Artificial gravity system with a rotating structure that rotates about a stationary structure

A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a stationary structure and a rotating structure. The stationary structure includes circular side walls that are coaxially aligned and attached by one or more support beams. The rotating structure slides onto the stationary structure, and rotates about an axis in relation to the stationary structure. The rotating structure includes a cylindrical hub, and a plurality of gravity chambers that are permanently affixed to the cylindrical hub and project radially from the axis. Radial seals form an air-tight seal between the rotating structure and the stationary structure.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of habitation modules that provide artificial gravity environments.

BACKGROUND

When humans occupy a space station, they encounter a zero-gravity environment or “weightless” environment. Extended exposure to a zero-gravity environment can be detrimental to the health of the human occupants, such as muscle and bone degeneration. To avoid these long-term health effects, artificial gravity environments may be installed in the space station. One way to create artificial gravity is with centrifugal force, where a vessel rotates at a speed that drives a human occupant inside of the vessel toward the outer hull of the vessel. The force on the human occupant feels like a gravitational pull.

Because of the health benefits and comfort of artificial gravity, it is desirable to design improved artificial gravity environments for space habitats/vehicles.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein include a habitation module for a space station or the like that includes one or more pairs of gravity chambers. The habitation module includes a stationary structure and a rotating structure that is slid upon the stationary structure. The rotating structure includes a cylindrical hub and one or more pairs of gravity chambers that extend radially from the hub in opposite directions. The hub is driven to rotate about an axis in relation to the stationary structure to create artificial gravity within each of the gravity chambers. As an artificial gravity environment is created in the gravity chambers, crew members may enter the gravity chambers for exercise, rest, lounging, or other activities.

It may be beneficial to have the interior portions of the hub and the gravity chambers pressurized so that crew members don't need to wear pressurized suits when in the gravity chambers. To create a pressurized environment, radial seals are installed at the connection points between the hub and the stationary structure of the habitation module. The radial seals provide an air-tight juncture between the rotating hub and the stationary structure of the habitation module. Therefore, even though the hub is rotating to provide an artificial gravity environment within the gravity chambers, the interior of the hub and the gravity chambers may be pressurized.

One embodiment comprises a habitation module comprising a stationary structure and a rotating structure. The stationary structure includes a first circular side wall, a second circular side wall spaced apart from the first circular side wall and aligned axially, and one or more support beams that attach the first circular side wall and the second circular side wall. The rotating structure rotates about an axis in relation to the stationary structure. The rotating structure includes a cylindrical hub comprising a hollow cylinder that slides onto the stationary structure, and connects to the first circular side wall and the second circular side wall through rotatable attachment members. The cylindrical hub includes a plurality of portals spaced radially around a circumference of the cylindrical hub. The rotating structure further includes a plurality of gravity chambers that are permanently affixed to the cylindrical hub about the portals, and project radially from the axis. The habitation module includes a first radial seal that spans a first gap between the cylindrical hub and the first circular side wall to form an air-tight seal around a circumference of the first circular side wall, and a second radial seal that spans a second gap between the cylindrical hub and the second circular side wall to form an air-tight seal around a circumference of the second circular side wall.

In another embodiment, the habitation module further includes a drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating structure about the axis in relation to the stationary structure to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chambers, and a ring gear affixed to the cylindrical hub and having teeth that mesh with teeth on the drive mechanism.

In another embodiment, the rotatable attachment members comprise a pair of support bearings. A first one of the support bearings connects the cylindrical hub to the first circular side wall, and a second one of the support bearings connects the cylindrical hub to the second circular side wall.

In another embodiment, one or more of the gravity chambers comprises a hollow cylindrical enclosure that includes an outer wall, an inner wall, and a cylindrical side wall that connects the outer wall and the inner wall. The gravity chamber also includes a passage tube that projects from the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical enclosure. The passage tube is permanently affixed around one of the portals of the cylindrical hub.

In another embodiment, an end of the passage tube is welded around one of the portals of the cylindrical hub.

In another embodiment, the rotating structure further includes one or more support members having a first end affixed to the cylindrical hub, and a second end affixed to the cylindrical side wall of a gravity chamber.

In another embodiment, one or more of the gravity chambers is an extendable gravity chamber. The extendable gravity chamber includes a hollow cylindrical enclosure that includes an outer wall and an inner wall, and includes a cylindrical side wall and an expandable side wall that connect the outer wall and the inner wall. The extendable gravity chamber also includes a passage tube that projects from the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical enclosure. The passage tube is permanently affixed around one of the portals of the cylindrical hub. The expandable side wall is sealed around a circumference of the cylindrical side wall and a circumference of the inner wall to form an airtight cavity within the extendable gravity chamber.

In another embodiment, an end of the passage tube is welded around one of the portals of the cylindrical hub.

In another embodiment, the rotating structure further includes guide members, where one end of each of the guide members is affixed to the cylindrical hub. The extendable gravity chamber includes guide connectors attached to the cylindrical side wall that are slidably connected to the guide members. The guide connectors slide along the guide members when the extendable gravity chamber is extended.

In another embodiment, the rotating structure further includes locking collars that are affixed to the guide members proximate to the one end of the guide members that is affixed to the cylindrical hub. The guide connectors attach to the locking collars to secure the extendable gravity chamber in a contracted position.

In another embodiment, the rotating structure further includes end collars that are affixed to the guide members proximate to a distal end of the guide members. The guide connectors attach to the end collars to secure the extendable gravity chamber in an extended position.

In another embodiment, the first circular side wall of the stationary structure includes a hatch, and the stationary structure further includes a docking mechanism that encircles the hatch for attaching the stationary structure to a module of a space station.

In another embodiment, the habitation module further includes a counter-rotating member that rotates about the axis in an opposite direction than the rotating structure.

In another embodiment, the first circular side wall of the stationary structure includes a hatch, and the counter-rotating member includes a cylindrical counter-weight that encircles the hatch, and a drive mechanism that rotates the cylindrical counter-weight about the axis in the opposite direction than the rotating structure.

In another embodiment, the drive mechanism adjusts a rotational speed of the cylindrical counter-weight to compensate for a change in mass within the gravity chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

HAB100includes a stationary structure102and a rotating structure104configured to rotate in relation to stationary structure102about an axis180. Rotating structure104, as described in more detail below, includes one or more gravity chambers110-111affixed around a cylindrical hub112. Gravity chambers110-111comprise the pods or compartments of HAB100where crew members may experience artificial gravity. Crew members are able to enter the interiors of gravity chambers110-111. With crew members inside, gravity chambers110-111are driven to rotate at a speed about axis180to create an artificial gravity environment within gravity chambers110-111. For example, gravity chambers110-111may be driven at 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 12 rpm, etc., to generate simulated gravity, such as in the range of 0.2 G to 1 G. The speed of rotation is adjustable depending on the comfort of the crew members and the desired artificial gravity inside of gravity chambers110-111.

FIG. 2is a side view of HAB100in an exemplary embodiment. For the view inFIG. 2, axis180fromFIG. 1is into and out of the page. In the embodiments described below, gravity chambers110-111are driven to spin in relation to stationary structure102about axis180(see alsoFIG. 1) like spokes on wheel. The rotation about axis180creates a centrifugal force202on objects (e.g., crew members) inside of gravity chambers110-111. The centrifugal force202feels like gravity to crew members inside of gravity chambers110-111. Although two gravity chambers110-111are illustrated inFIGS. 1-2, HAB100may be equipped with more or less gravity chambers110-111as desired. To balance rotation of gravity chambers110-111about axis180, it may be desirable to install the gravity chambers110-111in opposing pairs about axis180. An opposing pair of gravity chambers will extend radially from stationary structure102in opposite directions (i.e., about 180° apart). The opposing pairs of gravity chambers may have similar size and weight to assist in balancing rotation.

FIGS. 3-4illustrate stationary structure102in an exemplary embodiment. Stationary structure102generally has a cylindrical profile so that rotating structure104can slide over and onto stationary structure102(seeFIG. 1). To create the cylindrical profile, stationary structure102includes side walls302-303connected by one or more support beams306. Each side wall302-303has a circular or disk shape. Both side walls302-303include a hatch308that is located towards the center of side wall302-303, and may be opened by a crew member to pass through side wall302-303. One or both of side walls302-303may include an active or passive docking mechanism310that encircles hatch308. A docking mechanism (or berthing mechanism)310comprises any mechanism that forms an air-tight or pressure-tight seal between side wall308and another module, such as a module of a space station. This allows stationary structure102to be attached to a space station, and put into operation. Support beams306are members that provide a support structure between side walls302-303. Side walls302-303are spaced apart and aligned co-axially with one another via support beams306. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 3-4, four support beams306are attached between side walls302-303, although more or less support beams306may be used in other embodiments. Support beams306are connected to regions of side walls302-303outside of hatch308so as to not interfere with passage of crew members through hatch308. Although support beams306are shown as extending between side walls302-303in parallel with the center axis of side walls302-303in this embodiment, support beams306may extend diagonally between side walls302-303in other embodiments.

To allow rotating structure104to rotate in relation to stationary structure102(seeFIG. 1), rotating structure104may attach to stationary structure102with rotatable attachment members, such as support bearings312. Support bearings312are annular or ring-shaped, and attach around the outer circumference of side walls302-303.FIG. 5illustrates a support bearing312in an exemplary embodiment. Support bearing312includes an inner race (or ring)510, an outer race (or ring)511, and a rolling element between inner race510and outer race511that enables rotational movement (not visible inFIG. 5). The rolling element may comprise ball bearings, cylindrical rollers, or the like. Inner race510is configured to attach to a side wall302-303of stationary structure102, while outer race511is configured to attach to rotating structure104.

Although rotating structure104is able to rotate in relation to stationary structure102, the attachment point or juncture between rotating structure104and stationary structure102is sealed so that the interior of HAB100may be pressurized (e.g., to 1 atmosphere). Any gap or seam between rotating structure104and stationary structure102at their attachment point is sealed with radial seals314.FIG. 6illustrates radial seal314in an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, radial seal314is configured to attach around the outer circumference of a side wall302-303. Radial seal314includes an inner surface611that is configured to contact a surface of a side wall302-303, and an outer surface610that is configured to contact a surface of rotating structure104to form an air-tight or pressure-tight seal. A cross-section of radial seal314may have any desired shape, such as rectangular, round, ribbed, etc.

FIG. 7illustrates rotating structure104in an exemplary embodiment. Rotating structure104includes cylindrical hub112and at least one pair of gravity chambers110-111. Cylindrical hub112has a hollow cylindrical shape, and includes a plurality of portals704that are spaced radially around the circumference of cylindrical hub112. Portals704are openings in cylindrical hub112that provide passageways between the interior of cylindrical hub112and the interiors of gravity chambers110-111. Rotating structure104may also include support members708to support gravity chambers110-111, which is described in more detail below.

FIG. 8illustrates gravity chamber110in an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, gravity chamber110is cylindrical and may have a diameter that is about 4.3 meters or less. The diameter of gravity chamber110may be limited by the size of the launch vehicle used to transport HAB100into space. For example, an Atlas rocket from NASA may be used to transport HAB100into space, and the diameter of gravity chamber110may be constrained by the size of the Atlas rocket, which is typically about 4.3 meters. Although gravity chamber110has a cylindrical shape inFIG. 8, the shape of gravity chamber110may have different shapes in other embodiments.

The interior of gravity chamber110may be hollow or empty to form open quarters for crew members. The interior of gravity chamber110may include a treadmill, an exercise bike, or any other exercise equipment. The interior of gravity chamber110may include restroom facilities (e.g., a shower, a toilet, a sink, etc.), office facilities (e.g., a desk, chairs, cabinets, etc.), lounge facilities (e.g., chairs, a couch, etc.), sleeping facilities (e.g., a bed), or any other facilities. Gravity chamber110may also be compartmentalized into individual rooms.

The structure of gravity chamber110includes a hollow cylindrical enclosure802and a passage tube804that projects from enclosure802. Enclosure802has an outer wall810, an inner wall811, and a cylindrical side wall812that extends between outer wall810and inner wall811. Outer wall810, which will serve as the floor of gravity chamber110, and side wall812may be made from a thin metal, a composite material, a plastic, or another type of rigid material. The interior of outer wall810and side wall812may be lined with a rubber, padding, or any other material that protects crew members inside of gravity chamber110. Side wall812may also include one or more windows, and outer wall810may include an emergency hatch (not shown inFIG. 8).

Inner wall811, which will serve as the ceiling of gravity chamber110, attaches to passage tube804. Passage tube804is a cylinder that is substantially hollow, and provides a passage way for crew members to pass between gravity chamber110and an interior of cylindrical hub112. Passage tube804may include a ladder, steps, or some type of mechanism to assist crew members in traveling through passage tube804.

Gravity chamber111may have a similar structure as gravity chamber110as shown inFIG. 8.

InFIG. 7, rotating structure104is a unitary structure, where gravity chambers110-111are affixed, attached, joined, etc., to cylindrical hub112in a permanent fashion. One end820of passage tube804(seeFIG. 8) is affixed to inner wall811of gravity chamber110, and the other end821of passage tube804is affixed to cylindrical hub112. For example, end821of passage tube804may be welded to cylindrical hub112around portal704to permanently join gravity chamber110to cylindrical hub112. The connection point between gravity chamber110and cylindrical hub112is a pressure-tight seal. Being “permanently” affixed refers to a connection between structural members that is intended to remain unchanged, such as a weld. Because gravity chambers110-111are permanently affixed to cylindrical hub112, a berthing mechanism (e.g., a Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM)) is not needed between gravity chambers110-111and cylindrical hub112. Rotating structure104may be assembled on Earth before being sent up to space, with gravity chambers110-111being permanently affixed to cylindrical hub112. Therefore, berthing mechanisms are not needed between gravity chambers110-111and cylindrical hub112such as in scenarios where a structure is assembled in space.

FIG. 9is a magnified view of rotating structure104in an exemplary embodiment. Although portals704of cylindrical hub112are not visible, end821of passage tube804is permanently affixed to cylindrical hub112around portal704. A weld910may be used to permanently affix end821of passage tube804to cylindrical hub112, although other means may be used in other embodiments. Rotating structure104may also include one or more support members708to affix gravity chambers110-111to cylindrical hub112. Support members708are configured to reinforce the attachment between gravity chambers110-111and cylindrical hub112. One end902of a support member708is affixed (e.g., permanently) to cylindrical hub112(via a weld, bolt, etc.), while the other (distal) end903of support member708is affixed to gravity chamber110(or gravity chamber111). Support member708may connect to side wall812as illustrated inFIG. 9, or may connect to inner wall811or outer wall810as desired.

To spin rotating structure104around stationary structure102, a ring gear may be affixed to an inner surface of cylindrical hub112.FIG. 10is a magnified view of cylindrical hub112in an exemplary embodiment. Cylindrical hub112includes an inner surface1002, and ring gear1004is affixed to inner surface1002to mate with a drive mechanism.FIG. 11illustrates ring gear1004in an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, ring gear1004includes a plurality of teeth1110on an inner surface1102for meshing with a drive gear of a drive mechanism of HAB100, such as drive mechanism330shown inFIGS. 3-4. Ring gear1004may bolt or otherwise attach to the inner surface1002of cylindrical hub112via holes1114. Although one ring gear1004is illustrated inFIG. 10, a ring gear1004may be affixed to each side of cylindrical hub112to drive cylindrical hub112from both sides. Drive mechanism330(seeFIGS. 3-4) is placed proximate or adjacent to ring gear1004, and is configured to spin a drive gear to impart rotational movement to ring gear1004. Teeth on the drive gear of drive mechanism330mesh with teeth1110of ring gear1004. When drive mechanism330turns its drive gear, it imparts rotational movement on cylindrical hub112about axis180(seeFIG. 1). Drive mechanism330may comprise an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or any other actuating device that has a variable rotational speed.

When rotating structure104is slid onto stationary structure102as shown inFIG. 1and attached via support bearings312, radial seals314span a gap between cylindrical hub112and stationary structure102to create an air-tight or pressure-tight seal around a circumference of the side walls302-303of stationary structure102. Therefore, the interior of cylindrical hub112and gravity chambers110-111may be pressurized. Also, drive mechanism330(seeFIG. 3) meshes with ring gear1004. Drive mechanism330can therefore impart rotation movement of rotating structure104about axis180. Crew members may access gravity chambers110-111to experience an artificial gravity environment. As gravity chambers110-111rotate about axis180(seeFIG. 2), the centrifugal force202created will pull a crew member towards outer wall810(i.e., floor) of gravity chambers110-111. The amount of force on an object depends on the angular velocity of rotation and the distance of the object from the axis of rotation. Although the dimensions of gravity chamber110may vary as desired, the distance of outer wall810of gravity chambers110-111may be about 4 meters or less from axis180.

When inside of gravity chamber110, for example, a crew member will experience the artificial gravity environment created by rotation of gravity chamber110about axis180. The force created by rotation of gravity chamber110about axis180pushes the crew member against end wall810, which feels like gravity. That way, the crew member may sleep, exercise, etc., within gravity chamber110in an artificial gravity environment, which has health benefits such as reduced muscle and bone degeneration. Also, when in use, the interiors of cylindrical hub112and gravity chambers110-111are pressurized and temperature-controlled so that a crew member does not need to wear a specialize suit. Even though cylindrical hub112rotates in relation to stationary structure102, the attachment points between cylindrical hub112and stationary structure102are sealed so that an oxygen-supplied and thermally-controlled environment is created within the interiors of cylindrical hub112and gravity chambers110-111. The pressurized and thermally-controlled environment is also advantageous within the interior of cylindrical hub112, as drive unit330is readily accessible for replacement or repair, and bearings312and seals314are accessible for service.

The rotation of gravity chambers110-111may create an unwanted momentum for HAB100. To cancel out the unwanted momentum, a counter-rotating mechanism may be installed to rotate about axis180in an opposite direction than rotating structure104.FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13Billustrate a counter-rotating mechanism1202in an exemplary embodiment. Counter-rotating mechanism1202is installed on stationary structure102(seeFIG. 12). In this embodiment, counter-rotating mechanism1202includes a counter-weight1204that is an annular ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of hatch308. Counter-weight1204does not have to be a continuous structure as shown inFIG. 12, but may be segmented and spaced around the circumference of hatch308. Counter-weight1204is driven by a drive mechanism1206to rotate in the opposite direction of rotating structure104about axis180to negate momentum created by rotation of gravity chambers110-111. As is further illustrated inFIGS. 13A-B, counter-rotating mechanism1202may be installed on both sides of cylindrical hub112. On either side of cylindrical hub112, counter-weight1204may be attached to an outer cylindrical surface1310of hatch308via a support bearing1302. Support bearings1302may be ring-shaped as described above for support bearings312.

Support bearings1302also includes teeth that mesh with a drive gear of drive mechanism1206so that drive mechanism1206can impart rotational movement to counter-weight1204in an opposite direction than rotating structure104. Momentum is measured in mass multiplied by velocity (rotational). If it is assumed that the mass of counter-weight1204is fixed, then counter-weight1204is driven at a speed to compensate for the momentum created by rotation of rotating structure104. If the mass of rotating structure104changes (e.g., crew members enter one of gravity chambers110-111), then drive mechanism1206adjusts the rotational speed of counter-weight1204to compensate for the change in mass. The rotational speed of counter-weight1204is therefore adjusted so that there is a net-zero momentum change due to rotation of rotating structure104.

FIG. 14illustrates another HAB1400in an exemplary embodiment. HAB1400is similar to HAB100with a stationary structure102and a rotating structure104. Stationary structure102is similar to that as described above. Rotating structure104includes gravity chambers1410-1411that are affixed around a cylindrical hub1412. However, the gravity chambers1410-1411in HAB1400are extendable in a radial direction to the axis180of rotation. This allows for the rotational radius of extendable gravity chambers1410-1411to be changed when HAB1400is put into service in space. As in the above embodiment, rotating structure104is a unitary structure, where gravity chambers1410-1411are affixed or joined to cylindrical hub1412in a permanent fashion.

FIG. 15illustrates rotating structure104of HAB1400in an exemplary embodiment. Rotating structure104includes cylindrical hub1412and at least one pair of extendable gravity chambers1410-1411. Cylindrical hub1412has a similar structure to cylindrical hub112as described above. Cylindrical hub1412has a hollow cylindrical shape, and includes a plurality of portals1504that are spaced radially around the circumference of cylindrical hub1412.

Rotating structure104also includes one or more guide members1508. Guide members1508are configured to guide extendable gravity chambers1410-1411when they extend radially from axis180. One end1522of each guide member1508is affixed to cylindrical hub1412(via a weld, bolts, etc.), and guide members1508extend in a parallel fashion around extendable gravity chambers1410-1411. Extendable gravity chambers1410-1411attach to guide members1508via a slidable connection so that extendable gravity chambers1410-1411can extend along guide members1508.

FIG. 16illustrates extendable gravity chamber1410in an exemplary embodiment. The structure of extendable gravity chamber1410includes a hollow cylindrical enclosure1602and a passage tube1604that projects from enclosure1602. Enclosure1602has an outer wall1610, an inner wall1611, and also has a cylindrical side wall1612and an expandable side wall1613that extend between outer wall1610and inner wall1611. Outer wall1610, which will serve as the floor of extendable gravity chamber1410, and side wall1612may be made from a thin metal, a composite material, a plastic, or another type of rigid material. The interior of outer wall1610and side wall1612may be lined with a rubber, padding, or any other material that protects crew members inside of extendable gravity chamber1410. Inner wall1611, which will serve as the ceiling of extendable gravity chamber1410, attaches to passage tube1604. Passage tube1604is a cylinder that is substantially hollow, and provides a passage way for crew members to pass between extendable gravity chamber1410and an interior of cylindrical hub1412. Passage tube1604may include a ladder, steps, or some type of mechanism to assist crew members in traveling through passage tube1604.

Expandable side wall1613is made from a material that expands or inflates to increase the distance between outer wall1610and inner wall1611. Expandable side wall1613may be made from a folded canvas/plastic, or any other type of material. Expandable side wall1613is sealed around a circumference of cylindrical side wall1612and a circumference of inner wall1611to form an airtight cavity within extendable gravity chamber1410. When in space, extendable gravity chamber1410may be filled with air or gas so that expandable side wall1613becomes distended. Extendable gravity chamber1410also includes guide connectors1620, which are hollow cylinders that attach to cylindrical side wall1612. Guide connectors1620are configured to slide over guide members1508(seeFIG. 15) to guide extendable gravity chamber1410while being extended.

Extendable gravity chamber1411may have a similar structure as extendable gravity chamber1410as shown inFIG. 16, or may have a similar structure as gravity chamber110as shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 17is a magnified view of extendable gravity chamber1410in an exemplary embodiment. Extendable gravity chamber1410is in a contracted position inFIG. 17(as withFIGS. 14-15). The contracted position may be used when HAB1400is loaded into a launch vehicle and transported into space. To secure extendable gravity chamber1410in a contracted position, locking collars1702are affixed to guide members1508. Guide connectors1620are then affixed (e.g., bolted) to locking collars1702to secure extendable gravity chamber1410in the contracted position.

After HAB1400is transported to space, guide connectors1620are released from locking collars1702. At this time, extendable gravity chamber1410may be converted from the contracted position to an extended position.FIG. 18illustrates HAB1400in an extended position in an exemplary embodiment. Outer wall1610and cylindrical side wall1612may be raised along guide members1508, which expands expandable side wall1613. Extendable gravity chamber1410may be extended and raised by pressure (inflation), by a mechanical device, etc. Extension of gravity chamber1410increases the rotational radius of gravity chamber1410. For example, extendable gravity chamber1410may be extended to have a rotational radius of about 6 meters.

FIG. 19is a magnified view of extendable gravity chamber1410in an extended position in an exemplary embodiment. When in this position, guide connectors1620are slid up guide members1508so that extendable gravity chamber1410is extended in a desired fashion. To secure extendable gravity chamber1410in an extended position, end collars1902are affixed to guide members1508proximate to the distal end of guide members1508(i.e., the end situated away from the point of attachment of guide members1508to cylindrical hub1412). Guide connectors1620are then affixed (e.g., bolted) to end collars1902to secure extendable gravity chamber1410in the extended position.

HABs100and1400are each one-piece units that may be assembled on Earth and transported into space as a complete unit. Traditional HABs are often times modular, and are transported into space in pieces and assembled at the space station. HABs100and1400are advantageous in that they do not need to assembled in space, and can be transported as a complete unit.FIGS. 20-21illustrate HABs100and1400loaded into launch vehicles2002-2003in an exemplary embodiment. The launch vehicles2002-2003are Atlas rockets in this embodiment. Even though HABs100and1400are each one-piece units, they are able to fit in the cargo hold of launch vehicles2002-2003as complete units. The size of HABs100and1400may be constrained by the size of the cargo hold of launch vehicles2002-2003. HAB1400, in particular, is advantageous in that it is extendable, and can operate at a larger rotation radius when separated from launch vehicle2003. Thus, the operational size of HAB1400is not constrained by the size of the cargo hold of launch vehicle2003.

Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope is not limited to those specific embodiments. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.