Creating Space Habitats

One of the biggest challenges of mankind in the race for the space is the ability to create space habitats. Since thousands of years as mankind gazed at the cosmos, there was a secret longing to belong there and to settle there when the time came. This vision was perhaps fueled by mankind’s desire to establish dominion over the Land, The Sea, The Air and The Space. This vision was represented in many works of Literature starting in the 19th century with the Fictional Writer Jules Verne. Thus the quest for creating space habitats has been a major quest for decades after the start of the Space Age in 1957.

When we say Space Habitats, it means a number of things. Although the most popular use of Space Habitats means space colonies like a colony on the moon or mars, the real use of space habitats are on the Higher Earth Orbit of our world. In this context, a space habitat would mean and orbital docking station or an Orbital Space Platform. This would be a useful space habitat, as it would allow astronauts and all other personnel and visitors who have come to visit the orbit of the Earth to be able to stop and rest while performing their missions. Also for the purposes of long range sensing missions or for various scientific experiments, this space habitat would be the perfect place.

One place that we can give as an example is the International Space Station. In this habitat, many astronauts and cosmonauts come and go. In fact, some astronauts and cosmonauts stay there for long periods of time. Thus, International Space Station is a perfect example of a space habitat as it can house astronauts and scientists while they perform their duty or scientific experiments. They can stay for extended periods of time as the International Space Station provides air and protection to its occupants. Also as an Orbital Platform, it’s perfect for long range sensory missions or for further missions to outer solar system. So what are the requirements for a Habitat for it to qualify as a Space Habitat?

* It must be able to provide air to the occupants. If possible, it shouldn’t need a new supply of air once the life support systems of the space habitat go into effect. For example by filtering the Carbon Dioxide by separating the Oxygen Atoms from the Carbon Dioxide molecule, it should be able to provide continuous air.

* It must be able to provide pressure to the occupants

* It must be able to provide food and water to the occupants

* It must be able to provide radiation protection from cosmic radiation and solar radiation such as solar flares. Especially in times of intense solar and cosmic activity, this can be the most important thing.

* It must be able to provide heat to its occupants, especially in instances where the temperatures can reach absolute zero. In addition, it must have adequate insulation to jeep the temperature stable.

* It must be able to provide cooling to its occupants in instances where the temperature may go up because of direct exposure to solar radiation.

* It must be able to provide artificial gravity to its occupants. This is important, as studies show prolonged exposure to weightless environment will be detrimental to the muscles and to the immune system. If it is an orbital space platform, then the most feasible way to achieve this would be by getting a rotating cylinder to create a spinning effect which will simulate an artificial gravity by centrifugal forces. Although, it may be weak and create motion sickness, still it will provide the ability for prolonged stays in a space habitat.

* A space habitat must be able to provide recreational activities to its occupants.

* If it is established as a space colony, it should be self sufficient in all its aspects.