EARTHSHIP I - Part III - Maiden Voyage

It is March of 2040 and Earthship I is in its final test and validation phase at its LEO assembly and test space station. A great deal has happened on Earth. much of it good news. Here are some highlights:

• The ISO is a reality and has actually evolved from an expansion of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). It continues to maintain it's main office in Vienna, Austria. There are 31 countries as members with Australia, Canada, China, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, and the United States as the key member nations.
• Russia, China, India and Japan have been major contributors in the design and development process including robotics and propulsion systems. Russia perfected a nuclear powered plasma system that operates similar to the VASIMR concept and delivers up to a sustained thrust of 75km/s for each engine.
• South Africa shares operations management responsibility with Australia and Brazil for the five Space Elevators strategically located around the equator.  Each of the units provide intermediate stops in LEO and then continue to their prime geosynchronous anchor space stations 110,000 miles above the Earth. Space Resorts International has begun construction of its first space resort at the Space Elevator anchor point above the Caribbean Sea.
• The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Space Agency (ESA) share the responsibilities for mission management, staffing and systems operations and maintenance of Earthship I. This same sub-group within the ISO are also the key member nations that oversee all deep space research programs carried out by the ISO.
• The United States (NASA) and Russia (ROSCOSMO) are responsible for the complete assembly and testing as well as crew training for Earthship I.
• For the five-year term beginning in 2040, NASA, ESA, and JAXA provide the executive committee leadership for the ISO. They will be relieving ROSCOSMO, the UK and China who just completed their five-year term.
• The Russell Schweickart Center for NEO Detection and Deterrence is currently staffed by the Canadian Space Agency and ESA. They provide operations and mission control for the detection and interception systems that are launched from geosynchronous stations strategically placed around the planet. Detection is provided primarily by NEOSat which operates in an heliocentric orbit that parallels that of the planet Venus. At this writing, this center has detected and successfully deflected five (5) very large asteroids that were predicted to impact planet Earth.

The crew for Earthship I's maiden flight have been selected with the commander being a senior NASA astronaut. Other crew members (5) are astronauts from Canada, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Two of that crew are female astronauts. They will take Earthship I to the Moon and back as its first fully operational spaceflight. The anticipated travel time from LEO will be approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. This is a bit longer than if the spacecraft were to operate at full power, however, for the maiden flight a more moderate propulsion choice is planned.

Earthship I will spend one week touring the Moon and the mission will include the deployment of a lander vehicle that will visit China's Moon base. It is planned that two Chinese scientist-astronauts will return on the lander to board Earthship I for the voyage back to Earthship I's LEO base. These astronauts will then be met by a Chinese shuttle spacecraft that will take them back to their Earth base in China.

Yes, as you have seen, the entire mission profile for Earthship I and the International Space Organization is fully international. In the case of China and its Moon base, this was established by China prior to the fully formed ISO and the newer international programs for space exploration. By the end of 2045 China's Moon base will become an ISO Moon base and will be staffed by astronauts from many of the member nations.

Right now all of this Earthship I narrative is just an expression of expectations in the development of an international space organization and the full development of Earthship I and the Space Elevator programs. With its success the ISO and Earthship I are vital major advances in global space exploration unity. This will grow and strengthen and as it does, humankind will move closer to that day when future generations will go well beyond the confines of our solar system.  When they do, they will then carry forward the dreams and ambitions of space enthusiasts and scientists that began at the instant that early humans looked upward in wonder and excitement.

EARTHSHIP I - Part II: Genesis

Starship Excelsior

Like so much of science fiction, the imaginative works of Gene Roddenberry and his Star Trek histories predict much of our future. This is definitely close to the truth in the overall design of the various starship spacecraft in Star Trek.

In this regard, we have borrowed an overview image of the Excelsior model starship as representative of what Earthship  I will resemble. Note, some of the aesthethic refinements in the image may not be in the real spacecraft; however, the main dinner-plate-like body will clearly illustrate the effective inclusion of an alternate gravity environment on board Earthship I.

The entire dinner plate internal area rotates at exactly 1.5 revolutions per minute thus sustaining an effective 1G gravity environment on board Earthship I. This is an actual application of the Stanford Torus concept. If you have visited the two links above you will know that Earthship I is very large in order to accommodate the necessary rotational arm radius that will create a 1G environment at the desired low RPM.. This is necessary to insure that an anti-gravity centrifuge design does not induce disorientation and other undesirable effects upon the crews.

The location of the propulsion units as shown on the Excelsior model are generally a good example. The units themselves will utilize basic plasma propulsion generated by, ideally, nuclear power. Each unit is independent of the other with respect to power generation. If this is to be the preferred propulsion technology then most likely Russia, an international space organization member, will manufacture and test the engines based upon their plans to utilize nuclear powered propulsion. This a clear advantage of an international space operation that pulls together the best designs and developments from the organization's members. This can save development costs, and speed up the entire process of producing Earthship I.

How on Earth are we going to do this in Low Earth Orbit? This is one of the reasons we have set a goal of by or before the end of the 21st century.  We will need to use some Heavy Lift Launch vehicles, but the real success of the program will depend upon the successful design, development and testing of space elevator systems.


Our original idea of assembling Earthship I in an MEO (Middle Earth Orbit) has been rejected due to the anticipated extreme cosmic radiation exposure. Constructing some type of shielded assembly site imposes both higher costs and serious project delays. Our plan now is to nestle the assembly process and testing withing the narrow band of LEO that lies beneath the lower region of the Van Allen Belt and is essentially shielded by the belt and the Earth's geomagnetism. This, as we know, is the same environment shared by the International Space Station.

Getting To The Assembly and Test Site is going to require both lift vehicles and active space elevators. The lift vehicle will be a very advanced adaptation of the scramjet spaceplane concept and will be used to move the "dinner-plate" shell of Earthship I up to the assembly and test site. This major section of the spacecraft will be assembled on Earth, but will not include the installation of all electronics, propulsion and control systems, and crew areas. All of these will be accomplished in LEO.

Encased in an aerodynamic shroud, this key portion of the spacecraft will be flown to its assembly point on a pair of powerful scramjet spaceplanes that are linked in parallel to each other. This is the first and only time that any part of Earthship I will either enter or exit a planetary atmosphere. All other components of the spacecraft are carried to the assembly area by space elevators and super shuttles that provide the link between the space elevator sites and the assembly area. In this regard, it is anticipated that the space elevator, spaceplane, and super-shuttle operations are all accomplished by international, commercial contractors.

Breakthrough technologies prevail in this program. Here is a list of the most significant:

1. Design, development and production of the scramjet/spaceplane concept that utilizes the inclined rail launch concept. This overcomes the extreme lift demands for a standard rocket launch system.
2. Successful assembly of a practical application of the Stanford Torus design to insure a safe, 1G environment within the Earthship I spacecraft.
3. Design, development and inauguration of the Tether or SpaceElevator service; first as a cargo lift device and later as a unique passenger lift vehicle into space.
4. Nuclear powered plasma propulsion systems that will provide travel speeds that will get Earthship I to Mars in less than a month and a half (35-40 days).
5. Development and test of both super-shuttle and lander craft that support the entire Earthship I program. The lander craft are on board Earthship I and are capable of returning to the spacecraft after an exploration flight to a target planetary body.
6. Personal and spacecraft radiation shielding technologies that provide structurally strong (spacecraft) and lightweight (personal and spacecraft) materials.
7. Creation of several geo-synchronous orbiting space stations that support assembly test operations, transportation hubs, fueling stations, and new tourist sites as well as both anchor points and waystations for the spacelevators.
8. A successful LEO Sweeper Operation, that patrols LEO and makes certain that all dangerous space junk is carefully disposed or captured and returned to an orbiting repair station.

Summary and Conclusion - Part II: Nobody will say any of this is easy and that it will not have some very knotty problems to solve, but the very effort will greatly enhance the scientific, engineering and technical strengths of every member nation of the ISO (international space organization). This, in turn, will produce significant growth in the economies and well-being of these same nations. It represents a major evolutionary step for humankind and gets us one step closer to our eventual ability to go well beyond our own solar system.

In Part III, soon to follow, we will join the crew of Earthship I for its maiden voyage. Please join us.

CREDITS:
Starship Exclesior: Courtesy of "The Celestial Motherlode" http://bit.ly/dePcAz

EARTHSHIP I: Part I - Elements of the Plan

This is a three-part blog series that will introduce and describe the processes of developing and deploying the first international exploration spaceship designed to support expeditions to the planetary bodies and moons of our solar system. The principal goal is to complete the planning, design and assembly of Earthship I and have it ready for launch before the end of the 21st century. We have, therefore, 90 years to achieve this goal. It is our estimate that we will need a significant percentage of that available time.

Assumptions: The key assumptions associated with the Earthship I plan are divided into two vital categories. Each category, in turn, contains a number of conditions that directly affect the success of this program. Full details are not available at this time, but we will include as many specifics as possible. Visitors to this blog site and specifically to this blog series are invited to suggest specific details that we have not included. The two vital categories are: GeoPolitical and SciTech. These assumptions are considered to operate in parallel and are critically interdependent.

GeoPolitical Assumptions:

• There must be a fully structured international space organization (perhaps an expansion of UNOOSA) that provides the leadership, and mission planning and operations for the exploration of our solar system.
• There must be major diplomatic agreements that ideally eliminate, or at least reduce aggressive conflicts between political entities on planet Earth. This is necessary in order for an international space organization to be successfully formed and operated. The governing philosophy is that our outreach into our solar system and beyond is a mission of the citizens of Earth and not a specific goal or mission of any one nation.
• All member nations of the international space organization support the preservation and protection of planet Earth. Until, at some distant future time, Earthlings abandon this planet for a new planetary home somewhere in our galaxy or beyond, we must be actively committed to preserving and protecting all aspects of our home base - planet Earth.
• Individual member nations all contribute to and benefit from this space program. It is expected that Earthship I will be a virtual monument to the international commitment and direct scientific and financial investment made by each member nation.
• Commercial ventures are encouraged with respect to the overall program, but they must adhere to the rules and regulations developed and maintained by the international space organization. Commercial ventures are also expected to share development costs and operations expenses amongst each other and with the international space organization. This latter objective is not to impose restrictions, but to impart increased incentives for new development through this share-the-program requirement.
• There are no "evil empires" within our solar system, to the best of our knowledge (except those from our own past histories), and therefore, the idea of "arming" space in either a defensive or war-making manner is in direct violation of the governing laws of the international space organization. This philosophy is actually an operational requirement. We, the citizens of Earth are dedicated to spacefaring not to warfare.
• Both monetary and environmental benefits from our spacefaring are globally shared. This is the only way this international consortium can operate to the benefit of all humankind. Failure in this regard will eventually fracture the structure of the organization and plunge the citizens of Earth back into the dark ages of declining evolution.

SciTech Assumptions:

Artists Concept of Space Elevator

• SciTech is meant to include the sciences, engineering and technology. All three of these major disciplines are essential to the success of this program. Most importantly, the expected innovations that will be produced by all the member nations will raise the level of Earthship's design and operational efficiency to the highest level.
• Earthship I will be huge. The idea of attempting to assemble this spacecraft in Moderate Earth Orbit (MEO) would be uneconomical if we must depend upon the use of heavy lift vehicles (HLVs). A key assumptions is that the international organization will be successful in the design, development, testing and deployment of a number of geo-strategically placed SpaceElevators.
• Moderate Earth Orbit (MEO) will be the new birth place for Earthship I. Moderate Earth Orbit is at ~100,000km above the Earth's surface.  It is important for the operations associated with both the assembly and testing of Earthship I and the Space Ops Center that includes the crew exchange service area to be beyond the Van Allen belt. Despite this safety measure, there will still be varying exposures to cosmic radiation. This operations area, which is also the top anchor for space elevators, must provide a degree of protection from cosmic rads. The combined space elevator anchor and Space Ops Center maintains a geosynchronous orbit above the Earth. Note: Research may indicate that Earthship I assembly, test and deployment would be better at an L2 (Lagrange point) site.  In this case, space-trucks would transfer parts and crew to the L2 site from the Space Elevator Ops Center.
• Since Earthship I is to be assembled and tested at MEO, there is no necessity for HLV type propulsion units. Preliminary propulsion plans call for plasma type propulsion systems similar to the VASIMR prototype or more advance nuclear (fission) propulsion units. These nuclear units are similar in design and size to those employed on nuclear powered submarines. Please see the comments section below for a list of references about these propulsion systems.
• Earthship I's only Earthly contact will be at the Space Ops Center. It will never be required to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere or that of any other planetary body it visits.



Skywalker Space Hotel

• The space elevators are expected to be commercially operated under contract with the International Space Organization. These commercial contractors will also have the opportunity to utilize the space elevators for passenger transport to space taxis that carry the passengers to orbiting space resorts. Other anticipated commercial applications of the space elevators is for crew and equipment transport to spacecraft that service commercial industrial sites at licensed asteroid and planetary locations.  All such commercial operations must be approved, licensed and monitored by the International Space Organization.
• A direct spin-off application of the space elevator and space ops centers is the utilization of solar energy and nuclear energy to power all of the orbiting activities at either MEO or at an L2 site. These results will also definitely be of direct benefit to the citizens and industries on Earth.  They will directly share in this breakthrough energy production methodology.

The above assumptions and their key points are just the beginning. Please do not hesitate to add you views and suggestions in the comments below.  We will also be expanding on the above in our discussions in Parts 2 and 3 of this blog series.  We hope you will be there with us.

CREDITS:
Saturn image: Reta Beebe (New Mexico State University), D. Gilmore, L. Bergeron (STScI), and NASA
SpaceElevator: SpaceElevator blog: http://www.spacelevatorblog.com
Skywalker Space Hotel - Courtesy of Bigelow Aerospace - Las Vegas Nevada.

GraviTmod: Spacecraft Gravity Room

Weightless Astronaut - Physiological Effects

CONCEPT: At the moment, what is presented here is based on unproven assumptions, but have a reasonable potential to be a plausible and effective solution. The solution is the provision of 1G gravity environments for astronauts who are traveling in deep space for prolonged (greater than 180 days) periods of time at ZeroG (weightless).

KEY ASSUMPTIONS: The fundamental physiological assumption here is that the astronauts must experience a 1G environment at least 6 hours out of every 24 hours. This interval is expected to offset physiological conditions that generally weaken the astronauts overall physical profiles with strong potentials for direct impact on cognitive functioning as well. At the same time, it is recognized that the daily moving in and out of a gravity environment can also be destabilizing. What is not yet understood is whether this daily transition can eventually be tolerated by spacecraft crew without disorientation or discomfort.

SPACECRAFT CONFIGURATION: The spacecraft in this regard is essentially an extremely large, traveling space station that includes several interconnected modules. The central module is the gravity room (GraviTmod) that is a centrifuge system that gradually places astronauts into a 1G environment. As noted above, they remain in this environment for a total of 6 hours each day. The image of the Stanford Torus is one design example of a large centrifuge system that serves as the GraviTmod of the spacecraft.

Stanford Torus

MAJOR DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES: Certainly the most obvious is the huge size of the space station/craft. The size is dictated by the space considerations for an artificial gravity system that uses the centrifuge concept.  To insure a 1G environment at a non-disturbing rotational velocity, the GraviTmod must accommodate a rotational arm(s) that is approximately 200 meters (600 feet) in length, This length is increased by the attachment of a rotational tube-room that must rotate at approximately 1-2 rotations/minute to achieve the desired gravity effect. This configuration is also essential, as stated above,  to insure that the crew inside experiences correct artificial gravity without it inducing disorientation, motion sickness, light-headedness, and other physical reactions to the rotational forces.

• The 600 ft length is only the arm radius so the entire GraviTmod is more than 1200ft in diameter.
• Another critical question is whether a centrifuge of this size will induce the gyroscopic effect that could effect both the maneuverability of the spacecraft-spacestation, and astronaut physical sense of balance. An excellent presentation on this issue was done by NASA. You may review that document here (pdf file download).
• Another important consideration is long-term astronaut explorations of planetary and asteroid bodies with little or no gravity. This does not seem either wise or productive considering the physiological and possible neurological impact of prolonged weightlessness.  One technique would be to deploy robonauts instead of human astronauts for explorations in these environments. Another would be to consider the construction of a "on-the-ground" gravity module that served as home base for astronauts involved in long-term planetary explorations. In this concept they could at least be in a 1G environment for a safe daily interval to sustain their physical well being.

This author is a dedicated advocate for deep space exploration, but at the same time he recognizes the many human factor challenges that must be considered and met to insure a safe and productive exploration program. Weightlessness is only one vital consideration. In some of our solar system planets, there is little or no atmosphere and little or no protection from the solar winds and high cosmic radiation. These considerations must also be addressed before we can plan on sustained and safe human exploration of these planetary bodies.

CREDITS:

Stanford Torus spacecraft design

Weightless Astronaut annotated image:: Courtesy Daniels and Daniels/Scientific American/Astrobiology

THE VIRTUAL EDUCATOR

Nintendo Wii, SecondLife, Virtual Worlds and other virtual reality (VR) systems, increasingly take us into 3D fantasy and reality. All are popular monuments to the powerful and innovative skills of computer geniuses. So why haven't we taken the best of all of this and sent it to school? Well, we are. There is extensive research being conducted to increase the role of VR systems in research, business and education environments. In this regard, our position is that VR education systems need greater attention and development. Why?

Direct visualization and interactive participation take the student beyond the humdrum and into experiential learning. So, are we advocating replacing teachers with avatars?  Absolutely not, we are talking about virtual partners for teachers that dramatically expand their reach with their students. For the students we are talking about using their high interest in gaming technology and turning them toward educational topics. Topics that are presented in an exciting, challenging and engaging way.

A landmark effort in this regard is being carried out by ActiveWorlds.com, Harvard University and Arizona State University. Additionally, 12 states and their students and teachers have participated in the research to introduce virtual reality based instruction.This program is the The River City Project. At the professional level, institutions such as Penn State/Hershey Medical Center use virtual reality modules to instruct professionals in medical techniques.

The ground has been broken, and now we must begin a major evolution in both primary and secondary education by adding direct virtual reality systems with learning modules as a standard in all public and private schools. Considering the difficult time in developing standardized education across the nation, moving to this next step will be extremely challenging and initially very costly. The price, however, is quite small when compared to the immense gains in educational curricula and student progress.

For this presentation we submit our generalized model of the ideal VR system for the school. Unlike the cache based system developed by Active Worlds, we support the full streaming design. We acknowledge this is more demanding, but we are doing it within individualized, closed system networks for each school system. By school system we are talking about the schools in each school district. Statewide systems are too prone to a variety of problems that make effective employment of the system on a daily basis impractical.  At the most the VR server and support system would be designed to be only district wide.  This in itself will be quite demanding in both design and cost.

Each classroom and each student desk will be equipped with visual, interactive access to specific VR learning modules. These modules are stored within a central system library and can be individually accessed by a student. The system, therefore, allows students within a given class to be accessing different VR learning modules. This is essential to fully support an overall curriculum designed to take full advantage of VR learning. 

These programs are planned to be available from the 3rd grade on. Additionally, K through 2nd grade students will receive active training and demonstration in VR systems so that they are ready to use the system when they enter the 3rd grade. Each of these students will also be helped to create their individual avatars which will be permanent for their entire school term. They have the option to change avatars at the beginning of each new grade. This recognizes changes in student maturity and interests and lets them express it in their avatar creations. That's right each student specifically designs their avatar to reflect who they are. They learn the value of uniqueness within a social setting.

The virtual reality systems do not dictate the curriculum. They will be designed to extend and amplify the curriculum and in many instances provide enhanced learning for those students who are having difficulty absorbing or visualizing the subject matter. This will be true for both the sciences and the arts (English, History, Art, etc.). Class schedules will be adjusted to allow the utilization of VR learning and it is expected that this will completely change the structure of the day to day education schedule. We regard this as a vital and important part of our vision of an evolution in human education.

The introduction of VR learning will produce an explosion of computer programming and graphic talents. This is what we consider to be a spectacular benefit of this evolution. It is extending technology deeper into everyday lives in a highly productive and supportive manner. Additionally, it is expected that we will see a transition of youngster fascination, almost addiction from distractive gaming to highly engaging and challenging VR experiences. These are experiences that are expected to be formative and to remain active in the youngsters' memories and personalities.

Yes, we are way out on the edge in this area, but we believe it is a leading edge. It is one that is vital for humankind to evolve and prepare for a host of new challenges here on Earth and within our galaxy and the universe. If we fail, we become, as we have opined before, another lost civilization within this glorious place we call universe.

CREDITS:

Cybertown Image courtesy of Cybertown.com and Creative Commons permission.

AND NOW, THE SUPER SHUTTLE!

Firefly Serenity, not Super Shuttle just an example

Beautifully ugly, the new Super Shuttle will carry on in BEO (Beyond Earth Orbit) the glorious and successful tradition set by its predecessor. It is beautiful because of all the features and capabilities it has that enable it to support a variety of deep space projects.It is ugly, because unlike our well loved and honored original space shuttle, Super Shuttle is not designed to ever leave or re-enter a planetary atmosphere.It, therefore, does not require those lovely aerodynamic elements that make it flyable in an atmosphere. It is strictly a space vehicle that, like Serenity, plies space with a variety of important tasks that advances humankind's exploration of our solar system.

Super Shuttle will be the result of a joint, international design team and may be built in one of several countries, however, it will only be assembled and tested in low Earth orbit. It will be the responsibility of the commercial space companies to transfer Super Shuttle's parts up to the International Space Station where it will be fully assembled and tested.

Click to enlarge.

VASIMR or the likes thereof are the propulsion systems on Super Shuttle.Since it does not have to reach an escape velocity from any planetary body, Super Shuttle does not need the heavy lift support that spacecraft launched from Earth require. This produces a vital profile change that allows Super Shuttle's design to be a versatile "space truck", crew transport vehicle, and rescue vehicle.  In this latter function, Super Shuttle always carries on board a rescue spacecraft that, if necessary, can carry crew to or recover them from a planetary environment or space station.

Super Shuttle will be the first spacecraft to take advantage of the "in-orbit" refueling capabilities that will be a part of the expanded International Space Station (ISS).The ISS will also serve as a VASIMR service facility. Fuel and supplies for these functions will be carried to the ISS by commercial space operations.

In its space truck mode, Super Shuttle will have two robotic arms that will provide it with the ability to load and unload a variety of material including satellites, space telescopes, and roborovers and other robot devices.  In this latter function, Super Shuttle will actually carry both the crew and the roborover for the planned exploration of a Near Earth Object (asteroid). The crew on the Super Shuttle will use the robotic arms to place the roborover onto the asteroid to begin the scientific survey.  To learn more about this program you are encouraged to visit a related blog series in Explorology. You may link to it here. There are five parts in this series and you are encouraged to read all of them.

Super Shuttle has the capability to transport a total of 10 astronaut crew plus its designated mission payload. The normal crew compliment on Super Shuttle is 4 astronauts and 2 robonauts.The robonauts are not considered in the max astronaut crew limit.  Crew exchanges occur at the ISS. Super Shuttle crew are transferred to and from Earth by commercial space operations. The robonauts, however, remain on the ISS and are maintained there between assignments on the Super Shuttle.

Here is a preliminary list of possible space missions to be carried out, in part, by the Super Shuttle:

1. International exploration of a Near Earth Object
2. Placement of a special space telescope in a Venus type orbit, that will work exclusively to detect dangerous Near Earth Objects
2a. Support the launching of interdictory spacecraft to intercept and deter Near Earth Objects that are a definite impact threat to Earth.
3. Support the foundation and operation of the first International Lunar Research Park on Earth's Moon.
4. Support the construction and servicing of the International Mars Research Station (an orbiting spacecraft like the ISS).
5. Support the robotic exploration of Saturn's moon Titan.

Yes, we know all of this, right now, is still a dream, but we believe a very realistic dream that can be fully implemented by a well coordinated international space team. It will stay a dream only if we fail to act as an international body and bring spacefaring to all the citizens of planet Earth. Let's not delay; great explorations, with amazing discoveries await us.

The Grand Tour: The Maiden Voyage of Odyssey I - Part 1

Introduction: This is, at this point in time, a hypothetical voyage.  It anticipates design breakthroughs in propulsion systems and spacecraft systems that can accommodate a large population of crew and passengers. Is it theoretically feasible? Yes it is; however, there will be considerable variances from the systems and processes that are presented here.  Most of those variances will be eye-popping amazing and far more supportive of the concept of a Grand Tour than we present here.  So if you have more far reaching ideas and concepts, please share them in our comment sections. The goal is the Grand Tour, and the mission is to take as many Earthlings as possible on that tour.   All Aboard!


The Spacecraft: I am not an artist, so I will have to just describe Odyssey I. She is like a very large flying saucer, but with a huge globular center. Some say Odyssey I resembles the starship Enterprise from the old "Star Trek" series. The globular region is the passenger area that includes all services and support for their extended voyage.  The saucer area of the spacecraft houses the command and control center, crew quarters,  and the VASIMR type propulsion units. These units will enable Odyssey I to achieve speeds of 22.22km/s which is approximately 80,000km/hr (just under 50,000 miles/hr). Additionally, the uppermost area of the passenger globule houses the docking ports for when Odyssey I is attached to its geosynchronous spaceport.  The spaceport, is, in turn, the upperlevel terminal for a space elevator located on Earth at its equator.  The spaceport is positioned 150,000 miles above planet Earth.

Earth gravity compensation: Both the operations/crew area as well as the passenger globule maintain independent 1G environments.

Passenger Accommodations: The planned Grand Tour is expected to take just over 4.5 years.It includes a swing-around flybys of both the planet Jupiter and Saturn as well as a three day stop over on the planet Mars. Details of the tour are discussed in Part II, under Itinerary.  Because of the total length of the tour, passenger accommodations are quite extensive and plush. In addition to luxury "shipboard-like" cabins for a total of 250 passengers, the passenger globule provides 5 restaurants, 3 IMAX-style movie theaters, a small, stylish casino, a fully staffed health care center, and a sport center that supports, tennis, handball, basketball, a gym, and a roller rink.  The casino also includes a luxury bar and entertainment center.

• Space Observatory: The most important and outstanding special feature is the Space Observatory.  Here the passengers have the opportunity to view the solar system and the galaxy through the on-board 3 meter telescope as well as actual sightings in the observation chamber. These same views are also broadcast via the starship's CCTV system.  
• Astronomy Tutorial: Not all of the passengers are expected to be avid amateur astronomers and in recognition of this, they will have the opportunity to access, via the computer systems in their cabins an excellent introductory tutorial on our solar system. They will also receive, upon their return, their own personal set of Passenger Space Wings along with a Certificate of Achievement in Astronomy.

About the passengers:  All of the passengers, for this inaugural voyage must be at least 20 years of age and no older than age 55.  Future voyages will consider including younger passengers. There are no restrictions regarding the sex of the passengers. The individual cost for the Grand Tour is $5million.  This cost pretty well determines who the first passengers will be; the very wealthy. They come from all over the globe and in some instances are official representatives of their governments.  Each passenger has had to undergo a rigorous physical and mental evaluation that includes many of the tests that all astronauts must complete.  Additionally, they all must be exposed to the effects of weightlessness (the "vomit comet") even though it is not expected they will be in a total 0G environment.  They still need to experience this in case there is a loss of the 1G environment on Odyssey 1. 

About the crew: There is a total of 300 crew members on Odyssey 1 of which 175 are humanoid and 125 are robots.  The all human crew are involved directly with spacecraft operations and command including key engineering responsibilities. All operations staff are certified astronauts. Human crew also makeup a portion of the staffs of passenger services; including the health services area.  The robot crews perform maintenance and control functions and are also restaurant and bar wait staff.  Other robots serve as nurse-aids in the health services center.  All robots are under the supervision and control of a human, staff officer. On occasion some of the robots gather together to entertain the guests with their musical skills.

Costs and profits: The total gross passenger income from this program comes to $1,250,000,000.00. Additionally each of the vendors in the passenger center have "bought" into the program at $7.5million each. There are 10 vendors under contract producing a gross income of $75million. Finally, the program operates under a Federal space exploration grant of $10 billion.  The total gross income + grants comes to $11,335,000,000.  The anticipated gross profit is set at 8.5% of gross income (less the grant $) or $113,475,000.

THIS COMPLETES PART I of THE GRAND TOUR.  NEXT, PART II - THE VOYAGE.

KACHING! Making Space Exploration Pay: An Editorial

"Basic research will be tolerated by the political machinery only if it constitutes a balanced part of a research program that also satisfies visible economic needs."

The foregoing quote is from John S. Lewis's book Mining the Sky (ISBN 0-201-32819-4) and it clearly underscores the current crisis facing NASA and space exploration today. The dilemma is that as far as space exploration goes, there must be more human investigation of our solar system before we can clearly describe promising investment opportunities for the private sector.  Yes, astronomers have begun detecting promising potential in our asteroids and on some of our neighboring planets. Additionally, the robotic surveyors on Mars have also added tantalizing data, but none of it is currently sufficient to encourage the private sector to make the kind of "deep pocket" investments necessary to begin commercial operations in deep space. For now, NASA and its international partners must depend upon their governments to fund initial deep space exploration by humankind.

We cannot depend exclusively upon robotic tools to carry out planetary evaluations and assessments. We need direct examination by highly trained scientists and technicians to conclusively present those economic incentives that will ignite private sector involvement in humankind's expansion into deep space. Answering the question, "are there valuable assets in space" will start the process and to clearly answer that question we need to put astronaut scientists on some of our planets, and on some of our large, nearby asteroids.

No part of this vital effort is an overnight operation. It is going to take strong, concentrated planning, design and development of techniques and systems to begin deep space exploration.  Time is of the essence, and to delay any part of that process is to dangerously stifle the critical NEXT STEP in the evolutionary and economic progress of humankind. Dare we delay? We could fall back into an unrecoverable state that makes us another planetary civilization that let progress and opportunity escape them. Whoa, how do I know this?  I do not know it for sure, but I am certain that when we become deep space focused that my example will be discerned as we explore other planetary bodies throughout our galaxy and the universe.  That is right, this is not mandatory should we desire to shrivel up and disappear, but should we desire to continue to move forward and upward then space exploration is the next and most promising frontier for humankind and its future.

CREDITS: The image at the top of this blog page is from Michael Pinto in is December 9, 2008 article in Science  The article is entitled: Ten Reasons NASA Should Go To Mars Instead of the Moon

COOKED? The Realities of Tourist Flights on Space Elevators

"Good morning, I am Donia your senior flight coordinator and I welcome you to SpaceEl Flight 200 I need your complete attention as I go over with you the passenger requirements of this flight."

"Please make certain that your ascent couches are in their in-flight position. Press the green lever on the right armrest to make that adjustment. Now, also make sure that your restraint harness is fastened securely. If you are having difficulty please raise you hand and one of my assistants will come to you."

"We will be ascending at the rate of 200 miles per hour for the first hour, and then we will cut over to our rapid acceleration mode. You must be in your ascent couch and completely strapped in before we begin rapid acceleration."

"The rapid acceleration mode makes sure that we pass safely through the two radiation zones on our way to the space port. In order to do this we will be using our special VASIMR propulsion units to increase our ascent rate to 18000 miles per hour. We will do this gradually over the next half hour during which time you will experience an increase in G forces up to 5gs, however they will stabilize at 3.5gs for the remainder of our ascent. The total duration of the remainder of our flight to the spaceport is 5.5 hours."

"If you have any questions, please raise you hand. We will be departing in 15 minutes. Enjoy your trip and thank you for traveling with SpaceEl Systems."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The above monologue is quite unbelievable, but considering the special location requirements of space elevators and the presence of intense radiation hazards from the Van Allen belts, the passenger preparations would seem realistic. Why?

First, although a serious study has been made of alternative locations, the best and most efficient and safe launch location for space elevators is at the Earths' equator. This permits the most accurate positioning of the space elevator tether and its links to its Earth-base and space anchors. Unfortunately, an equator site exposes space elevators to the most intense and thickest regions of the Van Allen radiation belts, as shown in the image above.

This is an absolutely life threatening hazard that will essentially cook the passengers of SpaceEl flight 200 unless they can be completely shielded or can pass through the radiation zones fast enough to reduce any life-endangering exposures.  In our fictional flight cited above we opt for a fast ascent through the zones.  Reading the description above makes me wonder if (a) most passengers are capable of withstanding the anticipated G forces, and (b) if any passenger bodily functions will allow them to remain strapped to their couches for a 5.5 hour period without relief.  I doubt it, or if they do it will be most likely very uncomfortable for them. The 5.5 hour duration is based upon the spaceport end of the elevator being at just over 99,000 miles above the Earth;s surface.

Another consideration is the use of VASIMR type propulsion units to speed up the ascent of the elevator.  First can the tether take the strain of such an ascent. Secondly, VASIMR propulsion units are, at this point, still in the R&D stage, and it is not certain that they would provide the needed acceleration and if so that they could meet the weight and size requirements of a space elevator.  These are all vital questions and the answers may prove to be NO!.

So, should we just chuck the idea of space elevators and move on to something else or stay with HLV systems to fling us off planet Earth?  I personally think we should NOT give up on this technology, and I think several breakthroughs will come.  Two key ones, will be effective, and lightweight radiation shielding that will allow the elevator to progress at its stately 200 miles/hour all the way to its spaceport, and the other will be an elevator propulsion system that, along with rad shields, could still move the elevator through the rad zone at a faster clip.  This latter innovation involving the development of lightweight rad shields coupled with increase ascent propulsion and speeds could solve the problem.  In this case, G forces might still be a little bit higher that Earth gravity, but less than the disabling 3.5 Gs.

Lastly, the spaceport concept served by space elevators from Earth and spacecraft that never have to exit or re-enter Earth opens the entire process of space exploration into a highly functional, potentially profitable and absolutely dynamic and thrilling prospect. This is the setting, in my mind, of a truly operational space society.  I am betting some of you, younger than me, will see it come to pass.  GOING UP!

CREDITS: The image of the Van Allen belts is courtesy of both NASA and SunTrek Adventures

GAIA: The Space Exploration Imperative

In the simplest of terms, GAIA is the complete interconnectivity of all life on Earth.  Yes there are many species, some yet to be discovered, but all of those species are life connected. That connection goes all the way back to those stunning moments when the first life form climbed out of Earth's primordial soup.  Mind you, this is a soup that was concocted through a joint effort of Earth materials and a host of space-contributed life energizing substances. Here is a link to a very interesting article on the GAIA imperative for space exploration.

GAIA is a philosophical part of me. Yes, I talk to plants and animals with daily greetings. Are those greetings acknowledged?  I believe they are, and in so doing I am immediately classed by many as a resident of fantasy land. Following this logic leads to the firm belief that not only is there life all across the universe, but that we are all connected.  Now this fully disputes the hostile encounters that makes SciFi so popular, but also so dangerously misleading.  We definitely should not begin our exploration of deep space with warships.

Want to know more about GAIA? Take a look here, but keep in mind that the original concept, which was totally centered on planet Earth, has now been broadened to encompass our entire universe. To ease you mind and spirit here is a little bit of GAIA to a reggae beat

Look up, touch the stars with your mind and spirit, GAIA awaits you.

CREDITS: Image: Caldwell 30 galaxy. Astrophoto by Waddell Robey courtesy of Slooh.com Observatories.

BIG EYE

The image on the left examines the dust particles associated with the comet Hale-Bopp.  This in-depth examination will someday soon be the result of the world's largest land-based telescope; the European Space Observatory's European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).

Comprised of a 42 meter primary mirror that is comprised of 984 individual mirror components the E-ELT has four other mirrors in its system.  Each of these mirrors complete the process of making distant celestial images more accessible, and more discernible.  Not yet operational, the construction phase of the E-ELT will begin in 2011 with a "first light" planned for 2018. The project will cost approximately one billion euros.

I have been very fortunate in receiving a lovely illustrated presentation on the E-ELT from ESO.  In addition they have an excellent web-site that provides both background and project progress information on the program.  It is exciting and well worth a visit. Here is a link to their website.  Additionally, here is a video trailer that gives some quick facts on E-ELT.

Hi, ET!  We see you!

**Please note, the above image is not from the "not-yet-built" E-ELT, but it is from the ESO and we appreciate their permission to publish it here.  It is copyright protected and all rights are reserved.

GOING UP?

Mention "space elevator" to many folks and you get a snicker and a strange look.  Some might comment that it is just science fiction or that it is so new it is only imaginary.  Well let me tell you.  The earliest concept of a space elevator was proposed in 1895 by the Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, inspired by the Eiffel Tower he envisioned a Space Castle that served as the upper destination of the elevator.  You can read more about Tsiolkovsky and his idea by clicking on the link above.  The link will also give you a sound overview of both the history and current research involving the space elevator concept.   Most importantly, it is no longer science fiction.  It is solid theory that is working to match ideas and new technology to enable and operate this unique, less expensive and highly promising access to space.  Here are some links to current space elevator research and development groups:

The Space Elevator Blog

Space Elevator Reference

The Spaceward Foundation

The Space Elevator Games

NASA supports this research activity, as you will read, and it is expected that this support is going to bear very productive fruit.  Really Spacey Ideas will be tracking this research and will provide updates in our blog on a regular basis.  Some of the topics we will also explore are (1) human risk factors, (2) environmental safety, (3) business potential, (4) spaceport development and operations, and (5) topics that come from your comments. So stay tuned and visit here regularly.  You can also exchange ideas with me on Twitter. I am logged on there as XiNeutrino.

Oh, and  reports indicate that there will be NO elevator music on space elevators:  Here is a neat video to get you inspired and tuned into the space elevator concept.  GOING UP!

Welcome

Well here we are.  Thanks for stopping by.  Really Spacey Ideas is just that, a blog that blends fact, fiction, imagination, and dreams into a whole series of blog posts and (hopefully) your comments.  We are going to talk about space elevators and space planes. We are going to talk about life on Mars, in the past, now, and in the future. We are going to include videos of memorable and heroic moments of humankind's ventures into space.

We are biased! We think NASA is the leader along with both its private sector and international partners in the exploration of space and the eventual settlement on other planetary bodies; both nearby and far, far away.

We hope you will join us, as we talk about Really Spacey Ideas. Please, let us hear yours too.

May the force and spirit of imagination and innovation be with all of us now and evermore.