Space capsules assigned to astronauts look sleek, spacious and comfortable in science fiction movies, but the reality for those living on the International Space Station (ISS) is a little different. If you’ve seen pictures of rooms on the ISS, you know that they tend to look a little cramped and crowded. thingAirbus aims to change this with a new design called the Loop. This allows us to blend Hollywood design with the practical needs of people living in space for long periods of time.
As envisioned by Airbus, the loop will be designed with three levels, each 8 meters (about 26 feet) in diameter and height. There is a habitation level that can accommodate four residents, a science deck, and a centrifuge level that simulates gravity and can free astronauts from weightlessness, which has been repeatedly shown to have adverse effects on the human body. The deck is connected in the middle of the structure to what is called a ‘tunnel’ and is surrounded by greenhouse modules.
However, this is just one possible layout, says Airbus. The company says each level can be tailored to suit different objectives of the mission, or even provide the loop as a sort of shell with mechanical elements placed in it, but the rest is left for the client to finish off. Not equipped.
Multiple loop modules can be combined into larger structures. It can also be designed to dock with any kind of orbiter that could potentially replace the ISS, which is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2030 in blazing fire. For example, the image below shows Spartan Space’s inflatable lunar habitat and the loop docked to another spacecraft.
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“Airbus LOOP is designed to make long-duration stays in space comfortable and enjoyable for residents, while supporting efficient and sustainable operations,” the company said. “It builds on everything we’ve learned over the decades to best support humanity’s future in space, whether it’s a low-Earth orbit, lunar orbit, or a long-term mission to Mars. , fully exploiting the potential of tomorrow’s technology.”
You can have a better look at the project in the video below.
Airbus LOOP – multi-purpose orbital module for low earth orbit, lunar orbit or long-term Mars missions
Source: Airbus
