GB/T 30114.1-2026Terminology for space science and applications - Part 1: General (English PDF)

4.1 space exploration

The objective state, matter, natural phenomena and their changes in the Earth's atmosphere and outer space, including physical, astronomical, chemical and biological aspects.

Scientific research activities based on observation.

Note. This has two meanings. one refers to indirect or direct detection in space; the other refers to the object of detection being space itself.

4.2 lunar exploration

Using lunar orbiters or lunar landers, we can study the Moon's material composition, surface features, physical fields, internal structure, origin, and evolutionary history.

Observation and sampling research activities.

4.3 planetary exploration

Exploration and sampling of planets, dwarf planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets within the solar system (excluding Earth), as well as interplanetary space.

Activity.

Examples. Mars exploration, solar system planet exploration.

4.4

This study investigates the patterns of space environment change, analyzes the impact of space environment events on human activities and spaceflight on Earth, and predicts space environment changes.

Scientific activities that identify changing trends and issue forecasts or warnings.

4.5 space probe

A spacecraft consisting of fully functional scientific instruments and platforms, with clearly defined observation targets and research objectives.

Examples. space probes, lunar probes, Mars probes, planetary and interplanetary probes, small celestial body probes, etc.

4.6 detector

Instruments and devices designed using the principle of sensitivity to detect, collect, and record relevant physical, chemical, or biological information.

Examples. mass spectrometers used for detecting neutral particles in the atmosphere; Geiger-Müller counters and proportional meters used for detecting high-energy particles such as electrons, protons, and heavy ions.

Detectors and ionization chambers, miniature gas detectors, scintillation detectors, semiconductor detectors, Cherenkov detectors, and through-radiation detectors; Faraday cylinders, decelerating potential analyzers, ion traps, and probes for plasma detection; coil magnetometers, fluxgate magnetometers, proton precession magnetometers, and optically pumped magnetometers for direct magnetic field detection; and X-ray polarization detectors for indirect magnetic field detection.

4.7 Digital Earth

Virtual Earth, based on multi-type, multi-resolution data and information, performs multi-dimensional comprehensive analysis, simulation, and display of the Earth on Earth's spatial coordinates.

Simulated system.

4.8

The sealed cabin of a spacecraft is used to create a safe and suitable living and working environment for astronauts and to provide the necessary supplies for life activities.

A complex system of obstacles.

Note. The environmental control and life support system consists of environmental control, life support, and emergency life support.

4.9

All the supplies necessary to sustain human life, such as oxygen, water, food, and pollutant purification materials, were brought into space from the ground, while human metabolism and...

The technology involves not recycling household waste and using adsorbents for single-use purposes.

4.10

Based on physics and chemistry, most of the waste generated by people (carbon dioxide, water vapor, excrement, and domestic wastewater, etc.) is recycled and reused.

This technology utilizes the regeneration and recycling of most pollutant adsorbents.

4.11

Based on ecological theory, and by comprehensively applying biological, physical, chemical, and engineering control technologies, food, oxygen, and water can be controlled in a closed system.

The internal recycling system constructs a life support technology that resembles the Earth's environment, consisting of plants, animals, and microorganisms.

4.12 This method combines two approaches

utilizing biological food chains to regenerate and utilize water, oxygen, and food, and employing chemical and physical methods to regenerate water and oxygen.

A comprehensive technical support system.

Note. Integrated regenerative life support systems are a new research direction and a feasible solution for establishing life support systems for future lunar and Martian bases. Currently, the most advanced...

The research results have enabled closed-loop experiments involving 2-3 people for 4-6 months to achieve 100% regeneration of oxygen and water, and food production.

80% regeneration closure rate.

4.13

Scientific research activities conducted using spatial conditions, which involve experimental subjects (experimental samples) and experimental systems.

Note. Space conditions mainly refer to one or a combination of conditions such as microgravity, vacuum, ultra-clean environment, radiation environment, and artificial environment on a spacecraft.

Examples. Microgravity fluid physics experiments, microgravity combustion experiments, space materials science experiments, space fundamental physics experiments, space life sciences and biotechnology experiment.

[Source. GB/T 28877-2012, 2.1, with modifications]

4.14 Tele-science experiment

Experimenters, far removed from the research subjects and the experimental site, use remote technology to monitor, intervene in, and control the experimental process in real-time or near real-time.

Learn experimental methods.

4.15 Telepresence

The experimental site and necessary parameters are obtained, and based on remote communication technology, they are reproduced virtually on the ground or in different locations.

A scientific experiment in progress.

4.16 Tele-operation

An experimental link is formed by remote information channels and related equipment, and the scientific experiment process can be intervened and controlled through human-computer interaction.

4.17 gravity

Near a celestial body, an object experiences the vector sum of the celestial body's gravitational pull and the inertial centrifugal force generated by the celestial body's rotation.

Note. Unless otherwise specified, "celestial body" usually refers to Earth's gravity.

4.18

The acceleration of an object caused solely by gravity.

Note. Unless otherwise specified, "celestial body" usually refers to the Earth's gravitational acceleration.

Example. The standard value for Earth's gravitational acceleration was defined as 9.80665 m/s² by the Third International Conference on Weights and Measures in 1901; the Moon's gravitational acceleration is approximately...

1.6 m/s²; the gravitational acceleration of Mars is approximately 3.7 m/s².

4.19 weightlessness

When an object is in a weak gravitational field or moves with gravitational acceleration in a gravitational field, it exhibits a state where its weight almost disappears.

4.20 Super-gravity

When an object is in a strong gravitational field or when it undergoes overload acceleration, it exhibits a state where its weight is higher than that under normal gravity on the ground.

4.21 microgravity

A weak gravitational field environment with gravitational acceleration on the order of µg or an environment with residual acceleration on the order of µg.

Note 1.In space experiments, this also generally refers to environmental conditions where the residual acceleration is less than 10^-²g.

Note 2.µg = 10^-^6g, where g represents the standard value of Earth's gravitational acceleration.

4.22 G-Jitter

The abrupt changes in the direction and magnitude of residual gravitational acceleration in a microgravity environment.

4.23 gravity effect

The phenomenon that the properties and characteristics of an object change under different gravitational environments.

4.24 Earth observation

The observation, measurement, and analysis of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land using spacecraft, aircraft, and other means.

4.25 remote sensing

Employing non-contact, long-range detection technology, it senses and measures the electromagnetic radiation, reflection, or scattering of targets, through necessary...

Inversion processing and analysis, through the acquisition, processing, calibration, analysis, and application of information, reveals the morphological, physical, and biochemical parameters of the observed object.

Law and technology.

Note 1.Remote sensing classification.

---Based on the remote sensing platform, remote sensing is divided into near-ground remote sensing, airborne remote sensing, and spaceborne remote sensing;

---Based on application areas, remote sensing can be categorized into environmental remote sensing, meteorological remote sensing, resource remote sensing, marine remote sensing, geological remote sensing, agricultural remote sensing, forestry remote sensing, etc.

---Based on basic methods, remote sensing is divided into passive remote sensing and active remote sensing;

---Based on different wavelengths, remote sensing can be divided into ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, and microwave remote sensing, etc.

Note 2.Remote sensing methods and technologies include information acquisition, processing, calibration, analysis, and application.

4.26 Space remote sensing

Space remote sensing

Using various spacecraft as platforms, we conduct non-contact, long-distance observation, measurement, and analysis of celestial bodies and the Earth.

4.27

Using space probes to conduct non-contact observation, measurement, and analysis of celestial bodies such as planets and their satellites.

4.28

Digital processing, geometric and radiometric correction, enhancement, and information extraction are performed on the raw data (images, numerical values, etc.) of the target objects measured by remote sensing.

A general term for various technical methods of extraction, processing, and analysis.

4.29

The work of comprehensively utilizing information acquired by remote sensing to provide multifaceted information services for economic development, national defense construction, and scientific research.

4.30 Atmospheric window

The spectral bands with higher transmittance when electromagnetic radiation passes through the Earth's atmosphere.

Note. The main window areas are located in the visible light band, infrared band, and microwave band, respectively.

4.31 remote sensor

A device or instrument installed on a work platform to detect the shape and characteristics of a target object from a distance.

Note. Remote sensors constitute a large and complex classification group.

a) Based on the spectral characteristics of the detected information, remote sensors can be classified into ultraviolet remote sensors, visible light remote sensors, infrared remote sensors, microwave remote sensors, laser remote sensors, etc.

b) Classified by sensor type. active remote sensors and passive remote sensors;

c) Based on the characteristics of the information acquired, remote sensors are categorized into imaging remote sensors and non-imaging remote sensors;

d) Various remote sensors named according to specific engineering tasks, functions, performance, uses, etc.

5.1 payload

Instruments and equipment systems mounted on space technology platforms to perform specific scientific experiments, scientific exploration, and applied research tasks.

5.2

A type of unpowered aerostat that flies at stratosphere altitude to conduct high-altitude scientific experiments or observations.

Note. Abbreviated as Science Balloon.

5.3 sounding rocket

Suborbital launch vehicles carrying scientific instruments to conduct space exploration and scientific experiments.

5.4 Parabolic flight

An aircraft that generates a low-gravity environment through special flight maneuvers (usually parabolic flight).

5.5 mission analysis

To achieve the goal, the characteristics, features, technical difficulties, key issues, implementation methods, and work plan requirements of the work object are analyzed.

Preliminary research and planning were conducted.

5.6 Experiment rack

Under the constraints of flight platform resources, a unified mechanical, electrical, and thermal interface is available, suitable for supporting various experimental tasks within a specific discipline.

Use technical facilities.

Note. International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR) on the International Space Station.

5.7

Software and hardware equipment for the operation management, process control, information collection and transmission of space science experimental facilities.

5.8 Experiment system

A research system for achieving scientific goals, consisting of software and hardware experimental techniques, experimental subjects, and experimental operation management.

5.9 Experiment module

A device that has complete independent functions and can be combined to complete a scientific experiment within an experimental cabinet scientific experiment system.

Note 1.Its structural design adopts the form of standard load unit of experimental cabinet, standard drawer unit of experimental cabinet or standard load lock cabinet of experimental cabinet.

Note 2.Experimental units with replaceable capabilities can be inserted into the experimental module.

5.10 Experiment unit

Designed for specific space science experiments, these components are installed inside experimental modules as standard plug-ins or units to intervene in and regulate the experimental research.

Device components whose primary purpose is to depict an elephant.

Note. An experimental unit can contain multiple sample units.

5.11

The software, hardware, and other experimental techniques and resources required to achieve the goals of scientific experiments, as well as the input and output information.

5.12 Experimental materials

As the object of scientific experimental observation and exploration, matter, and its combination with other substances, plays an intervention and control role, highlighting the experimental research...

The substances related to the phenomenon.

5.13 Experiment sample

Extracting a physical substance from a physical substance that can represent the general properties of that substance and using it as a specific experimental object.

Example. Space biology effect experimental samples refer to animal/plant cells, tissues, microorganisms, various biological individuals, populations, etc.; space materials science experimental samples refer to...

Metals, metal alloys, non-metals, semiconductors, composite materials, etc.

5.14 modelsample

In scientific experiments, the same experimental methods are used to select a standard experimental research object or a reference substance for comparison.

5.15 simulation sample

A physical substance that has the same or similar physical and chemical properties and is used as a substitute, but is not used as a real experimental object.

5.16

A substance used to adjust, control, or maintain the experimental state during an experiment, or to cause changes in the experimental state or process.

Example. Cooling circulating water to control the ambient temperature of the experimental research object, allowing the substance to cool from a high temperature to room temperature; creating a [temperature range] for the experimental research object.

Liquid helium in a liquid helium refrigeration system for cryogenic conditions.

5.17 Experiment medium

The physical or chemical system in which the experiment exists, or the physical or chemical process in which the experiment takes place.

Example. An experiment on the migration of liquid droplets in space, using two experimental media - the mother liquid and the daughter liquid - to highlight the changing patterns of the liquid flow field and its relationship with the temperature gradient field.

relation.

5.18 auxiliary materials

In addition to serving as experimental samples, it also serves to intervene in, control, and constrain the experimental research subjects during the experimental process, in order to facilitate observation, exploration, measurement, and...

Physical substances added for research purposes.

Examples. In life science experiments, it serves as a culture medium, feed, fixative, etc., to maintain the living state of experimental subjects; in materials science experiments, it is used as a substrate.

Boron nitride or boron nitride crucibles, catalysts or protective gases, etc.

5.19 matching test

To verify the ability of space experimental methods and subjects to work in coordination according to the designed experimental process, and to validate the engineering and scientific design...

Verification indicators are qualitative or quantitative measurements and analyses performed.

Example 1.During the preparation of space life science experiments, the technical conditions of the research device, the loading amount and inoculation density of the biological samples, and the gas, liquid, and air conditions are all considered.

Laboratory and pilot tests were conducted to determine the optimal coordination of environmental control parameters such as illumination, and to assess intervention and control capabilities.

Example 2.In the preparation process for space materials science experiments, the coordination between experimental conditions such as temperature gradient and sample injection rate and the composition and location of the research object is studied.

Laboratory and pilot-scale trials conducted on sex, as well as intervention and control capabilities.

Example 3.In the preparation process for microgravity fluid physics experiments, research is conducted on the ability to set up, intervene in, and control experimental conditions, as well as the diagnostic capabilities for observation and detection.

Laboratory experiments and pilot experiments are conducted to achieve the best coordination of the experimental system.

5.20 Integrated test

In an integrated scientific experimental system with multiple experimental subjects, a single space experiment can conduct multiple relatively independent scientific studies.

Ground-based validation studies to examine the coordination and adaptability of multiple experiments.

Example 1.A space biological incubator has multiple independent culture units, and the experimental subjects include various types such as plants, animals, microorganisms, aquatic organisms, cells, and tissues.

Using a complete experimental system, integrated experiments are conducted on living organisms to examine the biological activity and time-sensitivity of the experimental subjects, as well as the complex biological effects that may result from the combination of experimental units.

The cross-influence of the physical environment.

Example 2.A space materials science experimental device can conduct melting and crystallization experiments on various materials such as metallic alloys, semiconductors, and non-metallic ceramics, and perform overall...

The combined experiment was used to examine the coordination of its functions in inter...