astrotectonics:
an overview of non-terrestrial construction

By: Thomas M. Ciesla
page 5 of 5


 

Conclusion

Terrestrial construction techniques developed over the centuries will be of little use in orbital space construction and only minimally transferable to planetary construction. For those standards and practices that will be applicable (i.e. excavation/grading techniques), the use of Earth-based machines seems likely. The tools of the astroworker will cary names similar to terrestrial counterparts, but in appearance, operation and technology these machines will be vastly different.

Robotics and teleoperated manipulators mst play an ever increasing role in space construction for both orbital and planetary facilities. Maturity in orbital construction will take man farther and farther outside the protective envelope of Earth's electromagnetic field, reaching out to geosynchronous orbit and the Lagrangian points (Johnson, R.D. and Holbrow, C. 1977), where the radiation hazrad is onmipresent. This same hazard present for planetary workers will be avoided with robotics. The effective combination of man and machine will help control construction costs and at the same time aid in productivity.

The price of space construction includes launch costs, shuttle fees, ground support personnel, insurance, housing costs and support crews in orbit or on planetary surfaces, and productivity rates of both men and machines. Launch costs to LEO are estimated at $2,600/Kg in 1984 dolars (Stuart, D.G. 1986), while launch costs to the lunar surface have been estimated at $13,000/Kg. in 1984 dollars (Saurt, R.L. 1985). Based on terrestrial and orbital studies, human productivity for orbital construction is estimated at 75 Kg/person hour for assembly of high-tech hardware and 200/Kg person hour for low-tech hardware (Stuart, D.G. 1986).

 

EQUIPMENT FUNCTION
Bulldozer
  • Excavation of Regolith
  • Compaction
  • Mounding
  • Crane
  • Remove Payloads
  • Place Power Equipment
  • Place Habitat Modules
  • Tow Trailers
  • Trailers
  • Haul Modules and Equipment to Site
  • Personnel Carriers
  • Scientific Exploration
  • General Surface Mobility
  • Radiation Shielding

  • Figure 6. Primary Equiment Functions

     

    The more intangible and complex issues dealing with mand himself, living and working in the confines of outer space is beyond the scope of this paper. However, problems concerning social dynamics, small group interactions, motivation, management structure, crew selection and habitation of workers must be an important part of Astrotectonics, having a direct bearing on the success of a project.

    Given the nature of space exploration, the level of technology required for transport and life support, and the scale of future space projects (in scope and cost), specialization is unavoidable for the astroworker. At the outset, Astrotectonics will be divided into two main categories: orbital and planetary, as outlined in this paper. While it it true that early lunar outposts will buid upon expertise developed in LEO, the eevolution of each genre will rapidly accelerate the development of methods and equipment peculiar to the specific environment.

    Orbital construction will evolve from simple LEO space stations to construction plpatforms in geosynchronous orbit using lunar materials, and the assembly of vast interplanetary spaceships serving as Earth-Mars shuttles. Manned facilities will include zero-G, variable-G and Earth normal gravity environments, all possible with the use of space tethers (Bekey, I 1986). Planetary facilities will expand from collections of a handful of pressurized modules to vast underground, domed cities with populations approaching ten thousand, possessing industry, tourism, self governement and cislunar trading.

    The growth of each coategory will create sub-classification for additional areas of specialization, making Astrotectonics a complex mix of engineering, system analysis, pure space science, and logistics management. As a science it will continue to change and expand as man reaches farther into space with increasingly complex structures, increasing required expertise in creating livable environments in a primarily abiotic place.

     

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