Author: БЫКАНОВА УЛЬЯНА ФЕДОРОВНА, СМЕТАНИН ИЛЬЯ АЛЕКСЕЕВИЧ, СМЕТАНИН ЕГОР АЛЕКСЕЕВИЧ | BYKANOVA ULYANA, SMETANIN ILYA, SMETANIN EGOR
Introduction
Modern spaceships created by mankind open up new horizons for us to explore the universe. Every year we are getting closer to conquering space and exploring new planets. With the development of the space industry, more and more attention is being paid to the creation of reliable and efficient spacecraft. One of the key aspects of ensuring spacecraft reliability is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor, diagnose and manage its technical condition, as well as the use of nanotechnology to improve spacecraft performance.
Today, artificial intelligence technologies are acquiring the status of strategic ones, since they are potentially capable of having a huge impact on various spheres of human activity, including in the space industry [1]. For example, a satellite named PhiSat-1 – the first satellite with artificial intelligence on board - is currently hovering at a speed of more than 329,530 km per hour in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about XNUMX km overhead.
PhiSat-1 contains a new hyperspectral thermal imaging camera and integrated artificial intelligence processing thanks to the Intel® Movidius™ Myriad™ 2 Vision Processing Unit (VPU) — the same chip is used in many smart cameras. PhiSat-1 is actually one of a pair of satellites in a mission to monitor polar ice and soil moisture, as well as test inter-satellite communication systems to create a future network of combined satellites.
Gases formed during fuel combustion serve as the working fluid of most modern rocket engines (RD). The energy released during the combustion of fuel is used to accelerate the gases flowing out of the engine. Gorenje A rocket engine is called a liquid engine if its fuel includes only liquid substances[2]. A liquid-propellant rocket engine (LRE) is a rocket engine using chemical fuel, which is both an energy source and a working fluid to produce thrust. A characteristic feature of the LRE in comparison with other RD is high specific fuel consumption (mass fuel consumption per unit of developed thrust), which is explained by the need to have fuel and oxidizer on board the device. The density of components, corrosion activity in relation to structural materials, toxicity, sensitivity to impact (explosion hazard) are important. For example, nitric acid (HNO3), nitric tetraoxide (N2O4), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), perchloric acid (HClO4) are aggressive and toxic; asymmetric dimethylhydrazine (CH3)2 N2H2 and hydrazine (N2H4) are toxic; hydrogen peroxide and perchloric acid are explosive. All of the above must be taken into account when creating a LRE [3].
The creation of interplanetary spacecraft is an urgent and new area of research, as it opens up opportunities for the study of distant planets and their moons, as well as for the search for life on other worlds. Interplanetary spacecraft make it possible to conduct research in conditions inaccessible to terrestrial laboratories and obtain information about the properties of planets, their composition and possible habitability. In addition, the creation of such devices requires the development of new technologies and materials, which is also a new and relevant direction in science and technology.
Modern spacecraft are also not complete without nanotechnology. These technologies are used in modern spacecraft to create lightweight and durable materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and radiation exposure. Nanotechnology is also being used to create new types of engines and communication systems, as well as to improve the performance of existing systems.
For example, the use of nanotubes as thermal insulation materials can reduce the weight of cooling systems and increase the efficiency of engines. Nanotechnology also makes it possible to create antennas and other devices for communication systems with smaller dimensions and higher efficiency.
The purpose of predicting spacecraft inventions is to identify future innovations and technological solutions that will be used in space missions and the space industry. Forecasting in this area helps to ensure the development of space technology, increase the efficiency of space missions and ensure the safety of outer space. The main purpose of forecasting spacecraft inventions is to anticipate technological changes and innovations that can bring breakthroughs in space research and commercial activities.
The tasks of forecasting spacecraft inventions include:
• Identification of existing trends and technological developments: Forecasting begins with an analysis of current achievements and trends in space technology. This includes reviewing existing research, projects and publications, as well as consulting with experts in the space industry.
• Analysis of potential innovations: The task is to identify promising technologies that could be used in future spacecraft. This includes evaluating new materials, engines, navigation systems, life support systems and other key components.
• Assessment of possible applications and benefits: Forecasting should also include an analysis of what specific missions and tasks could be implemented using new technologies, and what advantages they could bring in comparison with existing methods.
• Identification of potential obstacles and risks: An important task is to identify possible technical, financial and political problems that could arise with the introduction of new technologies. This includes analyzing potential constraints and challenges.
• Forecasting the time frame and degree of implementation: Assessing when and to what extent new technologies may become available for practical use in space missions and how they will interact with existing systems and programs.
The main part
In the light of future tasks in the exploration and use of outer space, it is necessary to significantly increase the power of the energy propulsion equipment of spacecraft. To achieve such goals in near and far space, it is planned to use a fundamentally new type of transport - a space tug with a powerful power propulsion system (power at the level of hundreds of kilowatts and megawatts) based on solar or nuclear energy and a multi-motor electric rocket propulsion system consisting of mainline electric rocket engines and additional engines for spacecraft orientation.
In comparison with traditional means based on liquid rocket engines, the use of electric rocket engines due to their high specific thrust impulse can significantly improve the technical, operational characteristics and target capabilities of space vehicles for various purposes for transport tasks in near and far space.
Spacecraft of the year 2100 should use not just elements of artificial intelligence, but a full-fledged AI that solves the following tasks during space missions:
• Monitoring and diagnostics of the spacecraft and passengers. AI can be used to analyze data coming from sensors on board the spacecraft in order to identify possible problems or anomalies. This may include monitoring the operation of engines, navigation systems, communication systems and other important components, as well as the condition of people on board.
• Spacecraft management and its technical condition. Modern cars cannot do without autopilot. Why not transfer this system to spaceships? AI can help in making decisions about what actions should be taken for optimal interorbital maneuver, as well as maintaining or improving the technical condition of the spacecraft. For example, the AI may recommend replacing or repairing certain components, changing system settings, or performing preventive maintenance.
• Training and analysis of data obtained during the flight. AI can also be used to analyze large amounts of data obtained from spacecraft in order to train models and identify patterns. This can help in improving the spacecraft's performance and increasing its reliability, as well as in the study of space objects and new forms of life.
Nanotechnology in the spacecraft in 77 years.
Nanomaterials have unique properties that can significantly improve various aspects of space technology and missions. Here are some thoughts on how nanomaterials can be used:
Lightweight and durable materials: Nanocomposites and nanocomposite materials have outstanding strength characteristics at low weight. Their use can reduce the mass of spacecraft, which will reduce the cost of rocket fuel and allow for more efficient delivery of cargo and astronauts into space.
Radiation protection: Nanomaterials can be used to create more effective protection systems against cosmic radiation. This is critically important for long missions off Earth, such as flights to Mars or even into interstellar space.
Smart Materials: Nanomaterials can be integrated into "smart" materials that are able to respond to changing conditions in space. For example, they can change their properties to adapt to extreme temperatures, the effects of space debris or solar radiation.
Energy nanomaterials: Nanotechnology can be used to create more efficient solar panels, nuclear power sources and batteries. This will help provide spacecraft with longer and more reliable energy sources.
Microsystems and nanomotors: Nanomaterials can be used to create microsystems and nanomotors, which will allow ships to maneuver more accurately and efficiently.
Self-healing materials: Nanotechnology can help create materials that can repair themselves in case of damage, which will increase the reliability of spacecraft on long missions.
The fantastic ideas of space shipbuilding also offer unique solutions that can expand our capabilities and take us into a new era of space research activities. Let's look at a few of them in more detail.
• Antimatter in a spaceship:
Antimatter is a substance that is an antagonist of ordinary matter. The concept of using antimatter in spaceships is a science fiction plot, but it may become a reality in the future. Antimatter can provide a huge amount of energy and significantly increase the speed and efficiency of space flights.
• Interplanetary "sliding" spaceships:
The idea of ships capable of gliding between planets, like airplanes, is a fascinating line of research. These ships could use the atmospheres of planets and satellites as natural "draperies" to change the trajectory and achieve interplanetary goals.
• Starships:
Starships capable of reaching speeds close to the speed of light are one of the most ambitious ideas of space shipbuilding. This concept involves using the theory of relativity to shorten the travel time between the stars and explore distant worlds.
Conclusion
In discussing the prospects of space shipbuilding, we emphasized that this area of science and technology provides unique and exciting opportunities for future research and space missions. Science fiction concepts such as the use of antimatter in spaceships, interplanetary "gliding" spaceships and starships approaching the speed of light open up prospects that can take humanity into a new era of space exploration.
Antimatter, as a source of enormous energy, can significantly increase the efficiency of space flights. Interplanetary "gliding" ships can use the atmospheres of planets to plan interplanetary flights, which is an exciting area of research. Starships capable of approaching the speed of light open the door to exploring distant worlds in a much shorter time.
All these concepts provide the potential to expand our space research capabilities and open up new horizons for human expansion into space. Despite the fact that many of them remain in the field of science fiction at the moment, the rapid development of scientific knowledge and technology can turn these ideas into a future reality, changing our view of space shipbuilding and exploration of the universe.