An Atmosphere is vital for any terraformed planet. Unfortunately, there are many planets who lack it. Creating it is possible in two ways: by adding it from other sources (diverting comets or carrying it from other celestial bodies) or by creating it from existing rocks.
How close to Earth can you build a settlement in space?
Proximity to Earth. The first orbital settlements may well be built only a few hundred miles from Earth in ‘Low Earth Orbit’ (LEO). High LEO is far enough out that the settlement won’t crash into Earth but low enough for the Earth’s van Allen Belts to protect settlers from deadly solar storms.
What is a space settlement?
Space settlement is, at its core, a real estate business. The value of real estate is determined by many things, including “the view.” Any space settlement will have a magnificent view of the stars at night. Settlements in Earth orbit will have one of the most stunning views in our solar system: the living, ever-changing Earth.
How can we create an atmosphere on other planets?
To create atmosphere, you need to take billions of tons of gas (oxygen, nitrogen) from somewhere and move that to your desired planet. We have Oort cloud somewhere farthest reaches of solar system and we have planets entirely made of gas. So, I think the availability of the matter necessary for making an atmosphere is not the worst case.
What would it take to colonize space?
Space colonization. Space settlements would have to provide for nearly all (or all) the material needs of hundreds or thousands of humans, in an environment out in space that is very hostile to human life. They would involve technologies, such as controlled ecological life support systems, that have yet to be developed in any meaningful way.
How can we create atmosphere in space settlement?
Each space settlement is completely sealed and does not share atmosphere or water with other settlements or with Earth. Thus if one settlement pollutes their air, no one else need breathe it. Custom living. Since the entire environment is man-made, you can really get what you want.
Can we create atmosphere in space?
Science fiction has long dreamed of turning Mars into a second Earth, a place where humans could live without having to put on a space suit. The easiest way to do that would be to use carbon dioxide already on Mars to create a new atmosphere, but now researchers say that is impossible.
How do you create a new atmosphere?
Five things: creating an atmosphere in your writingUse sensory detail. All five senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and taste – can be effective in creating a strong atmosphere. ... Hold an image or word in your head as you write. ... Inhabit your imaginary world in your daily life. ... Limit your imagery. ... Focus on the language.
Can we create an atmosphere on other planets?
All planets and large moons have enough gravity to hold an atmosphere, so terraforming in theory is widely possible. But in terms of human life not all gravities are created equal.
Is it possible to create an Earth like atmosphere on Mars?
Yes, it is possible. The terraforming process may take thousands of years, however, and not the entire surface of Mars may become similar in climatic features as the Earth. The short answer is “yes”, you can in principle terraform the atmosphere of Mars into something that could support Earth-like life.
Can humans create an atmosphere on Mars?
“Artificially creating an atmosphere may be possible, but it would be very expensive and challenging,” Khuller says. “Terraforming an entire planet will probably take a very long time — centuries or more.” But scientists have proposed other, more feasible ways we could make Mars habitable.
What is required for an atmosphere?
There are two primary factors: size and distance from the Sun. Gravity helps planets and moons to hold on to their atmospheres, so small planets/moons such as Mars and the Moon have thin atmospheres.
Can we terraform the moon?
We can't terraform the moon. The Moon is too small, has no magnetic field, not nearly enough water, nitrogen, etc. Done.
What does it mean to create an atmosphere?
The dictionary defines atmosphere as “the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art.” Creating an atmosphere is the gradual process of adding layers to our surroundings, but in this case, with our words.
Which planet is easiest to terraform?
While Venus, Earth, Mars, and even the Moon have been studied in relation to the subject, Mars is usually considered to be the most likely candidate for terraforming. Much study has been done concerning the possibility of heating the planet and altering its atmosphere, and NASA has even hosted debates on the subject.
Is there any planet with oxygen?
Actually, scientists have discovered that oxygen exists on other planets in our solar system. Several years ago, that Hubble telescope detected evidence of molecular oxygen in the atmosphere of Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. The temperature on Europa is extremely cold, and there is actually some ice on the surface.
Which planet has the most oxygen?
Problem 3 – Which planet has the atmosphere with the greatest percentage of Oxygen? Answer: From the table we see that Mercury has the greatest percentage of oxygen in its atmosphere.
Is there a way to create an atmosphere on the moon?
The description of a method for creating a lunar atmosphere similar to that of the earth. If the lunar crust were deliberately and methodically broken, simulating earthquake and volcanic activity on the planets, some of the stored gases and vapors could be released to form a lunar atmosphere.
Can we make the moon have an atmosphere?
1:594:10Could We Create A Livable Atmosphere On The Moon?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe same conditions that have contributed to the moon having no atmosphere. Means it's unlikely toMoreThe same conditions that have contributed to the moon having no atmosphere. Means it's unlikely to retain one we create for very long.
Can we terraform the moon?
We can't terraform the moon. The Moon is too small, has no magnetic field, not nearly enough water, nitrogen, etc. Done.
How do you create an atmosphere on Mars?
Importing hydrocarbons. Another way to create a Martian atmosphere would be to import methane (CH4) or other hydrocarbons, which are common in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface; the methane could be vented into the atmosphere where it would act to compound the greenhouse effect.
How to create atmosphere?
Creating it is possible in two ways: by adding it from other sources (diverting comets or carrying it from other celestial bodies) or by creating it from existing rocks.
What would happen immediately after we add an atmosphere?
What would happen immediately after we add an atmosphere? Some gasses will be absorbed in the rocks or will make chemical reactions with them. This process will occur soon after we create an atmosphere and will slow down soon too. We have to consider this when we calculate how much gas we need.
How do moons orbit gas giants?
Some of the moons that orbit gas giants have large amounts of ices and gasses trapped within ice. For them, the best solution is to bring a small amount of gas (for example, impacting with a comet with a diameter of 7 km). The impact will create a tenuous atmosphere, which might be enough to allow us deploy Greenhouse Gases. Then, as temperature would increase, the ice will start to melt, releasing trapped gasses from the ice. The process will continue until it will reach an equilibrium phase.
Why does terraforming take less gas?
This is because with less gravity, the atmosphere builds-up a much wider and much more diffuse structure. Around a planet with higher gravity, the gas layer will be more compressed and so you will not need much more gas. On the other hand, terraforming can be done with more or less gas. With less gas, you will have an atmosphere like on Earth's ...
How does oxygen affect the atmosphere?
We also have to consider that once we produce oxygen, it will react with many rocks on the surface and might ignite gasses in the atmosphere, like methane. This will affect atmospheric composition and mass.
What would happen if we brought air with an impactor?
If we brought the air with an impactor, we also create a massive increase in temperature, melting all ices. At this point we have to start working on terraforming the atmosphere. We will add greenhouse gasses as the temperature is still high.
What are comets made of?
Comets are known to be made of dirty ice. They contain water ice, solidified gasses, salt and dust. They contain all ingredients needed for oceans and an atmosphere, but in different amounts. Before everything, we must pick the best candidates for diverting.
Why do people think of space settlements on Mars?
Because we are planetary creatures, most people think of space settlements on Mars or perhaps Earth’s Moon. However, it turns out that life in orbit is very attractive. Instead of building a settlement on the outside of a planet, to live in orbit we must build giant spacecraft and live inside.
Who edited Space Resources and Space Settlements?
Space Resources and Space Settlements, edited by John Billingham, William Gilbreath, and Brian O’Leary : NASA SP-428, 1979. [ Complete online copy] [ Buy from Amazon ]. Technical papers derived from the 1977 Summer Study on Space Settlements and Industrialization Using Nonterrestrial Materials conducted at NASA Ames Research Center. Study Director was Gerard K. O’Neill. It was the largest and most comprehensive investigation of space manufacturing and habitation at the time, with forty senior researchers and ten students. Topics covered included regenerative life support, habitat design, electromagnetic mass drivers, asteroid resources for space manufacturing, and processing of nonterrestrial materials.
How can settlements spread out?
Early settlements can be expected to orbit the Earth. Later settlements can spread out across the solar system, taking advantage of the water in Jupiter’s moons or exploiting the materials of the asteroid belt. There is good reason to believe that orbital space settlements can provide terrific homes for ten trillion people, or perhaps even more. There is so much room for growth that the people of this world may realize that it is easier to build new land to live on rather than to fight over the limited resources that exist on the Earth. What a world that would be.
What would happen if the asteroid Ceres was used to build a settlement?
If the single largest asteroid (Ceres) were to be used to build orbital space settlements, the total living area created would be well over a hundred times the land area of the Earth. This is because Ceres is a solid, three dimensional object but orbital space settlements are basically hollow with only air on the inside. Thus, Ceres alone can provide the building materials for uncrowded homes for hundreds of billions of people, at least.
Why do solar panels need to be huge?
The solar arrays for settlements must be huge in order to generate enough power. This power can be generated on separate solar power satellites and beamed to the settlement, much as power beamed from such satellites to Earth can play a major role in solving our energy problems. Weightless construction.
How do Near Earth orbital settlements help the economy?
Economics. Near-Earth orbital settlements can service Earth’s tourist, energy, and materials markets. Space settlements, wherever they are built, will be very expensive. Supplying Earth with valuable goods and services will be critical to paying for settlement.
What is zero gravity construction?
Weightless construction. Zero-g construction means big settlements can be built with relative ease. On Earth, for example, you could not build a round structure that is several miles high because it would collapse under its own weight, but in zero-gravity it is entirely possible to build such large structures, and in orbit astronauts can move objects weighing many tons by hand. Space settlers will spend almost all of their time inside the settlement because it is impossible for an unprotected human to survive outside for more than a few seconds. In this situation, obviously, bigger settlements are better. Settlements can be made so large that, even though you are really inside, it feels like the out-of-doors.
Why is the ISS redundant?
To ensure the safety of the crew, the ISS will have redundant supplies of that essential gas.
What is the life support system on the ISS?
Life support systems on the ISS provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and manage vaporous emissions from the astronauts themselves. It's all part of breathing easy in our new home in space. Listen to this story (requires RealPlayer) November 13, 2000 -- Many of us stuck on Earth wish we could join (at least temporarily) the Expedition 1 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Floating effortlessly from module to module, looking down on Earth from a breathtaking height of 350 kilometers.... It's a dream come true for innumerable space lovers.
What gases are not allowed on the ISS?
Life support systems on the ISS must not only supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the cabin's atmosphere, but also prevent gases like ammonia and acetone, which people emit in small quantities, from accumulating. Vaporous chemicals from science experiments are a potential hazard, too, if they combine in unforeseen ways with other elements in the air supply.
What is the process that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars for food?
Plants, algae, cyanobacteria and phytoplankton all split water molecules as part of photosynthesis -- the process that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into sugars for food. The hydrogen is used for making sugars, and the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
How many hydrogen atoms are in water?
Each molecule of water contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Running a current through water causes these atoms to separate and recombine as gaseous hydrogen (H 2) and oxygen (O 2 ). The oxygen that people breathe on Earth also comes from the splitting of water, but it's not a mechanical process.
What is Wheels in the Sky about?
Wheels in the Sky -- Science@NASA article about humanity's dreams of a space station from the science fiction fantasies of the Nineteenth Century to Wernher von Braun's catalytic vision in the 1950s
What does it mean to live on the space station?
Living on the Space Station also means hard work, cramped quarters, and... what's that smell? Probably more outgassing from a scientific experiment or, worse yet, a crewmate. With 3 to 7 people sharing a small enclosed volume on the still-growing Space Station, air management is critical.
Storage
At the top of the settlement plan you find a water storage tank, that feeds a water treatment facility. Storage is also provides for other resources, such as gases or minerals like silica sand, iron ore and calcium carbonate.
Housing, Lodging circulation and offices
Illustrated here are three buried inflatable habitats, that serve for housing, lodging and office space. They are connected by circulation corridors with multiple connection points. Area of 40 m2 per person. Life support would be distributed between the habitats.
Greenhouses
Four greenhouse s produce food, but also do some atmospheric processing. With a total growing area of about 1400m 2, extra artificial lighting and year long production at a rate of 3 to 6 kg/m 2, the greenhouses could produce 4 to 8 tonnes of food per year, or up to one third of the food needed per year for the colony.
Public spaces
A large dome, 26m in diameter, serves as a public space as do all the connecting/circulation nodes between the modules.
Power
Solar and nuclear power need to be routed through power distribution systems, that will include battery storage in the case of solar power. Transformers, power electronics and rectifiers are also expected to be included in these systems.
Cooling
Nuclear reactors and industrial processes require cooling. A forced convection cooling unit, about 6m x 6m, could provide about 250 kW of cooling, so 12 would be required for the 1 MWe reactor, rejecting 3 MWt.
Vehicle maintenance
A garage is linked to the public area. Vehicle maintenance is critical to settlement operations, low temperatures and fine Martian dust will be a maintenance challenge. The facility may be pressurized or not.
Who is the most famous scientist who came out in favor of space settlement?
Several famous scientists, such as Freeman Dyson, have come out in favor of space settlement.
What are the arguments for and against space colonization?
The two most common in favor of colonization are survival of human civilization and the biosphere in the event of a planetary-scale disaster (natural or human-made), and the availability of additional resources in space that could enable expansion of human society.
Why is solar energy sent to the moon?
Transmitting solar energy wirelessly from the Earth to the Moon and back is also an idea proposed for the benefit of space colonization and energy resources . Physicist Dr. David Criswell, who worked for NASA during the Apollo missions, came up with the idea of using power beams to transfer energy from space.
Why is space colonization important?
Nick Bostrom has argued that from a utilitarian perspective, space colonization should be a chief goal as it would enable a very large population to live for a very long period of time (possibly billions of years), which would produce an enormous amount of utility (or happiness).
How has the expansion of humans and technology affected the environment?
Expansion of humans and technological progress has usually resulted in some form of environmental devastation, and destruction of ecosystems and their accompanying wildlife. In the past, expansion has often come at the expense of displacing many indigenous peoples, the resulting treatment of these peoples ranging anywhere from encroachment to genocide. Because space has no known life, this need not be a consequence, as some space settlement advocates have pointed out. However, on some bodies of the Solar System, there is the potential for extant native lifeforms and so the negative consequences of space colonization cannot be dismissed .
What is space colonization?
Space colonization (also called space settlement or extraterrestrial colonization ) is the hypothetical permanent habitation and exploitation of natural resources from outside planet Earth . As such it is a form of human presence in space, beyond human spaceflight or operating space outposts . Many arguments have been made for ...
Why is space manufacturing important?
Space manufacturing could enable self-replication. Some think it's the ultimate goal because it allows an exponential increase in colonies, while eliminating costs to and dependence on Earth. It could be argued that the establishment of such a colony would be Earth's first act of self-replication. Intermediate goals include colonies that expect only information from Earth (science, engineering, entertainment) and colonies that just require periodic supply of light weight objects, such as integrated circuits, medicines, genetic material and tools.
