Q1:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_2Qb5A8uK9SYKXgy
2Vb8NRczo6xfflj/view?usp=sharing
This design takes inspiration from the USS Resolute from a TV Show called “Lost in
Space”. This design allows for easy expansion and connectivity between Tori as they
are all connected to a central cylinder. This central cylinder acts as an operational hub
allowing transport between tori through maglev elevators that facilitate transport
between floors of the central cylinder. The central cylinder also acts as a docking hub
for ships that are coming and going. This central cylinder itself will rotate which will
cause the connected tori to spin at the same rate ensuring that no tori spins out of
phase affecting the connectivity between the tori themselves. It is also to ensure that the
same amount of artificial gravity is felt on each torus so that adapting to different gravity
in each torus isn’t necessary. Each torus (of the 3 initial tori and any additional tori upon
expansion) can be specialised and dedicated to fit specific needs if required i.e. one
torus for agriculture, one torus for residence, and one torus for industry etc. The
settlement is modular and can be expanded easily by first expanding the central
cylinder (adding 1-2 more floors or docking stations) and then building another torus
around that central station. This stacked design with a central cylinder also allows for
easier piping and cabling as utilities can be routed through the center cylinder rather
than being routed across long distances. In case of emergency each torus can be
individually sealed off and the others repurposed to ensure stability of settlement and to
ensure that failure in one torus doesn’t affect the others.
Q2: (Above)
Q3:
Q4:
Plasma Based Propulsion System-
We will implement a plasma based propulsion system into the spacecrafts and/or
settlement. It will be our main method for space travel utilising neutral gases like xenon,
argon, hydrogen etc., ionising them into plasma by using strong radio frequency to
remove electrons. Then this plasma will be contained by using strong magnetic fields.
These magnetic fields will also help in superheating it, which we’ll do by firing radio
waves at the plasma. This superheated plasma will then be funneled into a magnetic
nozzle, where the magnetic fields will expand and accelerate it. This will convert the
heat and energy of the plasma into one fast, focused exhaust stream. As the plasma is
exhausted it will create thrust (as per Newton’s 3rd law of motion), which will propel the
spacecraft. This method will allow for efficient movement and high speeds after long
durations (through buildup of velocity).
This system will affect only the movement of the spacecraft, which is significant during
the process of building a space settlement and having the settlement itself move as
well. When spacecraft are able to easily and quickly complete round trips with supplies
(by using this technology) it will reduce time taken to build the settlement itself since
less time will be spent on resource hauls. This technology would also allow the
settlement itself to move, if need be, in order to avoid certain dangers or for any other
purpose that might require the settlement to move.
Plasma propulsion is sort of already implemented in the real world today, but it has its
share of issues. Satellites use Hall effect thrusters (which are a variation of this
technology) and NASA has already started testing VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse
Magnetoplasma Rocket) Engines (which are the ones that we’ll be utilising). The only
current issue is that of power, however we hope to overcome this by using compact
nuclear fission reactors or possibly even small-scale fusion reactors. These will be
capable of providing continuous supply of electricity needed for this method of
propulsion. We will have systems in place to prevent the harms that come with using
this technology (especially the nuclear power element of it) such as radiation shielding,
advanced heat dissipation systems, and magnetic field management. Due to the current
advancements in nuclear technology and plasma propulsion, it is entirely possible that
plasma propulsion will be both a practical and efficient solution for future space
settlements.
