System Design of Large Space Structures Using Tailored Force Fields

摘要

The ability to build massive objects in space using mass from extraterrestrial sources is key to the human exploration and development of Space. We report on progress towards space-based construction, using the concept of Tailored Force Fields (TFF). The concept and validation status are summarized for background. The paper explores options in implementing the architecture, in order to study how best to utilize the concept to advance the space program. The direct mission architecture (DMA) originally developed for concept exploration, envisaged sending a robotic Rockbreaker craft to extract raw material from a Near-Earth object, followed by the TFF construction system, all powered by solar sails. An alternative Economic Evolution Architecture (EEA) is considered, but fails due to the requirement for earth-launched mass. These scenarios are adapted into an Extraterrestrial Mass for Cislunar Economy Architecture (EMCEA) where the material extracted from an NEO is returned to the earth-moon system, where a closed microwave resonator is used to construct components of space stations, to be assembled using telepresence. The DMA is deferred until most of its challenges are addressed through experience with the EMCEA.