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THE NATIONAL SPACE SOCIETY SPACE SETTLEMENT CONTEST 2024

“Saint Sava” National College, 10th grade, Bucharest, Romania, Large Group

Project

Team members:
Andronea David Macarie
Cheța Mihai
Duțu Damian Ștefan
Fabian Luca Alexandru Coordinator:
Gherghe David-Mihai
Turcu Filip Ianis
Ghiț Maya-Alexandra
Julean Maria Cristina Supervisor:
Turcu Alexandru
Prof. Paval Cristina
8.Life Support
TABLE OF CONTENTS 8.1.Atmosphere...................................................20
8.2.Water............................................................21
1.Introduction 8.3.Agriculture....................................................23
1.1.Threats to Earth.........................................3 8.4.Energy..........................................................26
1.2.Why the spaceship Aquila?......................4 8.5.Illumination...................................................30
1.3.Location....................................................5 8.6.Storage.........................................................31
2.Population 8.7.Recycling......................................................34
2.1.The interview...........................................8 9.Lifestyle
3.Structure 9.1.Residential Facilities......................................35
3.1.Construction phases...............................11 9.2.Health Care..................................................36
3.2.Measurements.......................................11 9.3.Entertainment...............................................37
4.Artificial Gravity 9.4.Education.....................................................40
4.1.Biological effects of microgravity.........12 10.Government.....................................................42
4.2.Equation and minor problems..............13 11.Research
5.Transportation..........................................14 11.1.Asteroid Hunting from Lunar Orbit...............43
6.Shielding 11.2.Theoretical Subjects and Experiments........44
6.1.Radiation................................................15 12.Resource..........................................................45
6.2.Thermal Management............................17 13.Safety
6.3.Impact protection..................................17 13.1.Communications.........................................47
7.Engines.......................................................18 13.2.Protection against contamination.............48
13.3.Emergency Protocol...................................49
1.Introduction
1.1.Threats to Earth
Earth, our common home, is vulnerable to a series of major threats that endanger both the environment and the future of humanity.
According to a study conducted by the international group of Earth Commission scientists, Planet Earth exceeded seven of the eight scientifically
established safety limits and entered the „danger zone”, not only for an overheated planet that loses its natural areas, but also for the well-being of the
people living on it.

-One of the most urgent dangers we face is climate change. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events affect the availability of natural
resources and places for the population.
-Pollution, in its various forms, is another serious threat to Earth. Air, water and soil pollution, as well as light pollution, affect biodiversity and human health
significantly.
-The loss of biodiversity is a worrying problem with serious consequences for the functioning of ecosystems. Reducing biodiversity can lead to ecological
imbalances, affecting the ecosystem services we depend on for food, water and natural resources.
-Overpopulation and Shortening of Natural Resources - Population growth and resource demand put pressure on ecosystems and lead to depletion of
the limited resources of our planet.
-Natural Disasters - Events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires and hurricanes are events that cause enormous loss and human suffering,
destroying infrastructure and the environment.
-Destructive astronomical phenomena – NASA warns that there are large asteroids that can endanger our planet. Events in outer space can have
serious consequences for humanity.

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1.2.Why the Spaceship Aquila?
In the face of these serious threats, space exploration and colonization is essential for the future of humanity, as we must find innovative and courageous
solutions to ensure the survival of the human species.
In this context, the Aquila project is an ambitious initiative to ensure the survival and prosperity of humanity by moving a significant number of people to an
advanced and autonomous spacecraft, in a fairly near future.
This project is not only about physical migration, but also about a journey towards knowledge, discovery and, most importantly, towards a better future for
all. This spacecraft is not just a means of interplanetary transportation, but an environment in which we aim to recreate the human experience on Earth by
adapting it to the conditions in outer space.
In addition to the survival of humanity, the Aquila Space Ship provides a unique opportunity to explore and colonize new planets and start human life
elsewhere in the Universe.
On this ship, we intend to continue to carry out traditional human activities such as living, working and socializing in a manner as similar as possible to our
home planet. The ship is also a mobile cosmic laboratory, offering unlimited opportunities for scientific research and technical innovation. Our mission is to
ensure our autonomy in terms of food and water, we aim to carry out advanced research and develop recycling technologies, agricultural crops, food
production, efficient management of resources, etc.
Aquila is not just a spaceship, it is a source of inspiration for future generations.
For the naming of the ship we drew inspiration from both astronomy and mythology.
Aquila is the name of a constellation located in the northern hemisphere, symbolizing this journey through the universe and the discovery of new horizons.
"Aquila" means eagle in Latin and in Roman mythology was used as a symbol of divinity and power that can also be, a powerful and captivating symbol for
the missions of the crew and passengers.
The choice of name reflected the aspiration for great and extraordinary achievements in space exploration.

"AQUILA NON CAPIT MUSCAS "


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1.3.Location
The first step in establishing a thriving colony is selecting the right place for it. Although beautiful and mesmerizing, space is full of dangers and
unpredictabilities; therefore, we cannot just throw the dice when choosing where our settlement is situated. Everybody dreams of exploring the furthest
corners of the Universe or even of our Solar System for a start, but we have to be realistic. We have to understand that Aquila will not be a haven for
humanity nor even sustainable if we were to send it out too far, leaving aside the fact that the costs and the risks would be too high.

This is not a video game, and as much as we would like to one day be able to set foot on any other planet near us, we have to account for every minute
detail and understand that this is not Aquila's role. We must take the necessary precautions and be as careful as possible when making decisions.

We had considered multiple locations near Earth, such as the Lagrangian Points, The Earth's Orbit, and, of course, the Moon's Orbit. Each of the three
had its advantages and disadvantages, some more than others. For example, the L3 point was a clear no from the start; it is situated way too far from
the Earth and any source of resource gathering. The L4 and L5 points, although closer and the most stable of them all, have virtually no protection from
the Sun's radiation, which, of course, plays a huge role when considering our home.

The other 2 points, L1 and L2, although much closer and more convenient, would be rather unstable and represent a higher risk in case our vessel drifts
away from its designated route. The Earth's orbit, although in the vicinity of our true home and more favourable for the more convenient acces to
resources it could provide, is filled with space junk.

According to "The Conversation", "There are around 23,000 objects larger than 10 cm (4 inches) and about 100 million pieces of debris larger than 1
mm (0.04 inches). Tiny pieces of junk might not seem like a big issue, but that debris is moving at 15,000 mph (24,140 kph), 10 times faster than a bullet."
This is a clear indicator of why this would be less than ideal. Not only that, but Solar energy would not be quite abundant in our orbit, and even more,
there is little left to discover there that could prove an invaluable breakthrough.
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Therefore, our final proposal was the Moon's orbit. The Moon's orbit offering similar proximity to our planet, the ISS being near, and, of course,
the Moon itself, all make a favourable case for the celestial body's orbit. In case of any emergency, the ISS could send help- the average distance
between the Moon and the ISS is 4*10⁵ km.

Even more, the Moon is abundant in resources such as methane,


frozen water, silicon, carbon, He-3(from which can be produced
Changesite-(Y), a valuable and expensive fuel used in nuclear research
and a potential component in a nuclear weapon with a 75 megaton yield,
discovered by China). We would not have to worry about as much
space junk in the Moon's Orbit- although the numbers are still growing -
and in case of an asteroid approaching the station, the Aquila can use its
motors to move around in the orbit in order to prevent the attack, which
can be a relatively simple and manoeuvrable technique due to the
Moon's weak gravitational field(1/6 9,81~1,64 m/s²).

The Moon's orbit and atmosphere do not provide any protection from the
Sun's radiation either, similar to the Lagrangian Points. So, a strong
radiation shield would still be necessary, but that is just to be expected.
One thing was left: the type of orbit chosen. Nevertheless, there were
no doubts here: a near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) is more than likely Gateway’s near-rectilinear halo orbit, or NRHO, around the Moon.
the best fit for what we are trying to achieve. We could even joke around
saying that this type of orbit has experience in this field, as it was used But to sum it all up, we believe that an NRHO around the Moon is the
in the Gateway project launched by NASA due to its ideal stability ideal scenario, and we believe that it could benefit our Aquila and
and methodically planned fuel consumption. its citizens the most compared to the other options.
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2.Population
In establishing the population structure for a spaceship, adherence to a societal model is crucial for ensuring a well-rounded and functional community on
board. With a total population of 15,000 individuals, including those directly involved in the operation of the settlement (2,000-3,000), as well as the wider
populace residing on the vessel (12,000-13,000), a careful examination of demographics is imperative. Notably, among the residents, approximately 4,000
are expected to be the families of those contributing to the spacecraft's functions.

Therefore, we will have three categories of people on Aquila:

I. The key contributors for spaceship program


II. The dependants of these selected key contributors, who will join them in the project
III. People with no apparent contribution, who would like to volunteer themselves for this project.

The interview process plays a pivotal role in selecting individuals suitable for life on the spaceship. For instance, when considering a group like 100
mechanics, a critical inquiry arises: do they arrive accompanied by their families, or do they travel solo? This decision impacts whether individuals embark on
the journey independently or with their dependents. It's essential to recognize that a portion of the population comprises the families of those actively
engaged in ship-related work.
Societal Model Considerations:
To maintain a balanced societal structure, various elements must be integrated into the spaceship community:
Administration: Establishing governance and administrative structures.
Education: Providing facilities ranging from kindergartens to universities.
Health: Ensuring a comprehensive healthcare system, with special attention to psychological and psychiatric expertise for space-related challenges.
Public Order: Determining the necessary number of law enforcement personnel.
Entertainment: Incorporating recreational activities for residents.
Engineering: Identifying the required expertise for designing and maintaining ship facilities.
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2.1.The interview
1. What is the area that you feel you are most suited for?
Here, people can choose from a pre-defined list of key jobs on the spaceship. Examples could be (not limited to): a) jobs related to the spaceship and space-related activities: engineers,
mechanics, programmers, space scientists, geological experts, physicists, bio-chemists b) jobs related to the social well-being on the spaceship: administration, medical staff, security, teachers
for various school stages, social entertainment
2. What are your strengths that recommend you for that role?
This question aims to test how these people match the needed profiles on the spaceship and how qualified they are to cope with the related tasks.
3. What motivates you to enrol on this specific endeavour?
Here, we seek to check the long-term resilience of those people, as the stay in space can become troublesome after a certain period.
4. Whom are you bringing with you?
Spouse, children, elderly people. With this question, we will understand the impact of a certain candidate in the total spaceship population, meaning the individual plus the dependants, and this
could be the source of information for the interviews directed to these people supposed to join the spaceship together with the candidate.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION — Unlike the above interview for key people only, this exam is to be passed by everybody onboard, covering all the three categories mentioned above (key contributors,
dependents of key contributors, volunteers). The examination will be conducted by a special team of medical professionals specialized in various medical areas.

A. The examination will start with a physical check to ensure that people are genuinely healthy or have non-contagious diseases that can be contained, keeping them under treatment.

B. The examination team will also look into those people's mental state and readiness to be involved in such a lengthy project. Every person joining the spaceship will talk with a psychologist
before being accepted on board. During this part of the examination, the dependants and the volunteers will be asked several questions, such as: - what could be your contribution to the
spaceship?
What would you like to do? - are you willing to join your key contributor on the spaceship? (only for dependants) - how would you like to spend your spare time? - please explain your motivation
for choosing this path.

To wrap up, the model for the population structure in a spaceship has to follow several practical considerations linked to the size of this population: approximately 15,000 people. To ensure a
healthy social environment in the ship's society, the selection & interviewing process becomes a critical aspect. All elements, such as administration, education, health, public order,
entertainment, and engineering, are to be carefully considered when planning the population structure and depth of the interviews. The emphasis on specialized medical examinations adds an
extra layer of assurance, safeguarding against health-related challenges that could impact life and work on the spaceship.
In envisioning a society that extends beyond the conventional, these considerations aim to create an environment where individuals can flourish, contributing their expertise to the operation and
advancement of the vessel. The success of such an ambitious endeavour lies in the careful orchestration of diverse elements, fostering a community capable of navigating the challenges of
space exploration while embracing the principles of a functional and sustainable society.
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3.Structure
From a structural point of view, Aquilla must meet several criteria, such as artificial gravity, safety and living
space for its inhabitants. Aquila is structured with interconnected modular units. These units are designed
for sustainability and functionality; the modules contain housing, research laboratories, agricultural areas,
storage facilities and recreational spaces for our residents. While developing Aquilla, our primary objective
revolves around creating a structurally sound environment that accommodates every need of its inhabitants.
One of the most important aspects we need to consider is the implementation of artificial gravity, replicating
Earth's gravitational force to ensure the physiological well-being of those residing within the settlement. This
crucial element counteracts the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity, preserving the health
and well-being of our community.
Furthermore, safety remains one of our top priorities. Aquilla incorporates shielding technologies to neutralize
the risks associated with cosmic radiation and asteroid impacts. Considering the above, the geometrical
shapes we decided best fit our purposes are the torus and the cylinder.

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Torus: This structure plays a vital role in creating a simulated gravitational environment within the settlement. The torus generates centrifugal forces that
mimic Earth's gravity by rotating at a calibrated speed. The torus offers an expansive space for day-to-day activities, ranging from residential quarters
and research facilities to recreational areas and agricultural zones. Its curvature and orientation allow for efficient utilization of space. The torus is cut
sectioned in half, with the half facing the inner cylinder serving as the residential area of our inhabitants. This area is designed to replicate life on Earth,
containing all the regular things you see while walking outside your house: parks, malls, restaurants, shops, buildings and streets. The other half is
designated for the plumbing, electric wiring and networking. Each torus will have a subway line that assures travel for our residents. The depots will meet
Aquilla's storage needs in this section and the main cylinder. Solar panels will be placed on the exterior of the toruses in order to harness solar energy to
its fullest potential.

Main cylinder: Main cylinder: Specifically designed to optimize space utilization and efficiency, this inner cylinder is the primary storage facility in
Aquilla. At the beginning of the construction phases, the living conditions in the main cylinder will be akin to those on the International Space Station. It
will be the central hub of the mining drones that will be sent to the moon's surface to gather resources that will aid the settlement in various ways. The
inner cylinder will also solve the energy problem, containing nuclear fusion reactors and other power plants, ensuring Aquilla is powered up indefinitely.
Research facilities run by our top scientists will be built in the cylinder, allowing them to experiment with the gathered lunar materials collected by our
drones.
Smaller Cylinder: Each module will contain 4 of these smaller cylinders. Their purpose is to provide safe transportation between the torus and the main
cylinder via an electric train.
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3.1.Construction phases
I. First Phase: The main cylinder will be assembled in Earth's orbit and sent to lunar orbit using magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters. Upon reaching the final
destination, the personnel aboard the vessel will activate mining drones. An initial team of scientists, technicians, engineers, and essential workers will reside
aboard the cylinder. All of the ensuing modules of Aquila will be built in Lunar Orbit. Completing them in that environment makes the modules much more
straightforward to assemble and construct than in Earth orbit, where the stronger gravity and distance from the Moon's plentiful resources hinder our
mission.
II. Second Phase: We will construct the smaller cylinders and torus using materials transported from Earth and extracted from the Moon. Once all primary
components are assembled, the first module will be complete and prepared for human habitation.
III. Third Phase: Upon completing the initial module, our plan involves expanding the settlement to include four modules, repeating the construction process
with specific modifications. All following components will be constructed directly in lunar orbit using materials sourced from Earth and the Moon, ready to
integrate with the existing structure of Aquilla. Residents will continue to inhabit the already-established modules throughout this expansion. Should the
need arise due to increased demand for living space, additional modules can be constructed anytime to accommodate the growing population.

3.2.Measurements

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4. Artificial Gravity
4.1.Biological effects of microgravity
Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts all matter towards each other. It is the weakest force in nature, but it plays an essential role in our daily lives, affecting our weight and
physical interactions. However, in a microgravity environment, the absence of gravity can have detrimental effects on the human body. For instance, it can affect the sensory
organs, such as the inner ear, causing light discomfort and pressure on the head. Moreover, it can lead to significant health problems, including bone deterioration, muscle atrophy,
and cardiovascular deconditioning.

Bone deterioration is a common problem that astronauts experience in space. The depletion of calcium levels in bones due to weightlessness often causes bone loss, as reflected
in bone density and mass changes. During space missions, astronauts typically lose 1% of their calcium levels every month. Maintaining bone health requires compressive and
impulsive loads from gravity and physical activity like walking and running. Without these loads and sufficient calcium intake, bones supporting an individual's weight may
deteriorate, leading to potential bone loss upon return to Earth under the pressure of G force.

Muscle atrophy is another health issue that astronauts face in space. The absence of gravity interrupts protein synthesis, causing muscle fibers to atrophy. In the microgravity
environment, the breakdown of muscle tissue happens, and significant changes in the countenance of the muscle occur. Experimental research has found that only 14 days in
microgravity can cause muscle atrophy as much as 30%, especially in the legs and the torso muscles. This is because the legs usually fight against gravity's pressure.

Cardiovascular deconditioning is a reduction in the function of the cardiovascular system due to prolonged inactivity. In weightless space, cardiovascular deconditioning can
occur rapidly due to the redistribution of fluids from the lower body to the upper body. This can cause initial symptoms, such as feelings of fullness in the head and associated
discomfort, and may lead to an early loss of body fluid as a response to these symptoms, including blood plasma. Various studies have suggested that individuals travelling in space
tend to experience a range of physical changes. These changes may include an increase in heart rate, a reduction in plasma, a decrease in heart chamber volume, and facial
oedema.

In conclusion, gravity is necessary during space travel to protect astronauts from the harmful effects of microgravity. Without it, they may experience bone loss, muscle atrophy, and
cardiovascular deconditioning, which can have long-lasting effects on their health. 12
4.2.Equation
The Aquila spaceship comprises a main cylinder and four tori surrounding it. To keep people safe, we have placed them inside the longitudinal half of the torus.
We have decided to rotate the entire spaceship counterclockwise around its vertical axis to simulate gravity. We will use centrifugal force to approximate
artificial gravity, with an acceleration of 9.81 m/s^2. Our calculations will consider two forces described by Newton's second law of mechanics (F = m*a):
F₁=G=m*g
F2=Fc=m*a, where Fc=centrifugal force
F1=F2=>
(because the vectors G and Fc have the same orientation and magnitude)
=>g=a (9,81 m/s²)
g=v²/R

R=574 m =>v= (g*R)

v= ( 5630.94)=> v~=75.04 m/s
v=x*2πR/Δt, Δt=1 min=60 s (in I.S.)
x=1,249 rpm

So, at 1,249 rpm, we can get the perfect conditions for our passengers. The rotations will be implemented slowly so that they will not feel nauseous due to the
accelerated physical system forming around them, even though we believe that at such a low value of rpm, approximated by a loss at 1, the biological effects
may not be very harsh on the passengers' bodies.
*The gravitation levels will feel different considering the living space's height, the passengers' height and their movement in the spaceship. However, the
differences are minimal mathematically and should be refined concerning the spacecraft's engineering.
*A minor disadvantage in the accelerated environment is the effect of the Coriolis force on the passenger. The Coriolis force vector is determined by the
rotating direction of the spaceship( for instance, if the spacecraft is rotating counter-clockwise, as we established earlier, the vector of the force will form a
45-degree angle in the direction of the rotation).
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5.Transportation
Regarding transportation on Aquila, our citizens will benefit from 3 main ways of travel
and commutation. The main cylinder of the Aquila will be traversed by The Green Line, a
series of transit tracks that will assure passage across the ship's length, with stations in
each cylinder that will connect to The Red Line's funicular.
The Green Line Train will be able to hold up to 50 passengers at once and circulate
according to a strict schedule adapted to the citizens' everyday lives so that missing it
would not inevitably result in being late. As with the other two lines of public transport,
there will be no travelling fee, and each passenger will be assigned a seat the moment
they embark if there are any left. The citizens will be seated and have their seatbelts
fastened to prevent them from drifting around in the cabins while the train moves. https://meeting.zuerich.com/en/visit/tours-excursions/stoos-summit-experience

The same principle will apply to the train riding the Red Line, inspired by the Swiss' "Stoosbahn" - "whose barrel-shaped carriages adjust their floors
so passengers can still stand upright while it climbs towards the Alpine plateau" - working in a similar fashion, adjusting the incline of the train's pods
according to the extent of the "gravitational pull" felt by its passengers due to centrifugal force exerted by the rotation of the ship, so as the
commuters will always sit in a comfortable position during the duration of the ride.
There will be four lines for every module, one for each tube connecting the central cylinder to its respective torus entrance. The "funicular" will eventually
arrive at the corresponding station, dropping off the passengers and then "ascending" back to the central cylinder in order to pick up more passengers
transitioning from The Green Line.
Now, with their feet on the ground, citizens of the Aquila can use the metro line, also known as The Blue Line, which surrounds the torus, providing
commutation across its length. Multiple trains will arrive (according to our calculations) every 3 minutes to ensure speedy and punctual transportation
for all residents. The Blue Line will benefit from stations in every residential district, every central point of interest such as commercial and industrial
areas and, where necessary, intermediary stations so that no section of the Aquila is isolated from public transport.

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Our society will be car-free, as to preserve the environment and regulate pollution, citizens being encouraged to travel not only using the metro, but also
bicycles, for which there will be designated lanes across the toruses, but most importantly, walking, as the distances between significant locations in our
toruses and of the torus itself will be rather approachable on foot, as to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
Overall, the population of the Aquila will benefit from heaps of modes of transport that will go hand in hand with our model of an active, healthy and
productive society, which is to be expected of the Aquila.
External transportation:
Transportation from Aquila Shuttle to Aquila Spaceship is organized periodically and also event-based. The periodical shuttle consists of standard
scheduled launches from Earth. Transportation is done via rocket-powered modules, which, upon arrival, dock to Aquila. The return trips are used for those
leaving Aquila or returning from past visits. Aquila has several docks in various areas of the spaceship to accommodate multiple simultaneous landings if
needed. This system also provides an alternative if one of the landing docks is blocked or malfunctioning. For event-based transportation, a trip can be
booked outside of the standard schedule of departures using a charter trip. These charter vehicles are significantly larger in capacity, being used for
moving a significant part of the spaceship's population in case of need (diseases needing treatment on Earth, parts of the spacecraft out of order, special
events requiring return to Earth).

6.Shielding
6.1.Radiation
There are three kinds of radiation in space: particles trapped within the Earth's magnetic field (The Van Allen radiation belts), particles (x-rays, gamma rays, and
streams of protons and electrons) shot into space during solar flares (solar particle events, SPEs), and galactic cosmic rays(GCR), which are high-energy protons
and heavy ions that come from beyond our solar system. The Van Allen radiation belts will not reach our settlement since they only extend to 58,000 km from Earth.
However, the shuttles coming to or from Earth will be affected. Therefore, the shuttles will have a form of shielding that is much simpler than the settlement itself
because of the reduced exposure time.
As it has been researched, Space radiation can cause cancer, neurological disorders, and digestive diseases. Therefore, we need to make sure Aquila is protected
from any kind of radiation. To protect our settlement inhabitants, we have designed a multi-layered shielding barrier, each one with its own role. It has been
proven that even if a multiple-layer shielding system might produce more secondary radiation, it could be thick enough to prevent radiation from reaching the
people inside the spacecraft entirely. In addition, when compared to single-material shielding, the same mass of multi-layered shielding has been shown to reduce
electron penetration by nearly 60%. 15
Radiation shielding consists of two methods: active and passive shielding. Active methods use
electric/magnetic fields to deflect charged particles away before they interact with the spacecraft material. In
theory, active shielding is the best solution because it reduces the possibility of secondary particle generation.
However, applying active shielding in space-like conditions presents challenges from an engineering point of
view. The amount of electric/magnetic field required to stop highly energetic charged particles is hundreds of
megavolts. Although some advanced research is being conducted to reduce the magnitude of
electric/magnetic fields in order to make active shielding a reality, it is still in the conceptual stage. Therefore,
we will only use passive methods.

-The first layer will be made of aluminum, which is a typical spacecraft construction material. The ISS has
already used it, and it has been shown to be an effective radiation-shielding metal. Besides the capability of
stopping primary and secondary radiation, aluminum also performs exceptionally compared to many other
metals in terms of minimizing weight, thermal management, mechanical stability, and corrosion resistance. https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/hhp/space-radiation/

-The second layer will be the lunar regolith. Our robots will easily collect it because of our proximity to the Moon. Results suggest that even modest amounts
of lunar soil provide substantial protection against both GCR and SPE particles. It would not only provide protection but also reduce the need for shielding
materials to be transported from Earth.

-The third and final layer will be made of polyethylene. Hydrogen is the best material for shielding against space radiation because it has the highest
electron density per nucleon and no neutrons. Hydrogen is an unstable material. Therefore, any hydrogenous materials, such as structurally stable polymers,
would be the best alternative. Polyethylene (PE) is rich in hydrogen and relatively inexpensive. In fact, it is the most effective at limiting the harmful effects of
radiation and has been approved for use aboard the ISS.
Chemical reactions for producing polyethylene:
2CH4 + O2 → C2H4 + 2H2O - to obtain ethylene through methane
nCH2 =CH2 → (CH2 –CH2)n - to achieve polyethylene through polymerization
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6.2.Thermal Management
Protection from the heat and cold of space must be carefully considered to guarantee the safety of the settlement. Therefore, we need a Thermal Control
System (TCS) in order to maintain an optimal temperature on the spacecraft. We will be using both passive and active methods.

-Passive Thermal Control System(PTCS)


In order to prevent heat losses and excessive heating, Aquila will be covered by multilayer insulation (MLI), the most commonly used passive thermal control
element. The MLI will consist of 20 layers made of aluminized Mylar(so that solar thermal radiation can't pass through) and glass fabric. Research shows that
combining these two materials is the most efficient way to provide insulation for the settlement.

-Active Thermal Control System(ATCS) will be composed of two elements: heat pipes and louvers. Heat Pipes can transport heat over long distances to a
radiator and don't require any power to operate. They will be made of aluminum because of its high strength and high thermal conductivity. Louvers will be
used to control heat transfer between internal settlement surfaces.

6.3.Impact protection
Micrometeorites and orbital debris(also known as space junk) pose a significant threat. These types of space waste
differ in shape, size, and chemical composition. Collision with debris can deteriorate the settlement's structure and
endanger the safety and well-being of citizens. We will implement a radar system to determine the size and
trajectory of the incoming threat. Depending on the dimensions of the danger, we will decide if we need to move
the spacecraft from its path.
The settlement will be covered by a Stuffed Whipple Shield, similar to the one used on ISS. It is a variation of the
basic Whipple Shield. Layers of Nextel and Kevlar are inserted between the outer bumper(made of aluminum) and
the rear wall. These additional layers shock and pulverise the debris cloud, ensuring that any fragments that reach
the rearwall are harmless. https://hvit.jsc.nasa.gov/shield-development/

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7.Engines
Our Spacecraft will be equipped with 2 different electric propulsion thrusters:

-The main engines:


The primary engines are MagnetoPlasmaDynamic Thrusters (MPDT). ⁤These engines will facilitate orbital manoeuvring, station keeping, and collision
avoidance with asteroids. ⁤They will be positioned on the cylinders, with two thrusters allocated for each direction in space. ⁤Therefore, Aquila will be able to
move forward, backward, left, right, up, and down with precision. ⁤

-The second set of engines:


Gridded Ion Thrusters(GITs)- will be positioned on the lower surface of the torus and will work 24/7 to produce artificial gravity (4 engines per torus;
diametrically opposed from each other)
The operational efficiency of our spacecraft's engines, particularly the Gridded Ion Thrusters (GITs) due to their continuous operation, demands a
substantial and consistent power supply. We have developed an energy supply plan (Energy Chapter). We will obtain the necessary power for the thrusters
from two crucial sources: solar energy (obtained by the solar panels surrounding the toruses and stored in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries) and nuclear
energy (radioisotope thermoelectrical generators and nuclear fusion/fission reactors).

I.The MPDT (MagnetoPlasmaDynamic Thruster) is a powerful electric propulsion thruster that uses the Lorentz force. It produces extremely high thrust and
a specific impulse, making it one of the best choices for deep-space-exploration missions. Gaseous substances are ionized and pumped into an acceleration
chamber, which generates magnetic and electric fields using a power source. The particles are subsequently driven out of the exhaust chamber by the Lorentz
force, which is caused by the interaction of the plasma's current with a magnetic field. Various propellants, including xenon, neon, argon, hydrogen, hydrazine,
and lithium, have been utilized, with lithium generally outperforming the others. An issue with MPD technology has been the evaporation of cathodes caused
by high current densities. To solve the cathode erosion problem, we will use a mixture of lithium and barium propellant and multi-channel hollow cathodes.
18
There are two different types of thrusters: the Applied-field MPDT (AF-MPDT) and the Self-field MPDT (SF-MPDT). We have decided to use the AF-MPDT(in this
version, a solenoid magnet surrounding the anode produces additional radial and axial magnetic fields, which can help stabilize and accelerate the plasma
discharge) because it has lower power requirements compared with the SF-MPDT (in case of a malfunction, the lower power engines will still be able to move the
settlement away from any danger ). The advantage of Applied-field MPD thrusters over a Self-field type is that the magnetic fields can be manipulated independent
of the amount of charge running through the cathode and anode, which can result in longer thruster component life. MPDTS could produce an extremely high
exhaust velocity of up to 110000 m/s, way more than the value of current xenon-based ion thrusters, and roughly 25 times more effective than liquid rockets. MPD
technology might also provide thrust levels of up to 200 Newtons, considerably above any other kind of electric propulsion and comparable to numerous
interplanetary chemical rockets. This will allow the use of electric propulsion for missions that need quick Delta-V maneuvres, many times more fuel efficient.

II.The Gridded Ion Thruster is a popular design for ion thrusters, a highly efficient low-thrust spacecraft propulsion technology that uses high voltage grid
electrodes to accelerate ions with electrostatic forces. Various propellants, including mercury, cesium, and xenon, have been utilized, xenon being by far the least
corrosive. Therefore, we have chosen NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT). In this type of thruster, electrostatic forces accelerate ions. Electrodes
generate the electric fields required for acceleration. They are located at the thruster's downstream end. Each set of electrodes, known as ion optics or grids,
contains thousands of coaxial apertures. Each set of apertures acts as a lens, electrically focusing ions through the optics. NASA's ion thrusters use a two-electrode
system, with the upstream electrode (the screen grid) being highly positive and the downstream electrode (the accelerator grid) being highly negative.

Because the ions are generated in a region with a high positive potential and the accelerator grid has a
negative potential, the ions are drawn to the accelerator grid and focused out of the discharge chamber
through the apertures, resulting in thousands of ion jets (ion beam). These engines have reached velocities of
up to 90,000mph (145,000 km/h or 40 km/s), which is much more than we need. The approximate speed we
require is 75.04 m/s:

v=ωR
a=9.81 m/s^2
R-radius of revolution=574m

ω= (a/R)-angular velocity=> ω= √(9.81/574)=0,1307 rad/s
v=0,1307*574=75.04 m/s

https://beyondnerva.com/electric-propulsion/gridded-ion-thrusters/
19
8.Life Support
8.1.Atmosphere
So that living on Aquila can be sustained, we will need to create an earth-like atmosphere on
our space station.

Argon has no biological role, so it will not be present in our atmosphere.


Atmospheric Percentage in Earth’s Ideal values for the
Component Atmosphere* Space Station
In the construction phase of our ship, Nitrogen will be brought in tanks from Earth. However, our
moon mining capabilities will enable us to extract Nitrogen from the Moon by heating it to a Nitrogen 78.084% 77.960%

high temperature (> 1200 degrees C). Although there is a trace amount of Nitrogen in solar Oxygen 20.946% 21.000%

winds, getting it from there in the beginning will be uneconomical. Eventually, we will not have Argon 0.934% 0.000%
to depend on Earth for this resource. Carbon Dioxide 0.033% 0.040%

Water Vapor 0.040% 1.000%


As with Nitrogen, we will initially rely on oxygen tanks from Earth to sustain the ship's oxygen
supply. However, we will also produce oxygen through the process of water electrolysis, as Trace Elements 0.003% 0.000%
shown in the equation:

2 H2O(l) 2 H2(g) + O2(g). *Earth’s atmosphere at sea level, in clear air with no weather
Another source of oxygen will be the lunar soil, which contains almost 45% oxygen(more disturbance (Standard Temperature and Pressure)
information in resource chapter). Additionally, the plants on board will produce oxygen through
photosynthesis, a third oxygen source for us.
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light —> C6H12O6 + 6 O2
The plants will use carbon dioxide produced by humans, but any excess amounts can be easily
vented away from the ship. 20
Air Quality Pressure
To maintain optimal air quality in the living space, controlling To prevent any issues with equipment, the pressure value inside the space station
humidity and gas concentration levels is essential. The Air will be the same as the pressure on Earth, which is 14.7 psi (101.352 kPa),
Revitalization Systems will ensure this by adjusting although humans can stay healthy at lower pressure levels. The density value will
temperature and adding moisture to the air. Different systems be 1.2 kg/m3.
will be used to monitor and regulate gas concentrations, and
they will also be able to remove trace contaminations from the Volume
atmosphere. By doing so, we can ensure that the respiratory The volume of our atmosphere will be about 870,267,000 m3. That's the added
systems of the inhabitants and plants remain unaffected. volume of four toruses and the inner cylinder.

Temperature 8.2.Water
To maintain a comfortable temperature of 24°C (297.15K) inside the
space station, an Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) will be Water is vital for sustaining life, and we recognize its importance in Aquila. We
used along with thermal shielding ( see Shielding chapter ). The ATCS are committed to ensuring that water is provided and disposed of safely and
will consist of pipes filled with ammonia that will collect, transport, sustainably on the ship.
and reject heat. Excess heat produced by systems inside the space
station and humans will be dumped into space to prevent any issues To achieve this, we need to determine the amount of water required daily for the
caused by higher temperature levels. inhabitants. The following graph shows the average amount of water used per
person daily. These figures are based on a strict water usage policy that will be
promoted and implemented on the ship. Additionally, various water-saving
systems, such as dual flush toilets and low-flow shower heads, will be in place to
optimize water usage.

21
I.Water - Obtainment
Because Aquila aims to be a self-sustainable colony, there are more viable options
than importing water from Earth due to its cost and inefficiency. Instead, we plan to use Consumption:
Water used in:
various chemical reactions and procedures to produce on-site water that can be
recycled by reclaiming wastewater. This approach will significantly reduce our Showers 90 liters (10 minute showers)
dependency on external resources and help us achieve our goal of long-term
Personal Hygiene (shaving, teeth
sustainability. 18 liters
brushing face and hands washing)

Obtaining water through the chemical reaction of 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O + energy Water used for flushing
25 liters (one 9 liter full flush, four 4
liter half flushes)
requires very costly conditions. Additionally, this reaction can be incredibly hazardous
due to the significant amount of energy produced. Cooking and Drinking 7 liters
Despite these potential drawbacks, this method remains an essential means of 15 liters
Dishwashing
achieving independence from the Earth's resources, but finding an efficient method of
50 liters/week (one load) - 7 liters
recycling water will be a priority. The reversed reaction is also helpful as it provides a Washing machine per day (for the sake of calculating
source of oxygen for the astronauts. a total amount)

Another efficient method for acquiring water is the Sabatier reaction, which was successfully utilized on the ISS.
CO2(g) + 4H2(g) → CH4(g) + 2H2O(l)
Carbon dioxide can be obtained from human exhalation, while hydrogen can be sourced from the reaction. This approach has proven reliable and
beneficial for sustaining life in space, effectively creating a self-sustaining cycle that provides the necessary oxygen and water without reliance on
Earth. As our mining capabilities evolve on the moon, we will also get it from lunar soil.

22
II.Water - Purification
The Water Recovery System is a crucial component of our spacecraft, enabling the conversion of urine and shower water into potable H2O. ⁤The system uses
complex processes to purify and recycle water, ensuring the sustainable management of this vital resource. ⁤Feces will be collected and treated for use in
agricultural fields.
Crystallization:
This initial step involves separating most minerals and salts from the water, forming
CREDIT: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011916420313126)-THE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
them into crystals.
Nitrification:
In the second step, ammonia in urine will be converted into nitrate, ultimately
eliminated through reverse osmosis.
Electrodialysis:
Electrodialysis will be used for water desalination and removal, driving ions through
ion-selective membranes.
Mixing:
Water is relatively acidic at this stage, so NaOH will be added to lower the pH to
safe drinking levels.
Reverse Osmosis:
The final step employs a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and

8.3.Agriculture larger particles from water.

Aquila specialists are working on an autonomous, sustainable and efficient production and supply system to ensure that the inhabitants of our spacecraft are
provided with food. Accordingly, they created space agriculture, which includes:
- Aeroponic and hydroponic agriculture: consists of efficient and sustainable methods of growing vegetables, cereals, fruits and other green crops without
the use of soil, saving space and water.
In the aeroponic systems, a solution of water in the form of mist or dew, applied to the roots in the air, provides the plant with nutrients.
In hydroponic systems, the nutrient solution is dripped through droppers and tubes directly to the roots of plants, which are placed in trays. We have
created vertical modules to maximize crop production in small spaces, combining aeroponic and hydroponic farming. 23
https://vectormine.com
- Aquaponic system. This system has hydroponics and aquaculture subsystems, and water is the
main component. The circulation and filtration system ensures that the water in which fish, shrimp,
snails live, etc. constitutes a healthy environment, but also contains a large amount of nutrients for
plants. Aquaponics is a very efficient method of producing a lot of food in a relatively small space
using an ecosystem where the waste of some becomes a resource for others. In a recirculation
system, the filtration system helps beneficial bacteria break down fish waste into chemical
compounds that are easily absorbed by plants (vegetables, fruits, etc.). Practically, fish,
vegetables or organic fruits can be grown for the consumption of those on the ship, in a symbiotic
way.

In our modules we produce a variety of cereals, soybeans, vegetables (such as beans, radishes, spinach, turnips, celery, cucumbers, cauliflower, cabbage,
tomatoes and others), aromatic herbs (e.g. mustard, coriander, red amaranth, parsley, basil, thyme, mint), lettuce, sunflower seeds, walnuts, hazelnuts,
pistachios etc. Thanks to this system we also have exotic fruits, kiwi and apricots, bell peppers, eggplants, lettuce, peas, beans, etc. These plants have a
very high yield because they require little water, little attention and have a short growth cycle. Oil fruits and seeds are processed to produce finished
products such as oils and butters
https://www.researchgate.net/figure
- 3D Bioprinting makes it possible to create a variety of products with different shapes, textures and
decorations. This process controls the amount of various vitamins and minerals, as well as proteins,
carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, Aquila residents can nutritionally customize their food
according to their needs (e.g. gluten-free). For our 3D printers, specialists have created high-tech functions
and systems, such as robotic arms, lasers and added deposition heads, which will allow us to create a wide
range of shapes, textures, tastes and decorations for products. This means that any Aquila citizen can
customize their product according to the ingredients they prefer. For meat products, our specialists selected
animal stem cells that were brought on board and placed in ideal conditions for growth and reproduction.
When they reach the ideal number, the cells are separated into muscle and fat cells and turned into
"biological inks" for 3D printing meat products. resulting in large quantities of meat. All ingredients are
natural, and the meat does not lose its properties through processing, it will be like farm meat.
24
All with the help of the 3D Bioprinting printer we also make plant-based meat structures. This process is similar when we use plant cells (such as
proteins from soy, peas, nuts and other plant sources) and create vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat.

- Lyophilization: We use sophisticated preservation and dehydration techniques


to process and store food brought from Earth and other spacecraft, such as
meat, dairy products, coffee and beverages, as well as products prepared on
board, because they have a long shelf life. We use advanced preservation
technologies, such as lyophilization (food is dehydrated by freezing at 50
degrees Celsius and dried by sublimation, which removes over 90% of the water
from food) and preservation by quick freezing, which extend the shelf life of
food. The color, flavor and nutritional value of the product will not be lost, and
this preservation method will preserve the essential nutrients and improve the
taste of the food. Freeze-dried foods are about 20% by weight, but still retain
98% of the nutritional value of fresh produce.
https://liyolife.com/en/what-are-food-drying-methods/

For all these food production systems we use sensors, automated monitoring systems, robots to monitor plant health, manage crops and provide
water and nutrients. Staff also test grown and printed products to ensure food quality and safety, and sanitize and sterilize equipment with
ozone (Ozone Sterilizers) and ultraviolet (UV) light. To save resources and reduce waste, we implement a water and nutrient recycling system in
every food production process. The lighting is provided by a system of mirrors to increase the natural light of the sun, through lamps with solar
energy, but also through efficient LEDs. Water can be easily obtained because the fuel cells on the space shuttle produce water as a
byproduct.
These food production systems require very few resources and provide safe, nutritious and tasty food while producing as little waste as possible.

25
Aquila encourages responsible consumption and healthy eating. We use specialized software that we developed to create the "Aquila Pyramid Guide" to
nutritional balance. This software calculates each person's daily requirement of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals, adapting it to age,
gender and level of physical activity.
The citizens of Aquila are concerned about reducing the amount of waste on board, and recycling is very important to them (metal, plastic and water
recycling, as well as air and water recycling). Also, dried plants and food scraps are composted and used as fertilizer for the crops on the ship.

All inhabitants of Aquila will have at their disposal, to a large extent, food as on Earth.

8.4. Energy
What is the average energy consumption on Aquila?
Aquila has roughly 15,000 people on board; we estimate the average electrical energy consumption to be around 30 kWh per person. By dividing the total
number of people by the number of tori, we can calculate that each torus has an average local consumption of around 112,500 kWh (just in the
apartments). This doesn't include the energy required to power the other departments and the engines, such as the gridded ion thrusters, which enable the
spacecraft to achieve the gravitational effect through constant rotational movement. So, how do we generate enough energy to meet all these demands
daily?

I.Solar Energy(Surface of Revolution)


For starters, the primary energy source for Aquila will be solar panels, which will be "wrapped" around the outside of the torus, covering about <50% of the
area((1)-see on the next slide). To figure out the torus area, we'll consider it the revolution of a circle with radius r (which, in this case, is the tube radius). We
can use the equation x²+y²=r² for any r value in R to calculate the surface, as shown below.
26
To move the graph to the right, we need to subtract the radius of the revolution of the torus from x (the radius of revolution is the radius from the centre to
the transversal middle of the torus). So the new function defined for all the real numbers with values in the real domain is: (x-R)^2+y^2=r^2
Which becomes: y^2=r^2-(x-R)^2
The root function is bijective only for the positive real numbers. For the whole real domain, the equation will be:

|y|=| (r²-(x-R)²)|
√y=± (r²-(x-R)²)
The first function: f: [R-r; R+r]->[-r,r], f(x)=sqrt(r²-x²), the center point is at (R,0). The second function is the opposite of the first one. Therefore, the whole area
is double the surface of revolution of f.(see the two symmetrical colors. (2)
√ ≥≥
The derivative of f(x) is (R-x)/ (r²-(x-R)²), where r and R are constants(R r 0).

∫√
The surface of revolution is then S= 2πx
R+r

R-r
, 2
(1+(f (x)) )dx . Solving using substitution of x as x=R+rsin(t) and dx=rcos(t)dt,t=[-π/2,π/2].

(1)
Therefore, the surface will be approximately A=941,927.2107m^2 (with R=574 m and r=137 m). The settlement will
be situated almost the same distance from the Sun as the Earth, meaning it will receive the same amount of
radiation and lightning (the solar constant) on half of the solar panel. Using the maximum efficiency, we can
calculate the energy output as E=(A/2)*solar constant, which equals 0.64 GW/hour. In a day, this amounts to
almost 15.4 GWh/day, which will be stored in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. There will be 500 batteries per
torus, with 50 installations, each with 10 connected directly to the solar panel ring and the living spaces. Each
battery has a maximum capacity of 75 kWh, resulting in a total capacity of 0.37 GWh. The rest of the energy will
be stored in rechargeable Li-ion generators. (2)
The power supply will be continuous, with all electrical energy directed to the living spaces every hour. During
the lunar night (which lasts 14 days on Earth), the charging will stop, and the power will be reduced to an eco-
mode, where the lights will use less power than during the day.
27
II.Nuclear energy sources 239 235 4
For the sake of scientific research and energy surplus, there will be implemented 94
Pu 24,100 years
92
U + 2
He
four radioisotope thermoelectrical generators in the Aquila spaceship, after the /
(alpha particle)
standard NASA model, where the source of energy will be the isotope
plutonium-239, known for its long half-life(24,100 years) and energy emission.
Moreover, each fission of this isotope will bring more electrical energy, which
will be stored in large lithium-ion generators and used for emergency cases only
or limited active consumption. It is estimated that only a third of the wasted
heat is turned into energy. In ideal conditions, the energy stored for a kilogram
of plutonium will be approximately 8 million kWh. After the decay is completed,
the rest of uranium-235 will be used for research or it will be used for nuclear
decay, as plutonium, and it will be a permanent source of energy, its half-life
being about 704 million years, but which will provide low quantities of energy.

https://rps.nasa.gov/power-and-thermal-systems/power-systems/

2 3 4 For even more energy, a huge nuclear fusion reactor will be set up for the fusion
H + He 12,3 years
H + He of He3 with deuterium, the last being obtained in the electrolysis process(see
1 2 2
/ below). This reaction will be supplemented by the quantities of He-3 found on the
(stable non-radioactive isotope) surface of the Moon. Estimating that the quantity of He-3 will be 50 grams per
reactor, the energy emission will round up to 18,3 MeV from just a fusion of an
atom of He-3, which is a low number in Watt-hours, but, with thousands of
reactions happening simultaneously, the energy could level up very fast. It will be
either sent to the active consumption zone or kept for future use.
28
III.Electrolysis
The water electrolysis process will be carried out using a capillary-fed model where a piston at the bottom of the water
tank will push the water through a tube surrounded by the anode and cathode, both charged by lithium batteries. This
process has been selected for its high efficiency, with around 98% of energy being safely stored at a low cost of only 41.5
kWh for a kilogram of H2, resulting in 2033.5 kWh of power from the entire process. The remaining 41.5 kWh, along with the
rest of energy used in compressors and conservation tanks,will be supplied by a rechargeable alkaline generator using
solar energy.

The hydrogen ions produced during the process will be collected through a vertical pipe leading to a cryogenic
compressor(the white cylinder). Then, the hydrogen cooling process will commence by elevating the cryogenic compressor
while being supported by metal pieces through an open roof and then closing it entirely around the wasted heat tube. This
process will cool the hydrogen to around 3K or 4K, below its boiling point, while compressing it to a maximum of 700 bar.
The sensors will send a message when the highest pressure is achieved in the compressor, namely at point S(3), meaning
the hydrogen is almost completely liquefied.
Electrolysis device (prototype)
The molecular oxygen produced during the electrolysis process will be sent into oxygen tanks through a pipe with a valve
that opens after the process. The heat produced will heat the energy department while the liquid hydrogen is released
outside. The longitudinal wall between the engine chamber and the living chamber in the torus will serve as insulation, and
the engine chamber will share its heat with the primary thermostat (outer space). Each torus will have two electrolysis
cylinders, resulting in a production of 400 kg of hydrogen. However, it's essential to consider the possible loss of substance
during the conservation process, meaning the actual substance quantity is around 300 kg. Therefore, the hydrogen will be
stored in a fuel tank with a cryogenic compressive system to keep it at a low temperature. (3)
Due to the vast electrical usage, the process will be carried out during inactive periods using generators and batteries
from all over the torus to achieve the highest efficiency possible.

29
8.5. Illumination
We decided upon an illumination system that uses LED lights (light-emitting diodes).
How do they work?
An electrical current passes through a microchip, having as a result the illumination of the tiny light sources known as LEDs, producing visible light. To
maintain an optimal performance, the heat generated by LEDs is absorbed into heat sinks.
Utilizing heat sinks is pivotal for LEDs as they absorb and dissipate heat into the surroundings, preventing overheating and premature failure.
Effective thermal management is essential for the successful performance of an LED throughout its lifespan. Higher operating temperatures lead to
quicker light quality degradation and a shortened useful life.
Studies indicate that
softer light increases
LED lights are devoid of productivity by up to 32
toxic components and fully as it reduces eye strain Design flexibility No heat
In comparison to a recyclable, reducing compared to bright
LED lights traditional carbon footprint by up to lighting.
provide instant incandescent bulb a third. Additionally, one LEDs emit minimal
LEDs offer design versatility,
brightness upon (which usually lasts a LED light bulb can save heat, most of the
granting efficient illumination in
activation thousand hours), LEDs the material and emitted light falling
various shapes. They can be
show a way greater production corresponding within the visible
to 25 incandescent light
Dimmed light dimmed, offering an active
lifespan of 50,000 control of the light spectrum.
Instant Lighting bulbs.
hours. intensity/colour/distribution,
leading to aesthetically pleasing
lighting effects, beneficial not
Long lifespan only for the eye but also for the
Ecologically friendly
mood and cognition.

30
8.6.Storage
We plan in detail and create stocks with essential resources (water, oxygen, energy, food, medicine, etc.) to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of
the crew and ensure the sustainability and safety of the ship's population.

I.Food storage
Warehouses were created in the form of adjustable modules, made of light and resistant materials, for easy handling, easy access and not to take up much space
(for example, for dry food there are adjustable shelves, for frozen food there are special compartments with controlled temperature). Each warehouse has systems
to monitor temperature (-18° C for perishable food; 21° C for dry food), light, humidity and oxygen levels, as well as storage conditions.In addition, each warehouse
has a surveillance and monitoring system based on sensors and RFID tags (radio frequency identification), so the staff handling the goods always knows what
inventory is available. For waste recycling warehouses are dedicated areas where they are collected and turned into fertilizer, especially for aeroponic or
hydroponic agriculture.
In order to properly handle cargo brought by other ships, from Earth or Mars (we also exchange products with other ships, often in the form of barter), most of the
storage area is in the docking area. But for ship balance and easy handling, we have also located warehouses in the center of each torus as well as in our local
food production areas (in hydroponics and aeroponic crop modules, etc.). The transport of these goods is done with the help of our drones and robots and their
handling is done by qualified personnel.

II.Water storage
It is done by several methods:
- in water tanks made of stainless steel (resistant to corrosion) and with insulation layers against extreme temperature variations in space. The tanks are designed
to be easy to install and handle and to save space.
- in the form of ice - is a method of long-term water storage, used when the stock reaches damage level. To protect water quality and use it efficiently, we have
sophisticated recycling, filtering and automatic sensor monitoring systems. Filtration, distillation, oxidation and deionization processes remove unwanted bacteria,
impurities, chemicals and minerals from water. The water is tested regularly to ensure its quality. The tanks are located on each tor of the ship, in the middle area
(cylindrical connecting area), where access is limited. The tanks have automatic cleaning systems.We recycle approximately 93% of the water used on board using
the Water Regeneration System (WRS) and convert it into drinking water and oxygen.
The transport of water to the ship's inhabitants and agricultural areas is carefully managed and is done through efficient piping networks and pumps that ensure a
constant flow of water. In addition, mobile tankers, robots and drones are used to transport small tanks of water to homes or specific areas. 31
III.Energy storage
Energy storage is crucial and we use multiple technologies in this regard. We use a combination of energy storage methods that best suits the needs and conditions
of the ship:
- Batteries (lithium-ion batteries and solid-state batteries): store solar and wind energy, which powers basic electrical systems such as lighting,
communications,sensors, etc. They are devices that store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, which they can release when needed.
- Capacitors: used to store backup power in case of an emergency (a power failure, failure or external threat). The devices store electrical energy in the form of
electrostatic energy and can release it quickly.
- Inertia steering wheels: store kinetic energy used to propel the ship and regulate the direction and stability of the ship. These are devices that store mechanical
energy in the form of kinetic energy and convert it into electricity. Inertia steering wheels are non-polluting and can be loaded and unloaded many times.
- Hydrogen: used to store extra energy that is used to power fuel cells, which produce both electricity and water. Hydrogen is stored as a gas or liquid in sealed,
powerful and cooled tanks equipped with sensors, valves,to detect and eliminate any leakage or overpressure. Smart systems combine these methods of energy
storage to efficiently and safely control the flow of energy between the energy source, storage and consumption. Power system storage spaces also include
dedicated spaces for generators, flywheels, batteries, and other equipment.

IV.Oxygen Storage
Oxygen, essential for survival, is stored as a gas or liquid in airtight, pressurized tanks with safety sensors and valves.

V.Fuel storage (propellant)


Both xenon and lithium and barium mixtures are easily ionized because they have high densities and are inert. Fuels are stored separately, not mixed.
– Xenon – is sealed and stored under pressure in specially designed tanks made of pressure-resistant materials (stainless steel and special alloys), equipped with
pressure, temperature and quality monitoring systems. The storage temperature is maintained optimum and is periodically controlled to keep xenon in gas form. In
addition, the tanks are provided with adequate safety systems (safety valves, pressure sensors, isolation devices) to prevent over-pressurization and other dangerous
situations.
- The mixture of lithium and barium is stored in tanks made of materials resistant to chemical substances, treated against corrosion and sealed. The temperature
control is continuously monitored. We have implemented filtration and purification systems to ensure that our blends remain clean and free of impurities.The tanks
are properly labeled to indicate their contents (xenon, lithium and barium, oxygen, hydrogen, etc.), the maximum allowable pressure and other relevant information.

32
For calculating fuel consumption to reach various speeds or altitudes, we also use the "Tsiolkovsky rocket equation": Δv=ve ln (m0/m1), where Δv represents
the change in velocity (change of specific momentum of the rocket), veis the speed of exhaust gas intrusion, m0 is the initial mass of the rocket (with fuel), m1 is
the final mass of the rocket (after fuel consumption).

VI.Waste storage
Tanks and containers are airtight and are temporarily located in dedicated areas, until through recycling and compaction, waste is reformed into useful resources.

VII. Storage of medical and emergency equipment


It is necessary to prevent and treat illnesses, accidents, injuries or poisonings that may occur on board, as well as emergency situations: fires, damages, accidents,
pollution. We have created stocks for emergency medicines and first aid equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency space suits). They are stored in
specific temperature and light conditions, in modules easily accessible for specialized personnel, arranged in several areas of a torus. Medical and emergency
equipment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

VIII.Storage of construction materials


We store construction materials necessary for the maintenance and improvement of the ship's infrastructure and operation (metal, plastic, wood, glass, optical
fiber, adhesives, tools, robots, etc.). The warehouses are with dry surfaces, at temperatures of 5-20°C, made of resistant materials

IX.Storage of communication and navigation equipment


Importants for maintaining contact with Earth and other spacecraft, sending and receiving information, locating and exploring space objects, detecting and
avoiding hazards, and more. Communication and navigation devices include antennas, satellites, radio, television, internet, GPS, radar, sonar, telescopes,
spectrometers, etc. Communication and navigation equipment must be stored in control centers on the ship.

X.Data and information storage


We have implemented redundant storage systems to ensure backups and redundancy in case of unexpected events or hardware failures. We use efficient cooling
systems to keep temperatures at optimum levels and keep devices from overheating. The storage system is efficient to store and access vital information (some
encrypted): scientific data, logbooks, ship plans and schematics, instruction manuals, etc.

33
8.7. Recycling
A lesson we surely learned on Earth is that the abusive use of our resources may lead to unfortunate situations, such as the ones presented in the
introduction (pages 4 and 5).
Because we can’t guarantee that everything we throw away can be replaceable, we decided to have a well-organized recyclation system that will help us
better manage the materials we need and the ones that can be reused.
There will be multiple recycling bins on each torus separated into six categories: plastic, metal, glass, organic, paper and e-waste.
For biological waste, we will use a process known as biomass gasification. During this procedure, food waste is converted into a gas that can be used as
fuel, utilising oxygen, heat and steam. It involves introducing semi-dry food waste into a container that looks like a cooking pot. Within this unit, it passes
through a substance that transforms it into fuel gas. This highly efficient process converts food waste into valuable energy resources in the form of syngas.
For e-waste, we will transport all electronic devices to the recycling facilities, where our workers will sort them into different categories. After a thorough
examination, the functional parts will be extracted and put into reutilization, individually or combined, to form a new device, and the other components
will be sent to the recycling process.

Waste material How many times we will recycle it


paper 5-7 times
plastic 2-3 times
metal
Infinitely*
glass

*metal and glass materials can be recycled endlessly without losing their properties. https://zerowastecity.com/wp-
content/uploads/2020/01/2019-12-10-Recycle-
bins-e1592464990631.png
34
9.Lifestyle
9.1.Residential Facilities
⁤ s we begin our journey in space, one of the most important aspects we need to consider is the proper utilization of available space on our ship. ⁤We have carefully
A
evaluated different options and concluded that apartment buildings are our most suitable living option. ⁤This is because apartments are more energy-efficient and
space-saving than other options, such as houses, that take more space. CREDIT:https://landinghub.com/listings/starwars-pod-room/

In the United States, the average apartment measures about 512 square feet (47.7 m2). ⁤However,
we understand that we must significantly adjust this size to ensure optimal space use. ⁤To achieve
this, we will introduce sleeping pods instead of full-size bedrooms, dramatically reducing the
space required for sleeping. ⁤Moreover, we will promote community-oriented activities, minimizing
the space needed for entertainment inside the house. ⁤As such, we will encourage outdoor activities
and community events that promote social interaction and engagement. ⁤Doing so can significantly
reduce the space required for individual entertainment activities. ⁤As a result of these modifications,
the living space needed for one or two people will be approximately 355 square feet (32 m2).

We understand the importance of providing sufficient living space and comfort for larger families.
⁤Hence, we will have multiple apartment types for different family sizes with other extra features
needed, for example, furniture for babies. ⁤These flats will be designed in a minimalistic way to save
resources and time needed for building, but residents will have the freedom to personalize their
homes as they like. ⁤
Considering the population of 15,000 human beings on our ship, we will construct every block with eight stories, where every floor will be 8.2 ft (2.5 meters) tall. ⁤Each
floor may have three or five apartments, depending on the type. ⁤The general footprint required for our housing mission might be approximately 30,000 square meters.

An intelligent security system will be installed in the apartments. ⁤Using a fingerprint scan or facial recognition, the front door will unlock. ⁤The building's hallways will
have cameras to monitor the residents entering and departing the apartment complex. ⁤Emergency buttons will be installed in secret locations throughout the flats so
the owner can notify the authorities of any risk. ⁤ 35
9.2.Healthcare
Ensuring the health and well-being of our inhabitants is our top priority. As we build a new civilization from the ground up, we can implement new ideas
and innovations to improve healthcare. At the same time, we can build on the existing knowledge and practices on Earth to create a strong foundation
for our healthcare system.

Our primary objective is to collect patient data to enhance our services and uncover new insights that can benefit us. Data analysts will have a vital role in
this regard since the amount of information will be massive, and it's essential to maintain it organized, safe, and easily accessible to medical professionals
for improved patient care. This system will gather information from existing medical records on Earth, as well as bi-monthly health checkups that every citizen
will be required to participate in. By combining these two data sources, we will better understand individuals' health status and be better equipped to
address any health concerns that may arise.

In terms of infrastructure, each torus will have its own hospital, but to operate efficiently, they will specialize in different areas and communicate
extensively to support each other.
3D printing will be used for prosthetics, surgical instruments, ansd creating organ replicas or other anatomical replicas for learning and doctor training.
We will also use computer-generated or augmented reality that significantly improves medical diagnosis and education; these technologies will help
doctors practice, learn, and provide better patient services. Also, surgery could be done from a distance with the help of remotely managed healthcare
equipment and VR.
To help monitor each of our citizens better, everyone on the spaceship will be attributed a medical smartwatch that will gather data with the help of
sensors. Information such as body temperature, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate will be vital for doctors to analyze and provide higher-
quality diagnostics.
Artificial Intelligence will be used to create algorithms that sort and explore the vast amount of information gathered. It will also be able to scan and flag
anomalies or changes in the overall health of all the inhabitants; by doing this, we can prevent the spread of diseases or epidemics or at least find out about
their existence earlier. 36
9.3.Entertainment and Recreation - Art and Creativity
The Aquila Architects designed and built a futuristic space mall in keeping with the space of the ship, including numerous cultural and leisure areas, a wide range
of shops, restaurants, cafes, cinema halls, casinos and children's playgrounds, which are attractions for any age.
The mall is designed on 4 levels, each level corresponding to a torus of the ship. The modes of transport on the ship interact between the floors and ensure the
connection between them.

In the lower torus is the shopping area with shops and boutiques offering everyday products, food, clothing, accessories, souvenirs, essentials, luxury items and
more. In addition, there are electronics stores that sell gadgets, space devices and innovative technologies. There is also a market with stalls and stalls with fruit,
vegetables, bakery products and other products. Here we also find an Information Center (information about cultural events, onboard activities, restaurant
reservations, space tours, etc.), as well as an infirmary and a first aid area (emergency services)

In the second torus we have the area dedicated to culture, art and creativity, a space where residents can explore and develop their artistic skills, relax and
socialize:
- Rotating art galleries, where art exhibitions are held, use rotating systems that allow 360-degree viewing of exhibits and also use simeze-type exhibition systems
for paintings. The three-dimensional images are created through holographic projections, which bring the works of art to life. We use interactive technology by
placing touch or virtual screens for visitors to interact with additional information about each artwork.
- Art workshops and other activities – are open places with appropriate equipment to allow people to improve their artistic skills, paint, sculpt or develop in
different artistic environments. There are a variety of courses, interactive and educational events that are led by recognized professionals or artists.
- Cosmic theatre – live performances, plays, musicals, stand-up comedy and other entertainment events are held here. The stage is equipped with advanced
sound systems and high-quality lighting, sophisticated technological equipment that makes the spectators enjoy the artistic act.
- Space cinema with three halls equipped with IMAX technology and 4D projection that allow visitors to feel at the center of the action. One hall includes the
MX4D concept where the seats are designed with motors that make them move, jump and vibrate to simulate the movement you see on the screen. A number of
smells (ocean, burnt rubber. coffee) from the film are associated with the effects in the cinema hall, and other senses are stimulated by water vapor, wind,
lightning, snow and other factors. All this is synchronized with the scenes on the screen, which gives the viewer an immersive and realistic experience of the movie
being watched.
37
- Shows and artistic events area – are spaces arranged for artistic performances, live music, orchestras and entertainment events, as well as clubs for dance
and parties..
- Museums: We have two museums: the Space Museum and the Museum of Earth and Space History which offer exhibitions about Earth's history, planet formation
and the evolution of life, as well as how space exploration has influenced our knowledge of the Universe.
- The cosmic library comprises a wide range of books, albums, magazines, educational materials and digital resources. It provides access to universal
understanding and serves as a window to spiritual evolution.
- Offices and conference rooms - Spaces for meetings and work activities. Internet access is easy for all residents.

In the third torus, there are the Wellness and Sports Areas, which include fitness rooms, spas and treatment rooms, spaces for body care and beauty treatments,
relaxation areas with futuristic and high-tech design furniture, all surrounded by huge windows that allow passengers to simultaneously enjoy of relaxation and
breathtaking views.
These areas include hanging gardens or atriums with natural vegetation and space fountains for a calming and comforting environment. The therme area includes
jacuzzis, swimming pools, spaces for underwater therapy and relaxation that include a bar and underwater sofas. They are illuminated with LEDs to create an ideal
atmosphere. Each pool has alert sensors and video monitoring systems to protect users. For the sustainable use of resources, efficient water recycling systems are
implemented. They are equipped with water purification technologies and high-performance filtration systems to achieve high standards of water quality.

In the fourth torus, there is an area dedicated to restaurants, bars and cafes. Gastronomic locations offer a variety of dishes to satisfy the different tastes of
those who live aboard the spacecraft, which has a diverse population:
- Restaurants offering international cuisines: Each restaurant can serve one or more ethnical specific cuisines such as Asian, South American, Romanian or
African cuisine, among others. It is the place where specialized chefs can prepare authentic dishes.
Restaurants offer menus that cover a wide range of diets, including options for vegans, vegetarians, people with food allergies, or people on special diets.
- The Fine Dining Restaurant offers fine cuisine and select wines, which is comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants on Earth.
- Show Cooking Area: Chefs prepare food in front of customers, providing an interactive dining experience and also allowing residents to actively participate in
the event.
- There is an area dedicated to bars, cafes and confectioneries. Here you can serve themed drinks and astral cocktails, coffees and gourmet teas, but also fresh
desserts and delicious cakes.
38
For those who want to serve restaurant products in the quiet of their homes, sophisticated ordering and delivery systems are advantageous. They can
order food from a variety of restaurants and receive it in their rooms or relaxation areas.
This upper level side has panoramic windows to give residents spectacular views of space and allow them to dream of the new life on Aquilla.
Also here is the Planetarium, which offers projections on the dome for astronomy lessons and presentations about stars, planets and space
phenomena, as well as the universe. There is also a gaming and virtual reality room, which includes state-of-the-art video games, flight and floating
simulators, combat simulation with other ships, interstellar games and interactive games. There are also playgrounds for the little ones equipped with
the most attractive space rocket-shaped topogans, trains, tyribombs and other space assemblies created from non-toxic materials. Everything from
restaurant tables to chairs, lamps and utensils used were 3D printed and were produced on the ship.

The connection between the floors is made with space lifts and the means of transport on the ship. Also, for a wide range of materials and goods there
are magnetic conveyors. The lighting works according to the specific activities that the inhabitants carry out in the different parts of the ship: The work
area, the relaxation area or the entertainment area. The brightness in the entertainment area is ambient and can be adjusted according to the time of
day and activities.

Next to to the Aquilla Mall is a construction dedicated to entertainment and sports, which includes a stadium with a futuristic and panoramic design,
as well as several multifunctional halls and courts, even an ice rink, and offers the possibility of practicing many sports that were played on Earth:
football, basketball, rugby, tennis, volleyball, etc.
The Aquila Stadion is an innovative stadium that can accommodate 10,000 spectators and will host important sporting events. It is specially designed
for all sports. The courts have surfaces that can be modified to suit different sports.Integrated field LED panels can display interactive graphics,
statistics and live data. During sporting events, high-quality surround sound and VR systems provide an immersive listening experience. There is also an
Adventure Park here where people can do various things such as rock climbing, ziplining and simulated gravity skydiving. Everyone will always find
something interesting to do at the mall.

39
9.4. Education
Our children’s education is one of the most critical aspects of civilian life on Aquila, so we want to ensure that by the time they enter adulthood,
they have already chosen their career path and that they will be able to sustain themselves financially.
We have decided that the educational system should be similar to the one on Earth, to give our students a sense of familiarity and to make the
transition to Aquila’s lifestyle easier.

Type of education Age


Aquila will have three elementary schools, three
Doctoral level
middle schools, three high schools located in each
Master’s level education Ages vary
torus and a university. Each school will have biology,
Bachelor’s level education
chemistry and physics laboratories, art studios,
Highschool 15-19
sports fields, canteens and libraries.
Middle School 11-15
Elementary School 7-11

The school year starts on 15 September and lasts until 15 June, including Christmas and Spring breaks. Through these nine months of intense
studying, we want our students to have outstanding academic achievements without feeling pressured or stressed. Therefore, we chose the
following subjects for elementary, middle and high school:
Mandatory subjects: mathematics, English, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, ecology, computer science, arts (music, dance, ballet, plastic
arts)
Optional subjects: history, psychology, religion and spirituality, economics, debate, second language (French, German or Italian), Philosophy
(including notions of ancient Greek and Latin), food and nutrition, architecture

40
It has been scientifically proven that physical education not only fights fatigue, but also increases energy levels, so the school day will start for all students,
regardless of age or grade, at 9 am, with a physical education class that will last half an hour and at 10 am they will start their theoretical classes, which will
last 45 minutes each, with a 15 minutes break between them.

We will focus on teaching our students things that will help them in their future careers, so we want them to be actively involved in their preffered working
domains.
Therefore, all of our students will choose a professional field and will be distributed to a particular company so they can get used to working in that field and
interacting with professionals, where they will spend two hours after school ends.

One of our goals is to improve the current study conditions and reduce the difficulties that students have to face on Earth every day, so we have decided
upon the following objectives:
A considerable issue that students face daily is the pain they get from the heaviness of their backpacks. Therefore, all students will be provided with
a device containing all the learning materials required, so their backpacks won’t be as heavy and won’t affect their health or give them back pain.
We want to make sure that our students get to develop their passions outside of school, and because they are at an age where they have a lot of
energy, we will make sure that the homework they receive won’t take more than 2 to 3 hours per day of their free time.
Besides having good academic results, we want our students to develop mentally and spiritually during their school years. Therefore, our teachers will
organize interactive activities and ensure nobody is left out. Moreover, we will provide psychological offices in each school, where our students can talk
freely about their problems and feelings and get help from our specialists.

The selection of the teachers who will work on Aquila will be a rigorous process, as we want to find the best and most capable educators for each subject,
who will meet our standards. They must have a Bachelor’s degree in education, a teacher certification corresponding to the subject and grade level they want
to teach and pass the recruitment process for the settlement. We want to ensure they are open-minded and patient and can adapt quickly to changes or
work well under pressure.
41
10.Government
When talking about government, a presidential democracy was our go-to choice. This form of government best fits the society that we are trying to create for our
settlement and its ethics and morals. We want to encourage the citizens to pursue their dreams and contribute in a prosperous way to help develop our new
"nation". As such, we must ensure freedom of speech and action and make sure all our citizens are granted their well-deserved rights and fundamental principles.
We want every one of their voices to be heard and make sure that the best and most beloved people of society are in charge of preserving harmony and balance.
Therefore, we unanimously agreed that a democratic government best fits our society and its population's well-being.
Constitution and Laws
Aquila's Constitution, based on The Constitution of The USA, would encompass the whole Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with minor changes adjusting
the meaning of nationalities due to the organization of the settlement. To be noted that each and every citizen will be permitted and encouraged to keep their
cultural identity and traditions brought from Earth, but on The Aquila, they will not be referred to based on their ethnicity and nationality but on the new system of
population which would catalogue them according to the torus and subsequently the district they live in: Citizen 1 - Torus X - District Y.
Law enforcement
A police force and a special forces unit will both be present on the Aquila, which will maintain order and ensure the safety of the residents. The Police would
act just like the organization we are familiar with here on Earth, keeping most of its structure and principles and, where needed, suffering minor adjustments to
better fit the society we are trying to build. The Special Forces would be fewer in numbers than the Police and would only intervene in more serious matters, such
as threats to the colony's well-being and survival.
Economy
The economy of the Aquila will be entirely based on a merit system. There will be no physical money on the settlement; the currency used will rely on an
electronic credit system. Each person will receive credits in exchange for their work and the services they provide, and the amount of money they receive will be
proportional to the amount of work done. This system does not mean that the citizens will have to work over hours to be able to provide for their family, as the
minimum salary will be more than enough to sustain a living, facilities, and other expenses. However, it is meant to reward hard-working people that
devote their time to the cause. There will be very few subsidies to none, except for exceptional cases, to discourage unemployment and to ensure a certain level of
productivity is maintained across society. Alongside money, consistent citizens can also receive merit points, which can be used to take extra days off of work or
for other benefits such as discounts for expensive purchases.

42
11.Research
11.1.Asteroid Hunting from Lunar Orbit:
Why is asteroid spotting needed?

The prospect of asteroid spotting from lunar orbit is a challenging but necessary task that humanity must undertake to guarantee the continued survival of mankind.
According to data from The Near-Earth Object Near-Earth Object, there have been a total of 42241 asteroids detected in the first nine years of their study worthy of the
label “Near-Earth Object”.

What is a “Near-Earth Object”?

A “Near-Earth Object” (or NEO) is a tiny Solar System body whose orbit brings it close to Earth. By definition, a NEO is an object that has a perihelion distance of less than 1,3
AU. The orbits of these objects make them a potential hazard, leading to the possibility of a collision. While most Near-Earth Objects pose no immediate threat, some can
potentially destroy life on Earth as we know it if a collision were to happen.

Why should we build an observatory on The Moon?

This observatory could be more powerful than any currently on Earth and could aid us in spotting and documenting asteroids. Due to not being limited by the Earth’s gravity,
we can build structures many times larger than existing ones. Another benefit would be the new materials we could use that are unfeasible on Earth but practical on The
Moon due to the reduced stresses experienced by the materials in low-gravity conditions. The lack of an atmosphere makes The Moon a perfect location for the observatory.
This observatory could help us mitigate the danger of asteroids approaching The Earth directly from The Sun. One example of a meteorite that humans did not detect due to
the previously mentioned problem is the Chelyabinsk Meteor, which led to an estimated number of 1491 injuries and caused over 33 million USD worth of property damage.
This incident highlights the importance of our mission.
43
11.2.Theoretical Subjects and Experiments
What can we perfect in physics, chemistry and biology through research?
Fluids are a mystery from a physical perspective, and their behaviour is not yet fully understood. As a result, we plan to construct a modular vacuum
laboratory in a smaller shuttle, ejected from the main base and equipped with the necessary machinery and tools, which will be staffed by ten experts in
physics, biology, and chemistry from the original crew. They will conduct various experiments to understand better fluid mechanics, such as studying the
effect of compression in a microgravity environment or creating new exotic liquids by combining two or more atoms.

One study area will be the Bose-Einstein condensate, specifically the isotope Rubidium-87, which is well-suited for producing a stable BEC due to its
positive scattering length. Scientists will use laser or sympathetic cooling to achieve the lowest possible temperature. Laser cooling works by charging
the electrons of atoms with photons, which are then emitted in the opposite direction, cooling the liquid down. Three lasers will be used to cool down
the vacuum chamber containing the rubidium. The experiments will be extended to other fluids.

Chemists will work on the results of the fluid research and may discover new elements in the periodic table. They could also participate in the
fusion/fission processes from the reactors, safely extracting radioactive isotopes and working on them. Also, they will work on developing lanthanide and
actinide and possibly forming new chemical compounds.

Biological experiments will be conducted to produce oxygen and food resources in a zero-gravity environment. The first step involves studying the
response of living organisms in space, which will be done by experimenting with mushroom and fungi specimens. Once scientists have gained a better
understanding of how these organisms behave in space, they will use advanced tools to replicate their DNA on other plants.

Finally, the laboratory will be used to develop and perfect quantum fields, such as quantum gravity or quantum mechanics, throughout the research
process. This may lead to the unification of quantum and relativity theories.

44
12.Resource
One aspect of lunar exploration is the idea of resource collection, a concept that envisions extracting and utilizing lunar materials to support Aquila. The
lunar regolith is composed predominantly of oxygen (42%), silicon (21% in the form of SiO2), iron (13% as FeO), calcium (8% as CaO), aluminum (7% as
Al2O3), magnesium (6% as MgO), traces of titanium (1% as TiO2), in addition to various other elements and compounds (2%), alongside more volatile
materials suitable for fusion reactors, such as Helium-3. There is also water in the form of ice located at the Lunar Poles which will be harvested ,and
Nitrogen(deposited by the solar wind). The mining operation is comprised of 3 categories, each playing a crucial role in the extraction and utilization of
lunar resources for the construction and maintenance of Aquila.

I.Lunar Main Base:


The Lunar Main Base ( or L.M.B. for short) is the “Heart” of the mining operation.
The L.M.B. serves as a hub for raw materials extracted by the mining robots,
where they are refined and processed to meet the needs for the construction
and maintenance of Aquila.

https://viterbischool.usc.edu/news/2022/08/need-help-building-a-moon-base-

II.Mining: usc-viterbi-researchers-partner-with-nasa/

For mining, we require two main types of robots: Mining and Transportation, both powered by compact, energy-
efficient engines. Taking inspiration from the RASSOR robot developed by NASA, our Mining Drones have been
designed to use a mining drum for extraction of material. The robots will be able to switch out the drum used based
on their needs (i.e., they use rock drums when encountering tough elements and bucket wheels for lunar regolith and
other granular materials. The digger dumps the material in the transport vehicle, akin to a combine harvester,
unloading it into a chaser bin.

https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/KSC-TOPS-7
45
III.Delivery:
Delivery, the final phase of the mining operation, is comprised of two segments: transportation from the mining site to
the L.M.B. and back and transportation from the base to Aquila. The former involves a "locomotive" that tows the
transport vehicles, which, when full, attach to the locomotive that takes them to and from the L.M.B. , mimicking a train.
This transport system ensures the constant movement of raw materials, optimizing the overall mining process. All the
robots mentioned (Mining, Transportation, and Delivery) are controlled either by Artificial Intelligence or by remote
operators aboard Aquilla. The latter employs a state-of-the-art mass driver designed to launch the refined resources
into orbit, where they can be picked up by Aquila. This system maximizes efficiency, omitting large rocket thrusters
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_driver
required to break free of the Moon’s gravity.

Oxygen extraction:
There are three techniques to obtain oxygen that have previously been mentioned in the "Atmosphere" chapter
(electrolysis, photosynthesis, and lunar soil). The extraction of oxygen from lunar regolith is a detailed process.
NASA's Carbothermal Reduction Demonstration (CaRD) team has conducted tests on conditions similar to those
found on the Moon. They used a high-powered laser simulating heat from a solar energy concentrator and
melted the lunar soil simulant within a carbothermal reactor, which is where the process of heating and
extraction of oxygen takes place. We will be using this method since it has been proven to be efficient and
reliable for oxygen extraction.
Helium-3 mining: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/johnson/nasa-
successfully-extracts-oxygen-from-lunar-soil-simulant/

Scientific research has long been focused on the concept of extracting Helium-3 from the Moon for use in nuclear fusion reactors. The isotope helium-3, which has
been deposited on the Moon's surface by solar wind over millions of years, is common there but rare on Earth. Helium-3's promise as an effective energy source is
what makes it a viable candidate for use as a fuel in nuclear fusion. The availability of Helium-3 on the Moon: Extracting Helium-3 involves heating the lunar
regolith, the Moon's surface material, to approximately 600°C (1,112°F). This process is necessary to release the trapped Helium-3. However, due to the low
concentrations of Helium-3, a substantial amount of lunar regolith is needed. This makes the extraction process technically challenging and resource-intensive, but
still a better alternative than other conventional ways of generating power. 46
13.Safety
13.1.Communications
A spacecraft's communication system is an essential component. The communication system allows the spacecraft to transmit data and telemetry to Earth, receive
commands from Earth, and relay information from one spacecraft to another. There are two categories of communication systems: radio frequency (RF) and free
space optical (FSO). FSO is also known as laser communications (lasercom).
We have decided to use FSO. It is an optical communication technology that transmits data wirelessly for computer networking or telecommunications by using light
that propagates in free space. Because of the higher frequencies used in lasercom, the amount of bandwidth available for communicating is larger compared to RF
(Radio Frequency Communications). The increased bandwidth over RF allows for much higher data rates. The divergence of a beam is proportional to the
wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave divided by the diameter of the transmitted beam. Because lasercom uses high frequencies, the wavelength of
the transmitted energy is orders of magnitude smaller than in RF systems. Because of the small wavelengths, the transmitter diameters and beam divergence of
lasercom systems can be much smaller, allowing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of lasercom systems to be lower than similar performing RF systems. Because
of the narrow beamwidth, laser communications have a low probability of interception, are difficult to jam, and encounter very little interference. However, the main
drawback is that the Earth's atmosphere interferes with optical communications. Clouds and mist have the potential to obstruct the lasers. We have decided that
the best strategy is to establish several ground stations, which are Earth-based telescopes that receive infrared waves. These stations will be located on
mountaintops or in countries with low occurrence of clouds, such as the Mediterranean or subtropical regions. If it is foggy at one station, the waves can be
redirected to another ground station. With more ground stations, the network will be flexible during bad weather.

Internal Communication: In order for people to communicate ,


express their opinions and join different groups through social media,
we will implement Wi-Fi antennas in every torus. They will be placed
in public spaces, as well as in people’s homes ( password-encrypted
networks). Phone calls will also be made via Wi-Fi networks. All the
news and threats will be transmitted through citizens’ phones and
bracelets.
https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute/sst-soa/soa-communications/ 47
13.2.Protection against contamination
On Aquila, safety and contamination prevention are a priority to ensure the well-being of inhabitants and the environment they live in.

Measures to prevent air contamination: Measures to prevent water contamination: Measures to prevent food contamination:
Advanced air filtration systems; Advanced water filtration and purification system; Proper food storage;
Continuous air quality monitoring; Continuous monitoring and testing of water quality; Use of sealed and hygienic packaging;
Efficient ventilation system; Educating citizens about hygiene and food
Proper storage of drinking water;
Sanitization of air ducts; safety;
Effective ventilation and drainage systems;
Humidity and temperature control; Monitoring expiration dates and removing
Use of clean and sustainable technologies;
Control and prevention of emissions of expired products;
Protocol in case of water contamination:
polluting substances; Cleaning and disinfection of food;
Identification, isolation and elimination of sources
Efficient treatment and disposal of preparation equipment;
contaminated waste; of contamination;
Appropriate cooking and food handling;
Protocol in case of air contamination: Stopping the use of contaminated water;
Protocol in case of food contamination:
Detection and identification of sources of Urgent water treatment and purification;
Identification of contamination;
contamination; Investigation of causes of contamination;
Investigation of contamination sources;
Activation of the additional filtration system; testing of affected products, crops and their Issuing an emergency alert to citizens;
Isolation of affected areas (including disposal; Withdrawal, isolation and labelling of
pipelines) and closure of access; Monitoring citizens' health and providing adequate contaminated food;
Rapid evacuation of affected areas; medical services; Immediately ceasing the use of any
Use of protective equipment; contaminated food;
Treatment for affected people; Quarantine and monitoring for affected
Restoration of filtration and ventilation citizens;
systems; Removal and disinfection of affected areas
Revaluation of emergency stocks; and equipment;
48
13.3. Emergency Protocol
In case of a disaster of any kind, we want to ensure that all the affected area's citizens are informed and alerted so that they can migrate to a
safe place. Therefore, every person on our spaceship will be given an "Emergency Bracelet", which will change colours depending on the gravity
of the situation. Information concerning the threat will also be sent via their mobile phones and TV screens and will be displayed in public spaces.

only a specific part of the torus is affected, without


the possibility of expanding, the bracelets will turn the whole spaceship is affected, the bracelets
minor will turn red, and all citizens will be guided to
yellow, and all citizens in that area will be evacuated.
threat escape capsules by The Special Forces and
The Police.

intermediate
Escape Capsules will be used only for the threats crucial for threat major
Aquila's well-functioning and will transport our citizens safely threat
back to Earth. Each escape capsule will hold up to three several parts of the torus are affected, with the
people each, and there will be 1250 on each torus. change of expanding in the entire torus, the
bracelets will turn orange, and the immediate
Death and body protocol evacuation of the torus will start.
A loved one’s death may be one of the saddest moments in someone’s life, so honoring and commemorating the deceased can be a person’s most important
manifestations of spirituality. Even though there will definitely be people of different religions on our spaceship, we have collectively decided that there are
two options for keeping their memory in our hearts. The first one is donating their body for research purposes before they die and the second one, which
gives the family the opportunity of being physically closer to them, is a composting system which turns the body into soil fertilizer. The dead body is kept in a
refrigerated space for ten days and then laid in a pool full of carbon rich materials including sawdust and woodchips and after several weeks the body is
turned into nutrient-rich compost that the relatives can use to grow a plant in an “ecological cemetery” in the memory of their loved one, where they can
always visit him/her. 49
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/johnson/nasa-successfully-extracts-oxygen-from-lunar-soil-simulant/
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