Space Artificial Gravity Facilities: An Approach to Their Construction

by P. F. Wercinski, NASA Ames Research Cent, United States,
N. D. Searby, NASA Ames Research Cent, United States,
B. W. Tillman, NASA Ames Research Cent, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space

Abstract:

In the course of adaptation to a space microgravity environment, humans experience cardiovascular deconditioning, loss of muscle mass, and loss of bone minerals. One possible solution to these space adaptation problems is to simulate Earth's gravity using the centripetal acceleration created by a rotating system. The design and construction of rotating space structures pose many challenges. Before committing to the use of artificial gravity in future space missions, a man-rated Variable Gravity Research Facility (VGRF) should be developed in Earth orbit as a gravitational research tool and testbed. This paper addresses the requirements and presents preliminary concepts for such a facility.

Subject Headings: Space structures | Space frames | Rotation | Space exploration | Space colonies | Structural behavior | Orbits

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