Space and the City: Lessons from the Future
- Paper number
IAC-19,D4,2,14,x52528
- Author
Mr. Madhu Thangavelu, United States, University of Southern California
- Year
2019
- Abstract
As the Smart City paradigm takes hold across new metropolises and potential human habitation zones around the globe, human space activity continues to pioneer innovation in agile, responsive building systems and their evolution, transforming habitats and surroundings to suit needs of occupants as well as adapting to both dynamic and gradual changes with minimal imposition on the natural environment that we call ecological footprint. Frugal use and recycling of consumables like air and water, performant building materials, energy efficiency and systems that respond with agility to environmental changes are hallmarks of human spacecraft and mission management. The International Space Station(ISS) is a fine example of a unique, off-the-grid Earth orbiting dwelling, that has been orbiting the Earth for nearly 20 years in the extreme environment of space, primarily dependent on solar power. For the past decade the ISS has also been recycling more than 90% of water used by her occupants. A crew of six continue to spend an inordinate amount of time on housekeeping functions. Ways to reduce crew time for facility maintenance, without impacting productivity or sacrificing safety have become a top priority. Extending our reach into space, a lunar orbiting station is being developed by NASA with another advanced layer of efficient systems to cope with this time-consuming crew deficiency. It is called system autonomy. Several parallels exist between the Smart City tenets and space system autonomy. Space activity informs. It lays out, in stark contrast, graphic images of the state of our biosphere, majestic and pristine portraits of nature, as it is as well as humanity’s forays, and warns us about the consequences of climate change, all in real time. Human space activity in particular reminds us of our species fragility and the ecological balance necessary to sustain life. It is global in scope by necessity, cosmopolitan in nature by design, and inspires diverse communities, transcending geographic, national and economic boundaries, to address issues, anticipate problems and work together to preserve and protect our environment. Human space activity makes us more aware of our surroundings and refines our sensitivities. As global population grows, so does the need for more resources and their efficient management. Orbiting spacecraft help predict, alert and even prevent hazards, both natural and manmade, from affecting populations adversely. Future cities and their amenities including active, adaptive and agile response systems are presented.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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