6 dBi from 500 to 1500 MHz.
Antenna, UHF, Composite Materials, Chebyshev Transformer
Publication
Model-Free Adaptive Control for Attitude Stabilization of Earth-Pointing Spacecraft Using Magnetorquers
Published on 2025-03-07 by Fabio Celani, Mohsen Heydari, Alireza Basohbat Novinzadeh @MDPI
Abstract: This paper presents an attitude stabilization algorithm for a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Earth-pointing spacecraft using magnetorquers as the only torque actuators and employing Model-Free Adaptive Control (MFAC) as the control algorithm. MFAC is a data-driven control algorithm that relies solely on input–output data from the plant. This paper validates the effectiveness of the proposed approach through numerical simulations in a specific case study. The simulations show that the propos[...]
Our summary: Attitude stabilization algorithm using MFAC for LEO spacecraft with magnetorquers as torque actuators. Outperforms PD control in pointing accuracy with higher energy consumption. Validates effectiveness through numerical simulations.
Model-Free Adaptive Control, Attitude Stabilization, Earth-Pointing Spacecraft, Magnetorquers
Publication
Technologies, Challenges, and Future Horizons
Published on 2025-03-05 by Subin Antony Jose, Jordan Jackson, Jayden Foster, Terrence Silva, Ethan Markham, Pradeep L. Menezes @MDPI
Abstract: In-space manufacturing represents a transformative frontier in space exploration and industrial production, offering the potential to revolutionize how goods are produced and resources are utilized beyond Earth. This paper explores the multifaceted aspects of in-space manufacturing, including its evolution, technologies, challenges, and future prospects, while also addressing ethical and legal dimensions critical to its development. Beginning with an overview of its significance and historical c[...]
Our summary: In-space manufacturing explores technologies, challenges, and future prospects in revolutionizing industrial production beyond Earth, addressing ethical and legal dimensions critical to its development.
manufacturing, technologies, challenges, future horizons
Publication
High-Stability WSe2 Homojunction Photodetectors via Asymmetric Schottky and PIN Architectures
Published on 2025-03-04 by Jiaji Yang, Xin Li, Junzhe Gu, Feilong Yu, Jin Chen, Wei Lu, Xiaoshuang Chen @MDPI
Abstract: High-stability photovoltaic devices are crucial for low-power or passive applications in fields such as renewable energy, wearable electronics, and deep-space exploration. However, achieving stable and controllable doping in two-dimensional (2D) materials remains challenging, hindering the optimization of photovoltaic performance. Here, we fabricate three high-performance, self-driven photodetectors based on layered WSe2 with varying doping concentrations. By leveraging asymmetric Schottky barri[...]
Our summary: High-stability WSe2 homojunction photodetectors with asymmetric Schottky and PIN architectures significantly enhance photogenerated voltage, photon absorption, and carrier transport efficiency, promising high-responsivity and high-stability van der Waals devices.
WSe2, Homojunction, Photodetectors, Schottky
Publication
Research on the Dynamic Modeling of Rigid–Flexible Composite Spacecraft Under Fixed Constraints Based on the ANCF
Published on 2025-03-01 by Jiaqi Wu, Guohua Kang, Junfeng Wu, Chuanxiao Xu, Jiayi Zhou, Xinyong Tao, Yinmiao Hua @MDPI
Abstract: Dynamically modeling the flexible characteristics of large-scale jointed composite spacecraft is challenging. In this study, a dynamic modeling method for rigid–flexible composite spacecraft is proposed based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). First, the spacecraft in the jointed composite is simplified as a rigid body, and the docking mechanisms between spacecraft are approximated using the fully parameterized beam model. Next, regarding the constraints between t[...]
Our summary: This study presents a dynamic modeling method for rigid-flexible composite spacecraft based on ANCF, simplifying the spacecraft as a rigid body and utilizing beam models for docking mechanisms. The method reduces model dimensionality, increases system damping, and improves simulation efficiency and accuracy.
dynamic modeling, rigid-flexible composite spacecraft, ANCF, MATLAB simulations
Publication
Adaptive Approximate Predefined-Time Guaranteed Performance Control of Uncertain Spacecraft
Published on 2025-03-01 by Liangmou Hu, Zeng Wang, Changrui Chen, Heng Yue @MDPI
Abstract: This brief tackles the predefined-time attitude tracking problem with guaranteed performance for rigid spacecraft subject to uncertain inertia, external disturbances, and actuator partial failure. Firstly, a nonlinear prescribed performance function (NPPF) is constructed, and a non-singular predefined-time terminal sliding mode (NPTSM) surface integrating with the NPPF is introduced. Secondly, adaptive non-singular predefined-time guaranteed performance control (ANPTGPC) is designed to tackle th[...]
Our summary: Predefined-time attitude tracking with guaranteed performance for spacecraft subject to uncertain inertia, external disturbances, and actuator partial failure. Nonlinear prescribed performance function and non-singular terminal sliding mode surface are introduced. Adaptive control designed to constrain attitude tracking errors within preset bound in predefined time.
Adaptive, Guaranteed Performance, Control, Uncertain
Publication
A device for intercepting a space object
Patent published on the 2025-01-08 in UA under Ref UA158174U by OLES HONCHAR DNIPRO NATIONAL UNIV [UA] (Dron Mykola Mykhailovych [ua], Holubek Oleksandr Viacheslavovych [ua], Dreus Andrii Yuliiovych [ua], Dubovyk Liudmyla Hryhorivna [ua], Kulyk Oleksii Volodymyrovych [ua], Proroka Vladyslav Arkadiiovych [ua], Abaturov Anatolii Oleksandrovych [)
Abstract: A space object interceptor device contains a space object tracking means, a motion control system that provides motion control using space object tracking means, a jet engine, a communication means for interacting with a ground station and receiving information about the flight path, and interception means. Contains a suborbital launch vehicle with an active space object interceptor and at least one means of collecting and diverting debris formed as a result of possible destruction of a space ob[...]
Our summary: A device for intercepting space objects with a motion control system and jet engine, equipped with communication means for interacting with a ground station. Contains a suborbital launch vehicle with interception and debris diversion capabilities.
space object interceptor, motion control system, jet engine, communication means
Patent
Robotic spot weld system in space
Patent published on the 2024-11-29 in BG under Ref BG4971U by RAPID PROGRES EOOD [BG] (Valkov Ivan Kostadinov [bg])
Abstract: A robotic system for spot welding in space, comprising a robot with a welding electrode and including a carrier rocket (II), in which robots (I...Ip) are arranged in a hexagonal shape, on which a solar panel is installed, connected to a rechargeable battery and a capacitor bank The robots (I... Ip)include a microcontroller,connected via a cable link to a GPS module for data acquisition,a three-dimensional camera located at the bottom of the robot,radar range sensors,an explosive capsule,a robot [...]
Our summary: Robotic spot weld system in space, comprising a hexagonal arrangement of robots with welding electrodes, connected to a control system for object detection and mapping.
spot weld system, robotic system, space, welding electrode
Patent
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