In recent years, rapidly advanced space technology has resulted in a growing number of objects in orbit, including both operational and decommissioned spacecraft, as well as space debris, which pose potential threats to China’s on-orbit spacecraft. To ensure the safe operation of spacecraft in near-Earth and high-orbit environments, a key research focus in the field of space technology is the high-resolution and high-accuracy detection and perception of environmental objects under strong backlight conditions. Such capabilities are critical for providing timely early warnings to on-orbit spacecraft. However, a plethora of studies have demonstrated marked challenges in imaging dark and weak targets under strong light backgrounds. It is essential to analyze the challenges of current backlight imaging technologies, summarize the working principles of existing backlight detection methods, and explore future development trends.

Einstein’s general theory of relativity reveals that spacetime can be warped by mass and energy. As a conjecture in this context, the evolution of space-time curvature affected by gravitation will propagate through the vast universe like ripples. There remains a wealth of mysteries about astrophysics that have not been explored yet, and these “ripples” called gravitational waves may revolutionize the investigation for this. Space-based gravitational-wave observations, which broadly adopt heliocentric, geocentric, or libration-point architectures, can extend the scope to celestial bodies that generate valuable millihertz frequency waves and escape the Earth-bound noise. The heliocentric gravitational-wave detection relying on laser interferometry faces dual challenges: 1) the attitude errors couple into the interferometric arm-length measurements, potentially corrupting the picometer-level displacement sensitivity, making the attitude accuracy exceptionally rigorous, while 2) the ultra-long interferometric arms (and thus million-kilometer-scale intersatellite communication distances) introduce significant communication delays. As a key to space-based gravitational-wave observations, the past few years have witnessed the development of attitude-orbit control technique, and numerous control methodologies have sprung up for various space missions. However, current communication delay models and their corresponding compensation methods prove inadequate for heliocentric gravitational-wave detection scenarios. Additionally, in line with adaptive SMC, there are few investigations on attitude-orbit coordinated control for heliocentric gravitational-wave detection spacecraft formation. 

As we venture deeper into space and establish bases and orbital stations on celestial bodies, it is imperative to develop sustainable space transportation methods that minimise propellant usage. Currently, the most common method for Earth-Mars transfers is through chemical propulsion systems. While the chemical propulsion system is well established, it has several drawbacks, including low efficiency, high propellant mass requirements, thermal limitations, and operational complexity. Momentum exchange tethers, which, in theory, can operate without the need for any propellant, offer an innovative alternative to these propulsion systems. Especially, in a symmetrical tether, the COM lies at the centre of the length. If both the equal mass payloads are released at the same time, then the orbit of the tether does not change. Additional delta-v can be generated by the libration (oscillation) or rotation of the tethers, which can be induced by a motor facility. Though there are various investigations into space tethers, there is a gap in the use of symmetrical tethers for interplanetary transfers. 

 Informal caregivers of individuals living with dementia experience notable reductions in stress and improvements in mindfulness within just three to four weeks of using a tailored mobile application, according to a secondary analysis published in JMIR Aging.

A new study co-authored by University of Notre Dame researcher Mohammad Rashidujjaman Rifat shows how AI can help homeschooling parents build culturally responsive lesson plans that incorporate family heritage and cultural norms alongside age-appropriate educational standards.

Researchers who combine machine learning and economics are studying the social impact of algorithms that determine payouts on digital marketplaces. In a recently published study, the team highlights the structural imbalance in digital labor markets and provides a blueprint for fairer market with better working conditions for gig workers.

The generation of high-intensity, ultrashort, coherent terahertz pulses in the 5-15 THz frequency range presents a formidable challenge in ultrafast science. Recently, researchers have introduced a novel scheme for generating intense, broadband THz pulses over a gapless wide spectral range based on collinear phase matched Raman-resonance-enhanced four-wave mixing (R-FWM) in strained diamond, providing a scalable route toward high-field THz sources for driving and interrogating complex dynamics in matter.

In Hong Kong, skyscrapers are abundant, leading to significant energy consumption, with cooling systems accounting for more than half of the total power usage. Prof. Fu XIAO, Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment and Professor of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has developed an award-winning AI system, which effectively helps reduce up to 40% of daily energy usage, paving the way for a greener and more energy -efficient future.