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There is a growing realization on the part of lawmakers, policy experts and practitioners that cyber risks and threat vectors constitute a critical and strategic challenge for all outer space operations. Stakeholders' professional attention and resources are beginning to focus on measures for mitigating these risks and threats. Space-based activities depend on the reliable functionality of computer systems and the wireless communications connecting them through use of the electromagnetic spectrum resource – all of which constitute parts of the infrastructure of cyberspace both on Earth and in space. Thus, cyber risks and vulnerabilities arise in all aspects of outer space operations: satellite launches and their orbital telemetry, tracking, and control (TTC); operational communications (space-to-space, earth-to-space and space-to-earth); and other spectrum-dependent space transmissions. Additional cyber vulnerabilities are present in the terrestrial systems supporting space operations, including launch systems and supply chains for dedicated equipment and services. The mitigation of such cyber threats and vulnerabilities in the more traditional terrestrial context is a rapidly developing area of law and policy aiming to counter the activities of malicious cyber actors whether they are criminals, States or hostile ideological groups. On the one hand, the threat mitigation aspects of cybersecurity have by no means been resolved, as hostile actors use increasingly sophisticated means to achieve their ends. On the other, progress has been made with respect to measures and best practices recognized as critical to boosting cybersecurity for space activities. This article focuses on one of these: information sharing (IS) among trusted participants in a secure platform designed for sharing actionable cybersecurity data. The primary goal of such sharing is to reduce the informational asymmetry between the attacker and the target, whether the latter is a State, private company, or other entity. Cyber attackers leverage their knowledge of the target's vulnerabilities, and only need to be right on one occasion to cause operational, financial, and/or reputational damage that may impair the long-term functionality of the targeted entity. Yet when a group of potential targets can reliably share data on cyber risks and measures to counter them, the informational asymmetry is reduced, and cybersecurity improved. Several conditions exist for optimizing IS which provides actionable information, and for ensuring that trust is developed and maintained among IS participants. Finally, in the context of outer space-related cybersecurity threats, the paper argues that IS proves critical because of two elements: the aggravated asymmetry of cyber threat vectors in outer space, and their distinctive space-related characteristics. • There is a growing realization that cyber risks and threat vectors constitute a critical and strategic challenge for all outer space operations. • Stakeholders' professional attention and resources are focusing on measures for mitigating these risks and threats. • Space-based activities depend on the reliability of computer systems and their wireless connection, – which constitute the infrastructure of cyberspaceon Earth and in space. • Cyber risks and vulnerabilities arise in all aspects of outer space operations, andadditional. • Cyber vulnerabilities are present in the terrestrial systems supporting them. • Several conditions exist for optimizing IS which is actionable, and for ensuring that trust is maintained among IS participants. • Several conditions exist for optimizing IS which is actionable, and for ensuring that trust is maintained among IS participants. • Information sharing for outer space cybersecurity is critical because of the aggravated asymmetry of cyber threat vectors in space and their distinctive space-related characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, the number of member states in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) has risen by 40%. The UNCOPUOS continues to be one of the largest committees in the United Nations, with recent additions representing many emerging space nations including the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Angola, Guatemala, and Bangladesh, among many others. This paper addresses the role of emerging space nations in updating and refining current policies and norms of behavior related to the long-term sustainability of the space environment. The paper provides examples of the recent implementation of long-term space sustainability design and operational guidelines in the national space strategies of several emerging space nations, highlighting the importance nations give to the development of legal mechanisms to regulate the peaceful use of the space environment. Examples of both national and regional initiatives are presented including Thailand's 2021 Draft National Space Act, aimed at creating a national legal regime and establishing a governmental agency dedicated to developing space policies for the registration of objects launched into outer space and space debris mitigation measures, and the National Space Law Initiative (NSLI) study group consisting of Australia, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam to create a framework that aims to promote information sharing and mutual learning in relation to the participants' respective national regulatory frameworks for long-term space sustainability. More recently, new initiatives have been developed that celebrate the efforts of satellite mission operators with the aim to reduce the likelihood of space debris and collisions among space objects. The Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) was created by the World Economic Forum, the European Space Agency, the University of Texas at Austin, BryceTech, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is now hosted by the EPFL Space Centre. The SSR is a rating system to assess and recognize missions that are designed to be compatible with sustainable and responsible operations, reducing the potential harm to the orbital environment and the impact on other operators. The SSR comprises six modules aimed at assessing missions for their compatibility with sustainable and responsible operations. This paper specifically focuses on evaluating the Detection, Identification and Tracking (DIT) scores for satellite missions launched by emerging space nations. The DIT module of the SSR serves as a standardized measure for assessing space sustainability. The paper adopts an exploratory multi-case study approach. Through this focused study, the paper identifies barriers and unique challenges emerging space nations face, including experiences of operator organizations, launch options, financial constraints, technical options available, and other relevant factors. • Paper title: Role of Emerging Nations in Ensuring Long-term Space Sustainability. • UNCOPUOS membership rises 40%, highlighting emerging nations in space policy. • Emerging space nations prioritize guidelines for peaceful and sustainable space use. • SSR serves as an effective tool for evaluating space sustainability metrics. • Case study on THEOS, CBERS, and SumbandilaSat reveals barriers for new players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automated robotics will profoundly influence space operations. By utilising machine learning and deep learning approaches, AI-enabled systems may accomplish tasks as well as improve their own performance. These capabilities are useful in the often-remote settings of outer space and will grow in value as automated space operations become more widespread. As AI extends throughout the space domain, automated algorithms will take on many of the roles that have historically been handled by humans. Artificial intelligence is progressing from theory to implementation in the space environment by exposing new satellites and orbital autonomous vehicles to new data. Even though all initial computational parameters are provided, such systems' outputs can be very unpredictable, putting people, property, and the environment at risk. This paper investigates the application of United Nations space treaties, selected regional AI regulations, and various 'soft-law' instruments and industry initiatives focusing on responsible AI system development to space-based AI systems. Following that, reforms are proposed to clarify the practical relationship between AI systems and the international legal regime that governs space, as well as a 'bottom-up' regulatory approach to better facilitate the future development of regulation governing the use of AI by the global space sector. While this work does not purport to provide a conclusive resolution to these multifaceted matters, its objective is to underscore significant obstacles that arise at the convergence of space law and AI, serving as a preliminary foundation for subsequent discussions on this issue. • Advances in AI and automated robotics will have a profound impact on space operations. Automated algorithms will take on roles traditionally handled by humans as AI becomes more widespread in space. • However, the unpredictable outputs of AI systems can put people, property, and the environment at risk, raising questions about liability. • The paper investigates the application of UN space treaties, regional AI regulations, and industry initiatives to space-based AI systems. • Reforms are proposed to clarify the relationship between AI systems and the international legal regime governing space. • A 'bottom-up' regulatory approach is suggested to facilitate future regulation of AI in the global space sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Konstantin Tsiolkovsky famously stated that while the Earth serves as the birthplace of humanity, it is not a place where mankind can indefinitely remain. Perhaps during that period, the prospect of exploring the mysteries of outer space appeared to be an unattainable aspiration. However, in the present day, there are no longer any limitations, not even the sky, since human ingenuity has facilitated access to outer space for humanity. This access is not just for the purposes of research and exploration but also for economic endeavours. Until now, the commercial utilisation of outer space has advanced at a very sluggish rate. However, firms including SpaceX, Orion Span, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin have achieved significant advancements in the growth of the space industry. The revenue generated by various space-related endeavours has experienced a significant 73% increase over the last ten years. The global space economy, estimated to be valued at USD one trillion in the coming years, is primarily driven by commercial activities. This presents a formidable challenge to the existing national and international taxation systems. Similar to the open seas, space is also considered res communis omnium, meaning it belongs to the entire community, and presents comparable taxing challenges with potentially uncertain solutions. The three fundamental elements of every taxation regulation, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or the United Nations Model Double Taxation Convention, are the taxpayer's place of residence, the origin of their income, and the methods by which they generate their money. The current tax system does not have the necessary concepts and provisions to adapt to the rapid advancements in commercial space technology. This paper examines the legal issues surrounding commercial activities conducted in space, including the nature and handling of the income generated in various legal systems. It also addresses concerns such as tax avoidance and excessive taxation, emphasising the necessity for a globally coordinated approach to effectively tax commercial activities in space. • Human ingenuity has facilitated access to outer space for humanity, for the purposes of research and exploration and also for economic endeavours. • Space-related endeavours has experienced a significant 73% increase over the last ten years. • Commercial activities conducted in space require concerted action at international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive approach to creating a control system for the shape of the radio-reflecting surface of a large-size space reflector is considered. Large-aperture space antennas are used for satellite communications and space exploration. The design of these structures is one of the most promising areas. Ensuring the specified characteristics of the reflector is directly related to maintaining the specified shape of the radio-reflective netting. Developing a control system for the shape of the active antenna surface is an urgent task. Optimizing this process makes it possible to accomplish the mission during the operational period effectively. The paper evaluates the effects of perturbations on a large-scale structure operating in outer space. A method for adjusting the geometry of the frontal network is proposed. This allows for improved communication between spacecraft and ground stations, which is very important for the safety of space flights. The conductive parts of the reflector are considered to transmit energy and control signals to the actuators. The application results of various control algorithms of the executive device making it possible to correct the netting considering the minimization of energy costs and oscillations of the structure are shown. According to the simulation results, the optimal algorithm of the target criteria hierarchy showed greater stability in terms of convergence in the presence of measurement noise and disturbances, which allows it to be applied in real time. This algorithm is supposed to be used in the future when creating a prototype of the system for controlling the shape of the radio-reflective surface of a large-size space reflector using its current-conducting structural parts. • The design of a system for setting up and maintaining a radio-reflective network fabric has been developed. • Algorithms are developed to minimize energy when setting up a radio-reflective mesh. • The optimal algorithm of the control allows solving the problem in real time. • The method for transmitting energy and control signals through the use of conductive structural parts of the reflector is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space Trafic Management (STM) has gained relevance in regional and global strategies when there is more significant congestion in space. Ongoing discussions in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and other fora are reflecting the essence of STM in Europe, in the United States and others. In the US, the 2018 Space Policy Directive-3 on National Space Traffic Management Policy has become a focal eleemnt. More recently, STM was underlined in the European Union – European Space Agency Space Council Orientations of November 2020 as part of the European ambitions to achieve strategic autonomy. In February 2021, the European Commission launched STM as a flagship project under its' Action Plan on Synergies' between the civil, defence, and space industries, aiming to reinforce the European industry's competitiveness. In February 2022, a joint communication on a European Union approach on STM was published. In this regard, STM entails several technological, socio-economic, and regulatory dimensions with significant security implications as reflected in national and regional strategies. This paper focuses on a critical element: the cooperation between the civilian and the military and how organizations effectively address the dual-use aspect concerning STM development under the current legal and regulatory framework. Moreover, it examines how the dual-use element of STM influences space security of space technologies. Successful strategies with tangible outcomes require effective cooperation between the civilian and military actors. Hence, this paper seeks to identify potential legal and regulatory barriers and proposes solutions to accommodate divergent strategic interests and needs in STM future strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space habitats, facing extreme conditions in space and on other planetary bodies, should have redundancy and versatility. Although the main challenges in the field have been identified as changes in gravity, radiation protection, extreme temperatures (fluctuations), changes in daylight patterns, and lack of (or less) atmosphere, more (unknown) challenges will inevitably emerge. Therefore, space habitats should extend beyond redundancy and adapt to their surroundings. There are many adaptability strategies for terrestrial habitats but none of these strategies were developed to work in the extreme conditions of outer space. This paper proposes application of a novel adaptability strategy, the Rhythmic Buildings strategy, which aims to develop buildings that adapt to the rhythms of the building's context (frequency, speed, and intensity of changes occurring on the case study location). The strategy is applied to the case study of a Martian habitat at Jezero Crater. The Rhythmic Buildings strategy includes the Rhythmic Framework and its 33 parameters (such as daylight and outdoor temperature) as well as analytical, technical, and design tools – collectively the Rhythmic Toolbox. First, the Framework tool was used to map the changes in the context following the environmental, economy, and society aspects. The rhythms of the case study context include local temperature, pressure, solar radiation, strong weather events (i.e. storms), but also comfort needs of the crew. These rhythms were then translated into a habitat design using an adapted version of the bubble diagram method. Lastly, novel technologies and materials were selected to address the rhythms which includes adaptive properties of materials. Results of the study show that the context's most important challenges are the daily temperature fluctuations and weekly crew schedule, while the most promising adaptability opportunity lies in the daily daylight rhythm. The design that followed the Rhythmic Buildings strategy directly addresses nine out of the 33 parameters and indirectly addresses a further five parameters. The proposed Martian habitat utilises the rhythms of daily temperature cycles and the 24 h daylight rhythm to reinforce the materials structures. The habitat is adaptive and responsive to its surroundings and the crew's needs. In the discussion, speculations are made on how space architecture can develop itself by intrinsically adapting to the rhythms of the environment and evolve into their own typologies, distinctly different than Earth architecture. • Introduces an adaptability strategy for Space Architecture called Rhythmic Buildings. • Using a novel analysis and design Toolbox to design a Martian habitat. • Design of a habitat that responds to the rhythms of the context. • Outlines criteria for the use of responsive materials and ISRU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to address STM through an unconventional but pragmatic angle to help optimize efficient compliance governance. This paper proposes using antitrust mechanisms in space as a pragmatic and utilitarian tool for sustainable purposes with regards to STM within a soaring space ecosystem. In the context of accelerated space commercialization and privatization, having a new space antitrust framework at the helm of such transition might indeed prove to be a flexible yet decisive tool into shaping the future of STM and ensuring perennial protection of higher space principles which are enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty and form the essence of space law. On one hand, examples of antitrust key components include fair competition while, on the other hand, higher ethical principles of space law include non-discrimination and benefits sharing. Furthermore, in between these two extremes, security and commerce both rely, respectively on non-harmful interference and competitiveness. To navigate through all these factors, a new space antitrust framework might indeed prove strategic and beneficial to incentivizing the creation of an adaptive, polycentric and action-oriented governance mechanism with great resonance among the commercial new space players and reaffirm the importance of sustainable space traffic management before return on investment, while still making a profit in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of artificial satellites put into orbit around Earth is growing very rapidly for scientific, commercial, defence or educational purposes, the need to take measures to improve safety of space operations and to contribute to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities are becoming more and more important. This paper provides an analysis of the main identified challenges to be addressed by space traffic management (STM) and an overview of a set of actions considered to tackle those challenges. The complementarity of political guidelines, regulation, standardization and operational capabilities is discussed, taking into account the need to combine the expected efficiency of the proposed actions with European industry competitiveness and also national and European security constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurs and blue-chip corporations alike are seeking to capitalize on outer space's bountifulness, setting the NewSpace industry's growth ablaze and establishing an engine for an economic and technological revolution. However, meaningful impediments that could stifle the industry's growth are still present. The wide array of newly forming opportunities, pursued by a myriad of actors with various interests, encourages national legislatures to regulate where current international law leaves uncertainty. Such encouragement has created a landscape of conflicting national legislations, which thereby constructs an environment of regulatory competition as states vie for the attention of the NewSpace industry. This paper assesses some of the regulatory competitions already underway as well as provides insights into likely future competitions as technology improves and interest in NewSpace grows. Ultimately, this paper finds and warns of the effects of these competitions; specifically that, in many cases, the rise of regulatory competition threatens to lower the standards of governing policies. In such circumstances, this paper foresees the growing possibility of inhibiting the development of NewSpace, an unsettling outcome and a worthy cause for concern. • There is a lot of uncertainty when applying the current space law to private actors. • Uncertainty slows growth & impacts flow of private capital creating legal vacuum. • Governments writing national laws to fill vacuum creates regulatory competitions. • Regulatory competitions has & will lower industry standards hurting NewSpace growth. • Some international agreements, modernized for NewSpace, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private commercial space tourism carrying passengers to outer space is no longer a distant or far-fetched fantasy, rather it is at verge of becoming an affordable reality with exponential development in space technology including development of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), increasing involvement of private companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, Blue Origin etc. into research and funding of space tourism explorations and applications. It is also receiving huge attention from the public. These developments reflect the infinite possibilities and inevitability of space tourism in near future. However, space tourism may also pose many critical legal issues which must be addressed to ensure the consistent and sustainable development of space tourism, and to secure the rights of all stakeholders involved including operators, passengers, launching State etc. The research paper would highlight the crucial legal issues associated with the space tourism. The paper would critically analyze the efficiency of the present international space treaties in dealing with these issues. At the end, the paper would also attempt to provide few suggestions and solutions to these legal conundrums relating to space tourism. • Commercial space tourism • Legal framework governing space tourism • Sustainable development of outer space • Space tourism and international law [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outer space exploration has been an area where the international community demonstrated a significant level of co-operation, successfully transcending geographical, national and cultural boundaries. In the age of global governance, international co-operation has never been more important in resolving today's global challenges. One of such challenges is the growing amount of space debris in orbits, which, if unresolved, will not only undermine global information and communications technology (ICT) system, but will also hinder areas of sustainable development where outer space activities contribute to. (e.g. satellite imaging for disaster warning and management, satellite imaging for agricultural purpose) This paper proposes to conceptualize space orbit and radio frequency as essential global commons, whose governance requires international co-operation. In examining potentials and challenges in moving forward space orbit governance, the paper pays particular focus on ensuring space safety and sustainability through the introduction of on-orbit servicing (OOS) operations. The paper will identify aspects of OOS that warrant further collaborations, specifically, the standardization of docking and rendez-vous practices that could facilitate future space activities. Recognizing the potential of future commercialization of refueling, repairing and debris removal operations in orbits, this paper argues that standardization practices would be the first step towards enhancing international co-operation, as well as in strengthening the existing regime of peaceful use of outer space. Ultimately, it could play a role in addressing one of today's most imminent challenges – ensuring sustainable use of global commons. • Space technologies are critical to daily socio-economic activities. • Immaterial space resources (e.g. orbital slots) are limited, finite resources. • Space resources are susceptible to depletion if their use is not co-ordinated. • On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) can ensure sustainable use of resources in outer space. • International docking and rendez-vous standards could enable OOS to take-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sky is the area above the Earth in which the clouds, the Moon, the Sun, and the stars can be seen. It means the region consists of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the Earth. In the ancient time, people only knew "sky" instead of "inner space" and "outer space", and they always dreamed travelling to the celestial object nearest to the Earth, the Moon. Traditionally, it is the same globally, the Chinese people respect the Earth, the Moon and the Sun with adorations. Therefore, there were many ancient Chinese legends about the sky and space. In this paper, five ancient Chinese legends related to the sky and space are described at first: the story of sky lantern (天燈), the story of Kuafu (夸父), the story of Chang E (嫦娥), the story of ancient Chinese astronaut Wan Fu (萬戶), and the story of Nüwa (女媧) who patched up the sky. Then, three contemporary arts and designs related to the current space explorations are introduced for comparisons: the Museum of the Moon, the worldwide tour of the Earth model Gaia, and the Chinese Suzhou embroideries of Sun spots and Horsehead nebula. Through the presentations, it is very interesting to see the addition to each other's splendour in the ancient mythologies and the modern space arts. • Five ancient Chinese legends related to the sky and space are studied. • Three modern arts and designs related to the current space explorations are investigated. • Obvious addition to each other's splendour in the ancient mythologies and the modern space arts. • The philosophies and possible complementarities behind need further exploration. • Hope that more space related arts and designs can be created to enrich human's life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In 2018, the Congress of the Philippines is expected to pass the Philippine Space Development Act , leading to the adoption of the first national space policy in the country and the establishment of the Philippine Space Agency (or PhilSA). This historic event is the final outcome of a long process involving various stakeholders in the Philippines from government, academia and industry. This article provides the first comprehensive history of this process from its inception in the late 20th century until now, with a specific focus on its acceleration since 2013. It also investigates the future expectations of the national space development program, in particular regarding the development of a local space industry. Apart from solely describing the history of the Philippines, this paper presents more generally the case of a developing country willing to gain a foothold in space. In comparison with existing literature on space development programs focusing exclusively on rich western countries or powerful emerging nations, this paper provides other developing countries with highly valuable information by describing such a transparent, balanced and promising initiative as the Philippine space development program. Highlights • The Philippine Space Policy is balanced and perfectly fits the needs of the country. • The process of developing the Philippine space policy can inspire other countries. • Private sector's involvement is crucial for the success of the future space program. • The Filipino space policy's parliamentary approval is expected for late 2018. • Initiating a space program is feasible and recommended for developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper focuses on the trajectory design for missions destined to explore Mars and/or Phobos departing from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and arriving into a Mars-Phobos Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO). Lunar DROs are also briefly explored as an alternative departure location. A Mars-Phobos DRO is a relatively stable environment which would make both the surfaces of Mars and Phobos available for a reasonable propellant expenditure. This paper presents the methodology used to compute LEO to Mars-Phobos DRO trajectories and results regarding required C 3 at launch, v ∞ at arrival, Time-of-Flight (T O F), and total Δ V for various Mars-Phobos DROs using full ephemeris planetary data. The results show that propellant-optimal trajectories from LEO to a specified Mars-Phobos DRO could be used as a staging location between Mars and Phobos. Assuming that refueling is available at the targeted DRO, LEO to Low Mars Orbits (LMO) trajectories would have higher total Δ V due to the additional stop at the Mars-Phobos DRO. However, the aformentioned trajectories would have lower Initial Mass in LEO (IMLEO) and thus a lower gear ratio thanks to the added "pit stop" located at the given DRO. This results in a lower overall spacecraft dry mass that needs to be launched into space from Earth's surface. Highlights • Mars-Phobos DROs are explored as arrival destinations in cis-martian space. • Trajectory design for Earth to Mars-Phobos DROs are presented. • The design methodology is detailed in the paper and numerical examples are provided. • Lunar DROs are also explored as possible departure locations. • Propellant-optimal solutions for lunar DROs to Mars-Phobos DROs transfers are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early space governance mechanisms aiming at ensuring peaceful uses of outer space opened the way to a formidable growth in space activities. These policy coordination steps achieved during the height of the Cold War can be regarded as pioneering steps towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the space domain. Yet threats to the continued safe, secure and sustainable use of outer space have been dramatically increasing over the past decade calling for an evaluation of the existing governance mechanisms. This paper presents the intermediate results of a doctoral research on the emergence and progress of space debris governance mechanisms, the orbital debris issue being considered one of the major threats to space sustainability. An innovative international relations' framework is used drawing upon two studies, namely Peter Haas' [1] seminal work on epistemic communities' influences over international policy coordination and Thomas Weiss and Ramesh Thakur's work [2] on the United Nation's contribution to global governance gaps. The doctoral research findings highlight the essential role of 'epistemic" knowledge experts in the emergence and evolution of cooperative steps affecting the debris issue, regarded more widely as illustrations of contributions of the epistemic model to space sustainability governance. The study's timeframe covers governance progress from the 1950s until nowadays. This research also identifies levels of governance progress achieved thanks to epistemic influences and provides avenues of thoughts for overcoming obstacles in international cooperation when national security interests are at stake. • Ideas and their carriers matter in international space cooperation. • Debris case confirms importance of epistemic communities in governance. • Four communities enabled international policy coordination. • Peaceful uses, arms control, environmental protection, debris mitigation. • Five global governance gaps show epistemic influences for debris regime basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, drawn from anthropological research done for a project on Mexican imaginaries of outer space, I consider the role of the AEM, or Mexican Space Agency, in space education and outreach in Mexico, focusing on the ways in which the AEM engages with different sectors and social groups, including elementary age children, college students undertaking STEM careers and artists who use space imagery and technology in their work. The research undertaken for this project consists primarily of formal and informal interviews with key actors engaged with outer space who project space into Mexican futures from different perspectives, from enthusiastic involvement in technological advancement as a means of fomenting social and economic progress, to the artistic uses of space and technology as a means of critically reflecting on earthly issues of human relationality and geopolitical power. In addition to interviews, I draw on information gathered from documents, works of art, online discussion groups and attendance at events sponsored by the Mexican Space Agency. I am particularly interested in exploring the implications of the agency's mission to "promote space culture", as I critically confront anthropological notions of "culture" with the uses of this concept in the public sphere. I am also interested in understanding what is "Mexican" about Mexican space culture, and how national institutions and actors relate to their international counterparts. • Mexico has a nascent space program, but a millennial tradition of stargazing. • The AEM has a strong outreach program, although its public visibility could improve. • Importance of creation of a network of space entrepreneurs, scientists and artists. • Mexicans' outer space imaginaries are diverse, often critical of space exploration. • Anthropology can contribute to the dialogue on the promotion of "space culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown how the kinetic multi-parametric Boltzmann-Arrhenius-Zhurkov (BAZ) equation that has been recently suggested in the field of electronic and photonic reliability evaluations can be effectively employed to quantify, on the probabilistic basis, the survivability of species (life forms) both on Earth and in the outer space. The general concept is illustrated by a numerical example that predicts the lifetime of a particular species of interest depending on its nature (interpreted in our analysis as its activation energy) and the environmental conditions. • The survivability of species is quantified using Boltzmann-Arrhenius-Zhurkov equation. • The equation predicts the specie's lifetime for the given conditions. • It determines how this probability and the lifetime change when these conditions change. • Specie's "nature" is characterized in our approach as its "stress-free activation energy". • There are no special interests associated with this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents data about the radiation-protective characteristics of multilayer polyimide/lead (PI/Pb) composites for X-ray radiation. Multilayer composites were obtained by collecting lead-filled polyimide track membranes into a sandwich of the required thickness. ( A 241 m) (E = 59.5 keV) and ( C 109 d) (E = 88 keV) isotopes were used as an X-ray radiation source. To assess the effect of lead filler particle size on the radiation-protective characteristics of a multilayer structure, data are presented on mathematically modeling the passage of 10–88 keV wavelength X-rays with through a composite. The experimental values of the attenuation coefficients of X-ray waves for a multilayer structure are 12–15% higher than the calculated ones. The increase in the attenuation coefficients obtained experimentally, compared with theoretical, is explained by using the proposed multilayer structure with lead particles in the nanoscale range. • Multilayer polymer PI/Pb composites were synthesized. • The effect of x-ray radiation on multilayer polymer PI/Pb composites was studied. • Data on the attenuation coefficients (μ) of x-ray radiation were presented. • The experimental values of μ are 12–15% higher than the calculated. • Using nanodispersed lead increases the protective properties of PI/Pb composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of sustainable development has been at the forefront of conversations around humankind's shared future for several decades. With expansion into outer space likely to be a prominent feature of that future, it is important to consider how our actions in outer space may impact sustainable development. Definitions of sustainable development share the idea that we must work to preserve our environment, lift people from poverty, and reduce economic and social inequalities, all while looking to ensure inter-generational equality. With many resources becoming increasingly scarce on Earth, providing resources for future generations may mean looking to extraterrestrial bodies such as asteroids, the Moon and Mars to top up our dwindling supplies. There are numerous studies exploring the technical and economic considerations necessary to make resource extraction in outer space a reality; however it is important to also consider the social, socio-economic, and environmental impacts of such an undertaking. This paper discusses whether mining resources from celestial bodies is compatible with the international goal of achieving sustainable development. Mining in space has not yet begun in earnest, providing us with the unique opportunity to establish sustainable mining practices before any resource extraction takes place. As such, we make suggestions for a sustainable off-Earth mining framework, emphasising space mining practices that are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. • Extracting resources from outer space (off-Earth mining) is closer than ever to becoming a reality. • Off-Earth mining may result in the widening of economic inequality between nations. • International collaborations must be encouraged so that developing nations benefit from off-Earth mining. • Space resources should be managed with a permitting system to ensure fair and equal access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order for astronauts to live and work in outer space, environmental conditions must be maintained within very strict parameters. Any change in these conditions (such as atmospheric composition, pressure, and/or temperature) could pose a risk to the astronauts and ultimately to the success of the mission itself. In particular, changes in pressure could place the astronaut at risk for decompression illness (DCI), a potentially life-threatening condition related to the presence of nitrogen bubbles within the body. There are a number of strategies in human spaceflight designed to minimize the risk of DCI or treat it if necessary. However, as humans prepare again to travel beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the risk of developing DCI may increase, as would the difficulties in treating it, given that evacuation to Earth will become substantially less feasible. Even though hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the accepted gold standard for the treatment of DCI on Earth, there is currently limited capacity for this treatment option in space. Expanding HBOT capacity in human spaceflight could prove useful, given that this medical capability can also be used for the treatment of a number of other potentially life-threatening conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, thermal burns, and gangrene. This paper will examine the current issues related to HBOT in space and discuss the opportunities for its use in future human spaceflight endeavors. • Decompression illness occurs less frequently in space than would be predicted. • Missions beyond Low Earth Orbit will involve partial gravity environments. • Astronauts on such missions would likely have an increased risk of DCI. • Technologies exist to deliver hyperbaric oxygen treatment in space. • HBOT should be considered for future space missions beyond LEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streaked point sources are a common occurrence when imaging unresolved space objects from both ground- and space-based platforms. Effective localization of streak endpoints is a key component of traditional techniques in space situational awareness related to orbit estimation and attitude determination. To further that goal, this paper derives a general detection and localization method for streak endpoints based on the cornerness metric. Corners detection involves searching an image for strong bi-directional gradients. These locations typically correspond to robust structural features in an image. In the case of unresolved imagery, regions with a high cornerness score correspond directly to the endpoints of streaks. This paper explores three approaches for global extraction of streak endpoints and applies them to an attitude and rate estimation routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper provides an overview of the past, present and future perspectives of space policy developments in Europe. In the past decade, the EU enlargement has been subjected to various crises that threaten the European integration project. At the same time, the space sector is changing rapidly. In response to these challenges, on 26 October 2016, the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed a Joint Statement on "Shared Vision and Goals for the Future of Europe in Space", demonstrating their commitment to further strengthening their cooperation on space. The common European vision is that Europe remains a world-class actor in space and a partner of choice on the global level. The shared vision and goals of the Joint Statement are reflected in the European Commission Communication on its "Space Strategy for Europe". ESA subsequently adopted on 2 December 2016 the Resolution "Towards Space 4.0 for a United Space in Europe". In light of these space policy developments, the future creation of an all-encompassing European Space Strategy can underpin the future of Europe in space and beyond. Such strategy shall seek to address Europe's particularities, needs and responsibilities and ultimately reinforce European integration. Highlights • European integration is interwoven with the development of space activities. • Europe's challenges require a European space strategy for a United Space in Europe. • Space capabilities of ESA, EU and the Member States make Europe a space super power. • Common European vision is that Europe remains a world-class actor in space. • Europe's way forward is based in a spirit of cooperation unifying space efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper aims to present the lessons learned in 20 years of application of the SCE (Systems Concurrent Engineering) approach that evolved over the last 20 years being applied to the development of more than 200 complex system solutions. SCE is an approach to the integrated development of complex systems that applies the systems engineering process, simultaneously, to the product elements of a system solution as well as for the service elements of the system solution, recursively, at every layer of the system solution breakdown structure. The approach was born as the application of the requirements, functional and physical analysis processes to the simultaneous development of a product, its life cycle processes and their performing organizations, at every layer of the product breakdown structure. The continuous application of the approach up to 2010, showed the need to include a stakeholder analysis step, to acknowledge that the solution was comprised of product and organization elements (processes were, in fact, the functions of products and organizations), that a mission layer should be added at the top of the product breakdown structure and that the notion of circumstances should be added to the traditional notion of scenarios. With the increasing use of the approach for system of systems conception and development such as those involving multi-spacecraft solutions, the mission layer needed to be extended to include other life cycle processes (besides the operations processes) concept of service and system service architecture. This requires the development of a system solution breakdown structure that will guide the development of the overall solution. For multi-spacecraft solutions, for example, it is necessary to conceive and architect testing, launching and decommissioning services as early as operations. Also, going into more detail in the approach, modes can be derived from circumstances, interface states and internal states of the system and not only from circumstances, as initially established in the approach. These lessons to be presented were learned during the development of: 1) the Brazilian Strategic Program for Space Systems (PESE) and; 2) the TIM Project (Telematics International Mission), a satellite formation with contributions from many regions in the world. Highlights • The system solution contains product and service elements. • Concept of service/service architecture are developed for each life cycle scenario. • Analysis are performed simultaneously for product and service elements. • Circumstances refer to the states of the elements in the environment. • Modes are from circumstances and, functional and implementation hazard analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are popularly used for maximizing the output of solar panels by continuously tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of their P-V curves, which depend both on the panel temperature and the input insolation. Various MPPT algorithms have been studied in literature, including perturb and observe (P&O), hill climbing, incremental conductance, fuzzy logic control and neural networks. This paper presents an algorithm which improves the MPP tracking performance by adaptively scaling the DC-DC converter duty cycle. The principle of the proposed algorithm is to detect the oscillation by checking the sign (ie. direction) of the duty cycle perturbation between the current and previous time steps. If there is a difference in the signs then it is clear an oscillation is present and the DC-DC converter duty cycle perturbation is subsequently scaled down by a constant factor. By repeating this process, the steady state oscillations become negligibly small which subsequently allows for a smooth steady state MPP response. To verify the proposed MPPT algorithm, a simulation involving irradiances levels that are typically encountered in outer space is conducted. Simulation and experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm is fast and stable in comparison to not only the conventional fixed step counterparts, but also to previous variable step size algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]