GeSp1537

1537

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Number: 1537 Name: CHEAP SPACE HABITAT

Address: J.E.D.CLINE1 Date: 910123

Approximate # of bytes: 2520

Number of Accesses: 22 Library: 3

Description:

Centristation is a small spinning hard-shell toroidal

space station/colony, with 1-gee internal for earth-normal

living inside. The segments of the toroid are pre-built and

largely outfitted on earthsurface, built to serve as

fuel tanks during launch. Lifted by unmanned winged module

containing engine and control system, and strap-on boosters.

All components are either re-used or are part of the

space station. Future expansion possible by adding more

segments to the toroid.

Keywords: centristation,spacestation,habitat

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CENTRISTATION: ECONOMICAL CENTRIFUGAL SPACE STATION

By J. E. D. Cline

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONCEPT:

Centristation is a small spinning hard-shell toroidal

space station/colony, with 1-gee internal for earth-normal

living inside.

The method of launch and construction is the unique

part of the concept. The segments of the toroid are

pre-built and largely outfitted on earthsurface, then each

segment, appropriately constructed for dual use, is filled

with fuel & oxidizer for use as the fuel tanks for its own

launch into orbit, lifted by an unmanned winged

engine/control module. After orbital insertion and

positioning of each segment, the winged engine/control

module is returned back to the earthsurface launch site to

lift the next toroidal segment/fuel tank.

PAYOFF OR VALUE: Minimum launch costs, minimum orbital

assembly, artificial gravity for manned portions of living

and working quarters, and small-scale testing of toroidal

space habitat concepts.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS: All components are either part

of the spacestation toroid or are re-used in subsequent

launches. Achieves hard-shell 1-gee living space for crew

and agriculture. Pre-assembled on the ground, in adjusted

gravity orientation, for extensive testing as a multiperson

co-ed living habitat. After insertion into LEO, the segments

are robotically moved together to form the toroid, linked

securely together, pressurized and spun up for 1-gee inside,

all before occupancy by the crew. Access to free-fall

equipment is gained through moving through spokes to the

toroid's hub.

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES OR SYSTEMS: Skylab technologies

including pre-outfitting fuel tanks for use as orbiting

living quarters and non-free-fall workspace; re-useable

reaction engines, fly-by-wire control systems, re-useable

strap-on booster engines; automatic or remotely guided

free-fall docking; biosphere micro-ecological studies;

harmonious group studies.

RELATION TO MAJOR MISSION OBJECTIVES: Provides economical,

high-quality living space for workers in LEO, lunar orbit,

in transit to Mars, and in Mars orbit.

An Excalator Hi page titled GeSp1537 by J E D Cline started on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 5:21:10 PM US/Pacific

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