NPU Holds the Symposium On New-Type Space Platform and New-Concept Flight Theory

The symposium was held in Xi'an from 24 to 26, September 2010. It accepted that over 50 papers are concerned with the three themes: future applications and operations of space platform, new-concept flight theory function and information technology of future flight vehicle

During the opening ceremony of the symposium four specialists delivered their keynote reports. The opening ceremony was chaired by Yuan Jianping, NPU vice president. NPU President Jiang Chengyu delivered his welcome address. The opening ceremony was attended by Academicians Li Jisheng, Yu Benshui, Yu Menglun, many other specialists in aerospace and the participants.

Professor Yuan Jianping reported on NPU's progress in space flight research during the 11th Five-year Plan. He reviewed the space flight mechanics research developments: Aristotle's geocentric theory Copernicus's heliocentric theory Kepler's three laws of planetary motion and Newton's classical mechanics, or his laws of motion.

For 400 years, Kepler's three laws and Newtonian mechanics have become the theoretical foundation for studying planetary motions and designing satellite orbits. He pointed out that in this century three new trends appear: space operation, emergency response and blending of dynamics with control. These new trends present new requirements for space flight mechanics.

From the status quo of spaceflight mechanics study in NPU, he generalized three trends for flight mechanics: theoretical flight mechanics, experimental flight mechanics and C-P flight mechanics. The first trend provides theoretical basis for maneuvering flight in space; the second one simulates on the earth the micro-gravitation in space; the third one is brand-new and stresses the blending of flight mechanics with networks and electromagnetic space.

Academician Li Hengnian from Xi'an Satellite Control Center reported on the new-concept flight mission of deep space tour. He defined the space tour flight mission and explained the new-concept flight mission of space tour in terms of its science objective, engineering objective, preliminary orbit design and applicable technology.

Professor Duan Guangren from Harbin Institute of Technology reported on the trends and methods of space maneuver control. He emphasized the prospect of the application of parametrical design method to space maneuver control. Hou Jianwen, research fellow from the No. 8 Academy of China Aerospace Science Corporation, reported on the Mars probe conception.

He presented the space environment of the Mars, its probe status quo abroad, China's Mars probe and research status quo, developments and key technologies; he also offered his suggestions on China's Mars probe.

The symposium is divided into three discussion groups; each group has six to seven presentations. It provides a nice platform for all the scholars to fully exchange their academic ideas, enlighten each other and make joint progress.

Source: NPU View in Chinese (by Ning Xin and Feng Jinglang)