2023-04-24 08:51:53
The International Space Station was designed for a 15-year lifespan and is due to be decommissioned in 2031. Now a replacement must be found and Airbus has set to work unveiling a revolutionary space station concept with gravity simulated.
If a taxi driver’s radio was interfering with the International Space Station last week, that’s not why humanity is looking for a replacement. Too cramped and aging, the only space station currently in orbit is due to be decommissioned in 2031. Airbus, Europe’s aerospace flagship, has unveiled a new concept for its version of a space station that could head for the stars and orbit Mars.
Airbus’ new LOOP station would offer far more space, comforts and possibilities to its crew of four than the ISS. First of all, the Airbus station has a large diameter of about 8 meters in width and length and has three different levels for astronaut activities.
These three levels consist of a living deck, a scientific deck and a main centrifuge. The crew living quarters are spacious and comfortable, and include a gym. Although the initial design calls for a crew of four, the LOOP could temporarily accommodate up to eight people.
Simulated gravity in the future space station
More importantly, Airbus said a specially designed centrifuge would offer a simulation of gravity, which could help reduce the stress and degradation of the human body due to weightlessness. Indeed, the scientists on board the current International Space Station cannot remain on board for too long and return considerably weakened from their stays.
To carry out long-duration missions, a greenhouse will be integrated along the inner core to produce food directly on board. Furthermore, Airbus explains that this station “harnesses the potential of tomorrow’s technologies to best support humanity’s future in space“.
Another important factor in the ship’s design is its ability to be launched into orbit as a complete, pre-assembled, one-piece module. Thanks to a new generation of ultra-robust rockets (like SpaceX’s Starship rocket), the LOOP would be immediately operational once in orbit.
Read: NASA’s Perseverance rover has lost its ‘pebble friend’ after more than a year on Mars
Finally, Airbus says operators could modify the design or use of any of the three decks to better suit mission parameters or objectives. It is also possible to combine several LOOP capsules into one massive station to accommodate a larger number of crew members.
Source : Airbus
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