Anthony Longman of Skyframe Research presented his concept for a free space settlement built from Asteroid materials at the Space Studies Institute SSI 50 last September. The system uses a structural design concept called Tensegrity to start small from an 8.5m pressure hull and expand iteratively to progressively larger stages ending with a habitat large enough for 8000 people. The final structure contains 90 acres of managed woodland complete with outdoor mall space and over 5 floors of living quarters. Longman appeared recently on The Space Show to provide further details of the concept. His presentation can be found at timestamp 1:32 into the SSI 50: 01 Habitat Design Presentation.
Elon Musk vs. Planetary Protection
If humanity is to settle Mars, with Elon Musk leading the way, the issue of biological contamination of the planet’s surface by humans will need to be resolved in the context of the Outer Space Treaty. This article presents a reasonable compromise proposing a system of three zones partitioned for science, habitation, and resource utilization. This approach minimizes contamination while providing for scientific exploration and Musk’s settlements.
Fill er’ up! Orbit Fab scores $3 million in seed round financing.
TechCrunch reports that the startup gets an infusion of cash fueling its growth. The young satellite refueling company has demonstrated their technology on the ISS and is working with satellite manufacturers to incorporate their standard nozzles on board to enable propellant transfer by robotic refuelers, extending the life of the spacecraft.