In December 1972 Apollo 17 embarked on a journey, to the Moon marking the time humans ventured beyond low Earth orbit. However things have changed since then. In August the Artemis program began preparing for its test launch laying the foundation for future lunar missions. Over the ten years NASA will lead a team in constructing the Lunar Gateway—a space station that will serve as a stopping point for missions to both the Moon and possibly Mars. Similar to the International Space Station (ISS) and Chinas Tiangong Space Station the Lunar Gateway is being built step by step. Transported into space onboard rockets.
However for journeys larger spacecraft are necessary. Extended exposure to weightlessness in space can cause health problems such as muscle deterioration, heart issues, bone loss, vision impairment and weakened immune systems. To address these challenges spacecraft must incorporate gravity simulation methods to those seen in scenes from “2001; A Space Odyssey.” Achieving this without causing motion sickness among astronauts requires a craft, with arms stretching up to one kilometer in length.
In the past constructing structures would require multiple expensive and complex launches. However, what if it were possible to achieve this in one launch? Dr. Zac Manchester, from Carnegie Mellon University has put forward an idea through NASAs NIAC program that could make this a reality.
Compact Origins, Colossal Ambitions
This concept, called Compact Origins aims to create a structure that can be compressed into a single rocket fairing during its dimensions of a few meters across. Once in orbit though the structure would expand to a length of one kilometer. Dr. Manchester explains that since these structures are specifically designed for space use they don’t need to be excessively rigid or strong due to the forces acting upon them. In our case these large structures would be launched in a folded configuration. Experience forces only while in this state.
Dr. Manchester’s research focuses on structures made up of interconnected sets of scissor linkages that have the capability of expanding up to 150 times their size. While this may sound ambitious for spacecraft design the lack of on the spot maintenance, in the vacuum of space requires an approach to minimize any failures.
Challenges and Solutions
According to Dr. Manchester, one of the difficulties, in this project is the possibility of mechanisms getting stuck during deployment. This concern is valid because its not practical to send a technician to fix issues in the space environment. Therefore it is crucial to have engineering and quality control measures in place to minimize the risk of jamming and ensure the success of this undertaking.
He explains that they are actively exploring ways to strategically engineer flexibility into the structure essentially creating a rigid design in order to reduce the chances of jamming. This approach plays a role in addressing the challenges and complexities associated with deploying interconnected structures in space.
The Future of Space Travel
With the idea of spacecraft that can unfold like a jack in the box space travel takes on a new level. Just imagine spacecraft that can be compactly stored and transported within a rocket only to expand their arms once they are, in orbit. This would create gravity. Allow astronauts to undertake extended interplanetary journeys.
This innovative approach not simplifies the challenges associated with launching spacecraft. Also allows us to explore the vast expanses of our solar system and, beyond.
Conclusion
The concept of jack in the box spacecraft revolutionizes our approach to space travel. The groundbreaking research by Dr. Zac Manchester provides a glimpse into the future of exploration beyond Earths boundaries. As we stand on the brink of an era in space exploration these imaginative ideas promise to reshape our understanding of the universe and unlock its mysteries. We may soon witness jack in the box spacecraft emerging in low Earth orbit ready to embark on thrilling journeys to planets and celestial destinations. The possibilities are limitless, like the universe itself.
