Re: DIY space transport

In article <gYCdnYcpZaL480rfRVn-vw@xxxxxxxx>,
"Frank Scrooby" <X@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> Can you build a DIY spacestation in 2-ton blocks?

This is something I've thought about quite a bit. I believe you can, by
producing a number of modules that are specialized in purpose and
interior but all have basically the same shape and attachments. The
standardized airlock attachments would also have standard ports for
plumbing and wiring. Each would be about the size of a minivan; not
roomy, but good enough for pioneers.

One module -- probably the most complex and expensive one -- would be a
self-supporting mini-station, able to sustain a person for (say) a week,
as well as maintain its own orbit for a few months before refueling.
It's little more than a small LEO satellite. It would also be cramped
as hell, probably have only one small window (if that), and not a very
pleasant place to stay. But it gets you started (and provides a retreat
if things go wrong elsewhere on the station).

Then you start adding more specialized modules, which might include:

- power module: unfolds big solar panels once on orbit
- propulsion module: provides more control authority
- observation module: lots of windows
- bathroom module: provides a 0-G toilet and shower (luxury!)
- environmental control module: provides scrubbing/recycling and
air conditioning enough for, say, a dozen modules
- connection module: basically just a corridor with 4 or 6 airlocks
- inflatable module: expands to a greater volume once on orbit

and so on. On every launch, you would bring one of these with you, bolt
it on at an appropriate place, and leave it there when you return. Of
course there are complications, for example, station-keeping may be
challenging when your center of mass and moments of inertia keep
changing. But I think those could be overcome with careful planning.

I've imagined a sort of "time sharing" setup where, say, 52 millionaires
get together in a club to share such a growing space station. Each week
one of them launches with a new module plus consumables, putters about
in orbit for a week, and then comes back down. Next year he gets to do
it again, on a much bigger facility.

It would be a pretty cramped, habitrail-like space station, to be sure.
But I think it could work.

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