Space Colonization Using a Hub/Spoke Approach
- Paper number
IAC-05-D4.1.04
- Author
Mr. Pablo Caffyn, ETSIA - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
- Year
2005
- Abstract
This paper explores the possibilities of a hub/spoke approach to space colonization, similar to the hub/spoke organisation of airports on Earth. This approach requires the use of extended range vehicles (ERVs) and a lunar positioning system (LPS) with similar functions to the Earth-based GPS. Space colonization primarily needs a safe environment and for this reason the Moon offers a perfect proving ground, being near enough to Earth for rescue and supply missions, with flight windows not as restricted as for Mars (once every 26 months). The hub/spoke approach is based on a central hub where the main living quarters, laboratories and other facilities are located, with autonomous ERVs initially providing “mobile spokes”, exploring the Moon’s surface and periodically returning to the hub. The ERVs would collect geological and topological data and identify potential sites for permanent remote spokes or scientific stations. A central hub offers more efficient and effective international collaboration by housing the main colony’s common facilities at one site, with each country focusing additional resources on investigations and experiments. Current lunar-rover technology does not exceed 10-15 km/h in favourable, relatively smooth, terrain. In contrast an ERV, whilst maintaining some of the lunar-rover characteristics such as surface mobility and solar panels, will also be equipped with small rockets that propel it for long distance jumps or leaps, a robust undercarriage (with similar technology to that used in STOL airplanes) and an attitude control system to ensure correct flight and landing. This technology allows the ERV to effect low altitude leaps to cover distances of several kilometres, permitting extensive exploration quicker and over more rugged terrain than a lunar-rover. Other than proving, developing and fine tuning leaping technology and developing and launching an LPS for higher precision during operation, the technology needed has already been developed. Of course LPS satellites need not be specific satellites but can be multipurpose satellites with built in LPS capability. The hub/spoke approach requires different types of vehicles, from small robotic ERVs with unmanned autonomy for very long distance missions to large manned ERVs with capacity for 4/5 astronauts and life support facilities for extended exploration of scientifically rich areas e.g. the Moon’s poles. Hub/spoke colonization using ERVs will: -Allow the selection of a safe long term hub colony without taking into account its scientific or even commercial value, as Moon-wide exploration will be performed by ERVs -Permit efficient exploration of the Moon (and other space bodies), as no permanent spokes need to be established until ERV exploration has located suitable sites -Reduce the need for expensive and complex equipment as the ERVs would be relatively simple and low cost compared to the material used in the base station.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D4.1.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.