Lunarpedia - User contributions [en]

Partial G Cost Estimates

2007-07-21T00:40:15Z

RikvanRiel: /* Launch costs */

As we figure out the costs of the partial gravity experiment, add them here. There are a few major categories of costs:

== Launch costs ==

SpaceX Falcon 9 looks like it could give us the most payload per dollar. The fact that SpaceX is working on a crew capsule for the Falcon 9 suggests that the vehicle will be reliable enough.

Optimistic numbers, assuming one Falcon 9 Heavy rocket for the space station itself:
* $90M for a Falcon 9 Heavy, for the space station itself.
* $55M each for the Mars gravity (0.4G) crew expedition and the moon gravity (0.15G) crew expedition.

That adds up to $200M for just the rocket launches. Payload preparation, crew preparation, the Dragon spacecraft, spacecraft recovery and other costs are not included. SpaceX has no pricing information for Dragon on their web site (as of middle 2007).

See the [http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php Falcon 9 page] for more information.

== Space station construction ==

There are three costs in this category:
* Buy a Bigelow space station
* Develop the customizations needed to operate it in partial G mode
* Customize the station (or buy it customized?)

== Mission control staff and facilities ==

* How much ground control will we need?
* What kind of facilities are needed?
** Training
** Mission control offices
** Communications
** Logistics

== Science crew ==

* Medical staff
* Other scientists
* Astronauts

Some of the cost here may be mitigated by working together with researchers from universities. Giving 10 researchers from universities the chance to get their experiments run could result in more science results for the same amount of money as having one in-house scientist.

It may also be possible to work with already trained astronauts who have the right background and are interested. Working with already trained astronauts could reduce the risk and reduce the amount of training compared to the training needed by rookie astronauts.

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Launch Vehicles

2007-07-21T00:34:33Z

RikvanRiel: /* Proton / Soyuz */

To improve reliability and cost, an off-the-shelf launch vehicle should be used for the partial gravity health experiment. To increase the chances of the partial gravity health experiment being carried out, the lowest cost man rated vehicle should be chosen.

Since developing a partial gravity research station will take years, we can consider not just launchers that are operational today, but also launchers that are in development.

Currently there are only two human transport vehicles in operation:
* Space Shuttle, extremely expensive and to be phased out in 2010. The airlock is not in the center of gravity of the vehicle, so it cannot be docked to a rotating station.
* Soyuz, this may be an option. The Soyuz already spins while in orbit, at least on its way to the ISS.

Another candidate is the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule.

== Falcon 9 / Dragon ==

Assuming we can get the launch of the station done in one launch and each crew+equipment mission is another launch, the bare minimum would be 3 launches:
* Launch of the space station.
* Launch of the first crew, to try out one gravity level (Moon / 0.15G?).
* Launch of the second crew, to try out another gravity level (Mars / 0.4G?).

The Falcon 9 Heavy vehicle costs $90M per launch for up to 11,500kg, normal Falcon 9 is $55M per launch for up to 5,000kg.

Questions:
* Is the 7 passenger Dragon spacecraft big enough to ship up a 2 or 3 person crew plus several months worth of supplies?
** 14 cubic meters is a lot larger than Soyuz.
** Total cargo load is 2500kg, so a 3 person crew could carry maybe 1700kg cargo. How long does the ISS last on that much cargo?
** Dragon flies on a normal Falcon 9 spacecraft, so $55M per launch.

If we assume that the initial space station launch would require a Falcon 9 heavy and we have 2 expeditions to the station, we end up with $200M in launch costs, not including the cost of transporting the cargo to the launch site and preparing the cargo and astronauts for launch.

== Proton / Soyuz ==

TODO: a similar cost analysis for Proton/Soyuz. How much does it cost to bring one space station, two crews and 1700kg of cargo per crew into orbit?

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Launch Vehicles

2007-07-21T00:32:44Z

RikvanRiel: optimistic launch cost estimate

Partial G Space Station

2007-07-20T05:19:46Z

RikvanRiel: /* Radial rotation */

== Radial rotation ==

One initial idea is to use Bigelow Aerospace inflatable space stations for partial gravity research, because these stations have a much larger diameter than anything that fits in a payload fairing. A large diameter station can simulate artificial gravity by rotating along its axis.

I have not been able to find the dimensions of the largest Bigelow module, but judging from [http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/out_there/complex_modules_size_up.php] the BA 330 appears to have around twice the diameter of the Galaxy, so 8 meters across. TODO: calculate how fast it needs to spin for various G levels.

The basic idea is to assemble a rigid "Ikea style" floor inside the inflatable walls, so the force of supporting equipment and astronauts does not hit the inflatable walls. There can be a ramp and/or ladder up to the airlock, which is on the rotational axis.

Pros:
* Uses an off the shelf space station component.
* The air lock is on the rotational axis, so craft can be docked without spinning down the station.
* Can probably be launched in one go. The only on-orbit assembly will happen inside the already pressurized station.
* There is a lot of living space inside a BA 330, possibly as much as 100 square meters of partial gravity floor.

Cons:
* An "ikea style" floor would need to be installed inside the walls.
* The gravity level at the floor would be higher than at head height.
* Matching the rotation of crew capsules to that of the station will complicate docking and supply stowage.

The killer here could be the difference in gravity level between floor level and head level. In a station with 8 meters diameter, an astronaut 1.70 meters tall would get approximately 60% of the floor level gravity at his head. This could be disorienting and might invalidate several experiments.

Doing some of the experiments while sitting down or lying down (eg. the daily 8 hours of sleep) could reduce this effect and make the experimental results easier to interpret.

== Tethered/dumbell configuration ==

Another proposal is to attach two components to each other with a tether or truss and rotate them around each other. This has the advantage that it can be done entirely using solid space station components.

Pros:
* Uses off the shelf space station components, except for the tether or truss.
* Uses all solid compartments.
* Has been done before briefly, on a Gemini mission.

Cons:
* Less living and laboratory space.
* The station needs to be "spun down" before crew capsules can dock and undock. Does this have "life boat" safety implications?

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Space Station

2007-07-20T05:08:18Z

RikvanRiel: /* Radial rotation */

== Radial rotation ==

One initial idea is to use Bigelow Aerospace inflatable space stations for partial gravity research, because these stations have a much larger diameter than anything that fits in a payload fairing. A large diameter station can simulate artificial gravity by rotating along its axis.

I have not been able to find the dimensions of the largest Bigelow module, but judging from [http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/out_there/complex_modules_size_up.php] the BA 330 appears to have around twice the diameter of the Galaxy, so 8 meters across. TODO: calculate how fast it needs to spin for various G levels.

The basic idea is to assemble a rigid "Ikea style" floor inside the inflatable walls, so the force of supporting equipment and astronauts does not hit the inflatable walls. There can be a ramp and/or ladder up to the airlock, which is on the rotational axis.

Pros:
* Uses an off the shelf space station component.
* The air lock is on the rotational axis, so craft can be docked without spinning down the station.
* Can probably be launched in one go. The only on-orbit assembly will happen inside the already pressurized station.
* There is a lot of living space inside a BA 330, possibly as much as 100 square meters of partial gravity floor.

Cons:
* An "ikea style" floor would need to be installed inside the walls.
* The gravity level at the floor would be higher than at head height, by about 40% for a 1.70 meter astronaut.
* Matching the rotation of crew capsules to that of the station will complicate docking and supply stowage.

== Tethered/dumbell configuration ==

Another proposal is to attach two components to each other with a tether or truss and rotate them around each other. This has the advantage that it can be done entirely using solid space station components.

Pros:
* Uses off the shelf space station components, except for the tether or truss.
* Uses all solid compartments.
* Has been done before briefly, on a Gemini mission.

Cons:
* Less living and laboratory space.
* The station needs to be "spun down" before crew capsules can dock and undock. Does this have "life boat" safety implications?

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Space Station

2007-07-20T05:06:00Z

RikvanRiel:

== Radial rotation ==

One initial idea is to use Bigelow Aerospace inflatable space stations for partial gravity research, because these stations have a much larger diameter than anything that fits in a payload fairing.

A larger diameter station could be used to generate artificial gravity.

Spinning something with the diameter of ISS modules along their long axis would mean a tall astronaut's chest would be in zero G and his head would be "falling up", so these are clearly not suitable for zero gravity research. Spinning them along the short axis would mean the docking bay is under gravity, which means the station would have to be spun down for docking and undocking - and it might even be impossible to spin the station while the crew's "escape boat" is docked!

I have not been able to find the dimensions of the largest Bigelow module, but judging from [http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/out_there/complex_modules_size_up.php] the BA 330 appears to have around twice the diameter of the Galaxy, so 8 meters across. TODO: calculate how fast it needs to spin for various G levels.

The basic idea is to assemble a rigid "Ikea style" floor inside the inflatable walls, so the force of supporting equipment and astronauts does not hit the inflatable walls. There can be a ramp and/or ladder up to the airlock, which is on the rotational axis.

Pros:
* Uses an off the shelf space station component.
* The air lock is on the rotational axis, so craft can be docked without spinning down the station.
* Can probably be launched in one go. The only on-orbit assembly will happen inside the already pressurized station.
* There is a lot of living space inside a BA 330, possibly as much as 100 square meters of partial gravity floor.

Cons:
* An "ikea style" floor would need to be installed inside the walls.
* The gravity level at the floor would be higher than at head height, by about 40% for a 1.70 meter astronaut.
* Matching the rotation of crew capsules to that of the station will complicate docking and supply stowage.

== Tethered/dumbell configuration ==

Another proposal is to attach two components to each other with a tether or truss and rotate them around each other. This has the advantage that it can be done entirely using solid space station components.

Pros:
* Uses off the shelf space station components, except for the tether or truss.
* Uses all solid compartments.
* Has been done before briefly, on a Gemini mission.

Cons:
* Less living and laboratory space.
* The station needs to be "spun down" before crew capsules can dock and undock. Does this have "life boat" safety implications?

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T04:35:51Z

RikvanRiel: /* Experiments */

'''The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health.'''

* What is the impact of partial gravity on human health?
* How much gravity does a human body need to stay healthy?
* What kinds of exercise are needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* How much exercise is needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* Specifically: what is the health impact of Moon and Mars gravity?

== Introduction ==

The impact of zero gravity on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. We know the human body needs gravity to stay healthy, but nobody knows how much gravity is needed. We need research on the health impact of long term living in partial gravity environments, especially the 0.15G on the Moon and 0.4G on Mars.

One way to test the long term impact of lower gravity on the human body would be to set up stations on the Moon and Mars and have people live there for a long time. However, this is very expensive and could be dangerous - sending people to another planetary body without the right exercise equipment could seriously impact their health.

Testing the impact of partial gravity on human health in low earth orbit has several advantages:
* Astronauts could be brought back to earth quickly if health problems come up.
* The gravity on a space station can be adjusted, so various levels of gravity can be tested in one laboratory.
* It may be possible to assemble the space station from available components and launch it with "commodity" launchers.

The impact of the last item cannot be underestimated. If an experiment like this is too expensive, it will not be done. However, if it can be designed "on the cheap", it may be possible to get the funding required to carry out the experiment. Using off the shelf components as much as possible could greatly reduce development and launch costs.

== Concept ==

Initial back-of-the-envelope idea:
* Modify a large Bigelow inflatable space station so it can be rotated to simulate partial gravity.
* Launch the equipment and crew on SpaceX rockets. Chances are those will be ready before this experiment has been fully planned.

By using off the shelf components, the budget for infrastructure development can be kept to a minimum. Getting maximum science return per dollar is the only thing that can make this kind of experiment feasible!

== Community involvement ==

Figuring out all the details involved in a partial gravity health experiment is a lot of work. If you have the time and/or knowledge to "fill in the blanks" in our outline, feel free to do so. If you want to discuss the experiment feel free to join us on irc.freenode.net in #space.

== Experiments ==

The primary [[Partial G Experiments]] will be focussed on the impact of partial gravity on human health.

Secondary research objectives should focus on areas that are not adequately studied on the ISS, for example space agriculture.

== Space Station ==

In order to simulate partial gravity, the space station will need to rotate. To make that happen, either the space station needs to be of a sufficiently large diameter or consist of several components mounted in a "dumbell" arrangement.

The current idea is to modify a Bigelow inflatable space station by assembling a floor from smaller rigid components inside the inflatable walls. See [[Partial G Space Station]].

== Launches ==

To save costs, only off the shelf launch vehicles will be used: [[Partial G Launch Vehicles]].

== Cost estimates ==

Unlike zero gravity workshops, which are used for all kinds of experiments, the partial gravity research laboratory is useful only for a smaller set of experiments. To put it bluntly, costs will need to be lower.

In order to ensure that constraint, the [[Partial G Cost Estimates]] page will be used to track cost estimates during every phase of planning the experiment.

[[Category:Life Support]] [[Category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T04:33:43Z

RikvanRiel: /* Experiments */

'''The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health.'''

* What is the impact of partial gravity on human health?
* How much gravity does a human body need to stay healthy?
* What kinds of exercise are needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* How much exercise is needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* Specifically: what is the health impact of Moon and Mars gravity?

== Introduction ==

The impact of zero gravity on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. We know the human body needs gravity to stay healthy, but nobody knows how much gravity is needed. We need research on the health impact of long term living in partial gravity environments, especially the 0.15G on the Moon and 0.4G on Mars.

One way to test the long term impact of lower gravity on the human body would be to set up stations on the Moon and Mars and have people live there for a long time. However, this is very expensive and could be dangerous - sending people to another planetary body without the right exercise equipment could seriously impact their health.

Testing the impact of partial gravity on human health in low earth orbit has several advantages:
* Astronauts could be brought back to earth quickly if health problems come up.
* The gravity on a space station can be adjusted, so various levels of gravity can be tested in one laboratory.
* It may be possible to assemble the space station from available components and launch it with "commodity" launchers.

The impact of the last item cannot be underestimated. If an experiment like this is too expensive, it will not be done. However, if it can be designed "on the cheap", it may be possible to get the funding required to carry out the experiment. Using off the shelf components as much as possible could greatly reduce development and launch costs.

== Concept ==

Initial back-of-the-envelope idea:
* Modify a large Bigelow inflatable space station so it can be rotated to simulate partial gravity.
* Launch the equipment and crew on SpaceX rockets. Chances are those will be ready before this experiment has been fully planned.

By using off the shelf components, the budget for infrastructure development can be kept to a minimum. Getting maximum science return per dollar is the only thing that can make this kind of experiment feasible!

== Community involvement ==

Figuring out all the details involved in a partial gravity health experiment is a lot of work. If you have the time and/or knowledge to "fill in the blanks" in our outline, feel free to do so. If you want to discuss the experiment feel free to join us on irc.freenode.net in #space.

== Experiments ==

The primary [[Partial G Experiments]] will be focussed on the impact of partial gravity on human health.

Secondary research objectives should focus on areas that are not adequately studied on the ISS, for example space agriculture. Not only will outposts on the Moon and Mars be a lot cheaper to operate if they can grow their own food, but the astronauts should be a lot happier (lower stress levels) with greenery and fresh food around.

== Space Station ==

In order to simulate partial gravity, the space station will need to rotate. To make that happen, either the space station needs to be of a sufficiently large diameter or consist of several components mounted in a "dumbell" arrangement.

The current idea is to modify a Bigelow inflatable space station by assembling a floor from smaller rigid components inside the inflatable walls. See [[Partial G Space Station]].

== Launches ==

To save costs, only off the shelf launch vehicles will be used: [[Partial G Launch Vehicles]].

== Cost estimates ==

Unlike zero gravity workshops, which are used for all kinds of experiments, the partial gravity research laboratory is useful only for a smaller set of experiments. To put it bluntly, costs will need to be lower.

In order to ensure that constraint, the [[Partial G Cost Estimates]] page will be used to track cost estimates during every phase of planning the experiment.

[[Category:Life Support]] [[Category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T04:19:55Z

RikvanRiel: /* Concept */

'''The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health.'''

* What is the impact of partial gravity on human health?
* How much gravity does a human body need to stay healthy?
* What kinds of exercise are needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* How much exercise is needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* Specifically: what is the health impact of Moon and Mars gravity?

== Introduction ==

The impact of zero gravity on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. We know the human body needs gravity to stay healthy, but nobody knows how much gravity is needed. We need research on the health impact of long term living in partial gravity environments, especially the 0.15G on the Moon and 0.4G on Mars.

One way to test the long term impact of lower gravity on the human body would be to set up stations on the Moon and Mars and have people live there for a long time. However, this is very expensive and could be dangerous - sending people to another planetary body without the right exercise equipment could seriously impact their health.

Testing the impact of partial gravity on human health in low earth orbit has several advantages:
* Astronauts could be brought back to earth quickly if health problems come up.
* The gravity on a space station can be adjusted, so various levels of gravity can be tested in one laboratory.
* It may be possible to assemble the space station from available components and launch it with "commodity" launchers.

The impact of the last item cannot be underestimated. If an experiment like this is too expensive, it will not be done. However, if it can be designed "on the cheap", it may be possible to get the funding required to carry out the experiment. Using off the shelf components as much as possible could greatly reduce development and launch costs.

== Concept ==

Initial back-of-the-envelope idea:
* Modify a large Bigelow inflatable space station so it can be rotated to simulate partial gravity.
* Launch the equipment and crew on SpaceX rockets. Chances are those will be ready before this experiment has been fully planned.

By using off the shelf components, the budget for infrastructure development can be kept to a minimum. Getting maximum science return per dollar is the only thing that can make this kind of experiment feasible!

== Community involvement ==

Figuring out all the details involved in a partial gravity health experiment is a lot of work. If you have the time and/or knowledge to "fill in the blanks" in our outline, feel free to do so. If you want to discuss the experiment feel free to join us on irc.freenode.net in #space.

== Experiments ==

The [[Partial G Experiments]] will be focussed on the impact of partial gravity on human health.

Maybe microgravity experiments can be done near the axis of rotation. However, those are not a priority and should probably not be done except as a fundraiser.

== Space Station ==

In order to simulate partial gravity, the space station will need to rotate. To make that happen, either the space station needs to be of a sufficiently large diameter or consist of several components mounted in a "dumbell" arrangement.

The current idea is to modify a Bigelow inflatable space station by assembling a floor from smaller rigid components inside the inflatable walls. See [[Partial G Space Station]].

== Launches ==

To save costs, only off the shelf launch vehicles will be used: [[Partial G Launch Vehicles]].

== Cost estimates ==

Unlike zero gravity workshops, which are used for all kinds of experiments, the partial gravity research laboratory is useful only for a smaller set of experiments. To put it bluntly, costs will need to be lower.

In order to ensure that constraint, the [[Partial G Cost Estimates]] page will be used to track cost estimates during every phase of planning the experiment.

[[Category:Life Support]] [[Category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T04:14:55Z

RikvanRiel: link existing sub pages from the main page

'''The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health.'''

* What is the impact of partial gravity on human health?
* How much gravity does a human body need to stay healthy?
* What kinds of exercise are needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* How much exercise is needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* Specifically: what is the health impact of Moon and Mars gravity?

== Introduction ==

The impact of zero gravity on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. We know the human body needs gravity to stay healthy, but nobody knows how much gravity is needed. We need research on the health impact of long term living in partial gravity environments, especially the 0.15G on the Moon and 0.4G on Mars.

One way to test the long term impact of lower gravity on the human body would be to set up stations on the Moon and Mars and have people live there for a long time. However, this is very expensive and could be dangerous - sending people to another planetary body without the right exercise equipment could seriously impact their health.

Testing the impact of partial gravity on human health in low earth orbit has several advantages:
* Astronauts could be brought back to earth quickly if health problems come up.
* The gravity on a space station can be adjusted, so various levels of gravity can be tested in one laboratory.
* It may be possible to assemble the space station from available components and launch it with "commodity" launchers.

The impact of the last item cannot be underestimated. If an experiment like this is too expensive, it will not be done. However, if it can be designed "on the cheap", it may be possible to get the funding required to carry out the experiment. Using off the shelf components as much as possible could greatly reduce development and launch costs.

== Concept ==

Initial back-of-the-envelope idea:
* Modify a large Bigelow inflatable space station so it can be rotated to simulate partial gravity.
* Launch the equipment and crew on SpaceX rockets. Chances are those will be ready before this experiment has been fully planned.

By using off the shelf components, the budget for infrastructure design can be minimalized. Getting maximum science return per dollar is the only thing that can make this kind of experiment feasible!

== Community involvement ==

Figuring out all the details involved in a partial gravity health experiment is a lot of work. If you have the time and/or knowledge to "fill in the blanks" in our outline, feel free to do so. If you want to discuss the experiment feel free to join us on irc.freenode.net in #space.

== Experiments ==

The [[Partial G Experiments]] will be focussed on the impact of partial gravity on human health.

Maybe microgravity experiments can be done near the axis of rotation. However, those are not a priority and should probably not be done except as a fundraiser.

== Space Station ==

In order to simulate partial gravity, the space station will need to rotate. To make that happen, either the space station needs to be of a sufficiently large diameter or consist of several components mounted in a "dumbell" arrangement.

The current idea is to modify a Bigelow inflatable space station by assembling a floor from smaller rigid components inside the inflatable walls. See [[Partial G Space Station]].

== Launches ==

To save costs, only off the shelf launch vehicles will be used: [[Partial G Launch Vehicles]].

== Cost estimates ==

Unlike zero gravity workshops, which are used for all kinds of experiments, the partial gravity research laboratory is useful only for a smaller set of experiments. To put it bluntly, costs will need to be lower.

In order to ensure that constraint, the [[Partial G Cost Estimates]] page will be used to track cost estimates during every phase of planning the experiment.

[[Category:Life Support]] [[Category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Category:Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T04:02:58Z

RikvanRiel: move to a normal main page

'''The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health.'''

[[Category:Life Support]]

Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T04:02:48Z

RikvanRiel: move to a main page

Category:Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T03:58:29Z

RikvanRiel: /* Introduction */

Partial G Cost Estimates

2007-07-20T03:51:28Z

RikvanRiel:

As we figure out the costs of the partial gravity experiment, add them here. There are a few major categories of costs:

== Launch costs ==

SpaceX Falcon 9 looks like it could give us the most payload per dollar. The fact that SpaceX is working on a crew capsule for the Falcon 9 suggests that the vehicle will be reliable enough.

However, it is not yet know how many launches will be needed.

See the [http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php Falcon 9 page] for more information.

== Space station construction ==

There are three costs in this category:
* Buy a Bigelow space station
* Develop the customizations needed to operate it in partial G mode
* Customize the station (or buy it customized?)

== Mission control staff and facilities ==

* How much ground control will we need?
* What kind of facilities are needed?
** Training
** Mission control offices
** Communications
** Logistics

== Science crew ==

* Medical staff
* Other scientists
* Astronauts

Some of the cost here may be mitigated by working together with researchers from universities. Giving 10 researchers from universities the chance to get their experiments run could result in more science results for the same amount of money as having one in-house scientist.

It may also be possible to work with already trained astronauts who have the right background and are interested. Working with already trained astronauts could reduce the risk and reduce the amount of training compared to the training needed by rookie astronauts.

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Category:Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T03:36:48Z

RikvanRiel: concept

Category:Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T03:29:50Z

RikvanRiel: improve typography

Category:Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T03:22:50Z

RikvanRiel: add mission statement

The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health.

* What is the impact of partial gravity on human health?
* How much gravity does a human body need to stay healthy?
* What kinds of exercise are needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* How much exercise is needed to keep the human body healthy at partial gravity?
* Specifically: what is the health impact of Moon and Mars gravity?

The impact of zero G on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. However, nothing is known about the health impact of long term living in partial G environments, specifically 0.15G on the Moon and 0.4G on Mars. We know the human body needs gravity, but we have no idea how much it needs.

One way to test the long term impact of lower gravity on the human body would be to set up stations on the Moon and Mars and have people live there for a long time. However, this is very expensive and could be dangerous - sending people to another planetary body without the right exercise equipment could seriously impact their health.

Testing the impact of partial gravity on human health in low earth orbit has several advantages:
* Astronauts could be brought back to earth quickly if health problems come up.
* The gravity on a space station can be adjusted, so various levels of gravity can be tested in one laboratory.
* It may be possible to assemble the space station from available components and launch it with "commodity" launchers.

The impact of the last item cannot be underestimated. If an experiment like this is too expensive, it will not be done. However, if it can be designed "on the cheap", it may be possible to get the funding required to carry out the experiment. Using off the shelf components as much as possible could greatly reduce development and launch costs.

[[Category:Life Support]]

Partial G Experiments in the Past

2007-07-20T03:22:05Z

RikvanRiel: New page: The mission: research the long term impact of partial gravity on human health. * What is the impact of partial gravity on human health? * How much gravity does a human body need to stay h...

Partial G Launch Vehicles

2007-07-20T03:16:52Z

RikvanRiel: New page: To improve reliability and cost, an off-the-shelf launch vehicle should be used for the partial gravity health experiment. To increase the chances of the partial gravity health experiment...

Partial G Space Station

2007-07-20T03:09:33Z

RikvanRiel: New page: The initial idea is to use Bigelow Aerospace inflatable space stations for partial gravity research, because these stations have a much larger diameter than anything that fits in a payload...

The initial idea is to use Bigelow Aerospace inflatable space stations for partial gravity research, because these stations have a much larger diameter than anything that fits in a payload fairing.

A larger diameter station could be used to generate artificial gravity.

Spinning something with the diameter of ISS modules along their long axis would mean a tall astronaut's chest would be in zero G and his head would be "falling up", so these are clearly not suitable for zero gravity research. Spinning them along the short axis would mean the docking bay is under gravity, which means the station would have to be spun down for docking and undocking - and it might even be impossible to spin the station while the crew's "escape boat" is docked!

Several things need to be researched:
* How big are Bigelow stations?
* How much do they cost?
* How heavy are they?
* How much extra payload can we fit inside, eg. to assemble a floor inside the inflatable walls?
* What other modifications do we need to make these stations partial gravity research labs?
* ...

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Partial G Cost Estimates

2007-07-20T03:03:20Z

RikvanRiel: New page: As we figure out the costs of the partial gravity experiment, add them here. category:Partial G Health Experiment

As we figure out the costs of the partial gravity experiment, add them here.

[[category:Partial G Health Experiment]]

Category:Partial G Health Experiment

2007-07-20T03:00:56Z

RikvanRiel: New page: The impact of zero G on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. However, nothing is known about the health impact of long term living in partial G envi...

The impact of zero G on human health has been studied for decades on Russian and US space stations. However, nothing is known about the health impact of long term living in partial G environments, specifically 0.15G on the Moon and 0.4G on Mars. We know the human body needs gravity, but we have no idea how much it needs.

One way to test the long term impact of lower gravity on the human body would be to set up stations on the Moon and Mars and have people live there for a long time. However, this is very expensive and could be dangerous - sending people to another planetary body without the right exercise equipment could seriously impact their health.

Testing the impact of partial gravity on human health in low earth orbit has several advantages:
* Astronauts could be brought back to earth quickly if health problems come up.
* The gravity on a space station can be adjusted, so various levels of gravity can be tested in one laboratory.
* It may be possible to assemble the space station from available components and launch it with "commodity" launchers.

The impact of the last item cannot be underestimated. If an experiment like this is too expensive, it will not be done. However, if it can be designed "on the cheap", it may be possible to get the funding required to carry out the experiment. Using off the shelf components as much as possible could greatly reduce development and launch costs.

[[Category:Life Support]]