Method and apparatus for creating artificial gravity in spacecraft and space stations using Anti-parallel reaction engines

Abstract

Method and Apparatus for Creating Artificial Gravity in Spacecraft and Space Stations Using Anti-Parallel Reaction Engines is disclosed. The reaction engines are activated to spin the spacecraft or the space station and generate centrifugal gravity. The spacecraft is designed to be cylindrical in shape to maximize the surface area available for the installation of the engines. The station is designed to be circular in shape as well. The method has several applications in astronautics and space exploration, specifically for long-duration space missions where exposure to microgravity can cause adverse health effects to crew members. The method is highly efficient, providing a sustainable and controlled gravity environment without the need for large, heavy, and power-hungry traditional gravity generation systems. The invention also offers a high degree of flexibility with scalability for spacecraft of different sizes and shapes. The anti-parallel arrangement of the reaction engines ensures stability and a controlled spin rate, mitigating the risks associated with traditional mechanical alternatives. The invention offers significant improvement in the field of space exploration, providing safe, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for generating artificial gravity in spacecraft.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Creating Artificial Gravity in Spacecraft and Space Stations Using Anti-Parallel Reaction Engines

[0001] Method and Apparatus for Creating Artificial Gravity in Spacecraft and Space Stations Using Anti-Parallel Reaction Engines

[0002] Current space exploration missions involve long-duration stays in space, which has led to research on the health effects of living in a zero-gravity environment. Prolonged exposure to zero gravity can lead to negative physiological effects such as bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular and vision changes, and a weakened immune system. These effects have motivated researchers to develop various methods for creating artificial gravity in spacecraft to mitigate these health risks.

[0003] One common method for generating artificial gravity in spacecraft is the centrifugal force method. This method involves rotating a spacecraft around its longitudinal axis to simulate gravity. The centrifugal force generated due to the rotation simulates the gravitational force experienced on Earth. Various designs have been proposed to create such a rotating spacecraft, such as a rotating torus, a rotating wheel, or a rotating cylinder.

[0004] However, there are some drawbacks to using a motor to generate artificial gravity. The first drawback is the size and weight of the motor necessary to rotate the spacecraft. Additionally, in long-duration space missions, a motor failure could result in a loss of spin and hence artificial gravity, which poses a significant risk to the occupants' health and the spacecraft's mission. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative method to generate artificial gravity in cylindrical spacecraft that is both efficient and reliable.

[0005] A spacecraft or a space station rotates around its longitudinal axis to generate a gravitational force perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The occupants of the spacecraft experience this force as "downward" towards the ground. One approach to rotating a cylindrical spacecraft is to install a large motor in the center of the cylinder that spins a counterweight attached to a long cable. This setup causes the spacecraft to rotate around its longitudinal axis, generating centrifugal force.

[0006]

[0007] There have been several patents on the basis of centrifugal force for generating artificial gravity.

[0008] RU0002749161 – CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS FOR ACCLIMATISATION AND NIGHT-TIME REST OF COSMONAUTS IN ZERO GRAVITY, that suffers from big size, huge mass of the cabin and a large amount of electrical power for spinning the cabin should be applied continuously that makes it impractical in space applications.

[0009] CN107352047 – ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY SPACE STATION, SPACECRAFT AND FOREIGN PLANETARY BODY ARTIFICIAL EARTH GRAVITY PERMANENT LIVABLE FACILITY, this system is very huge and the necessary poser is produced by a nuclear power and ion engines that makes it very hard to implement.

[0010] CN113616978 – ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY SHORT – ARM CENTRIFUGAL MACHINE, necessity for electrical power supply issues, vertigo and perception problems due to rotating such that in each period (experiencer sees different views) is still unsolved problems of this invention.

[0011] US20210154079 – SYSTEM FOR CREATING ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY, that is an extremely uncomfortable environment for experiencer.

[0012] PCT / IB2023 / 052367, AN APPARATUS FOR CREATING ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC FIELD DURING BEDTIME FOR ASTRONAUTS IN SPACE, CONSUMING VERY LOW ENERGY.

[0013] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating artificial gravity in a spacecraft or a space station. The method involves using a plurality (at least one pair) of anti-parallel pairs of small reaction engines installed around the lateral surface of a spacecraft Figs.1,2,3,5or a space station Figs.4,6such that the thrust vector is directed tangentially to the lateral surface of the spacecraft or space station and perpendicular to the direction of the main axis in order to generate spin and generate centrifugal gravity.

[0014] Each small reaction engine comprises a combustion chamber, a nozzle, and a fuel source. The fuel source can be any combustible gas that reacts with an oxidizing agent to generate combustion gases. The fuel source is fed into the combustion chamber, where it is ignited, and the combustion gases exit through the nozzle to generate a propulsive force.

[0015] The opposing small reaction engines generate torque in opposite directions. The torque generated by the engines creates a net force, which results in the spacecraft's rotation around its longitudinal axis. The rotation generates centrifugal force, which simulates the gravity experienced on Earth.

[0016] The control system for the anti-parallel small reaction engines is designed to ensure the spacecraft's stability during rotation. The control system receives input signals from various sensors placed on the spacecraft, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, to adjust the engines' thrust and ensure the spacecraft is rotating at a constant rate. The control system also comprises software and hardware components to ensure the engines are operating correctly and any potential equipment failures are identified and addressed.

[0017] The spacecraft or space station has a diameter that is optimized for the given mass of the spacecraft and the desired artificial gravity. The length of the spacecraft is not critical and can be adjusted to the mission requirements. The spacecraft's interior is divided into various compartments, including a crew compartment, storage compartments, and scientific modules.

[0018] The plurality of reaction anti-parallel pairs of small reaction engines is installed around the lateral surface of the spacecraft or space station. The engines are installed at a predetermined distance from each other to ensure that the spin rate is optimal for generating the desired level of centrifugal force. The engines are also anti-parallel, meaning that they are designed to react in opposite directions relative to each other, which reduces the net torque and provides better stability.

[0019] A control system is designed to monitor the spacecraft's spin rate and adjust the engines' operation to maintain stability and precision during the spinning process. The control system can be implemented using algorithms that receive data from sensors that measure the spacecraft's spin rate and compute the required control signals.

[0020] The spacecraft's spin rate, represented by the angular velocity ω, is given by the equation:

[0021] where f is the spin frequency in Hz.

[0022] The centrifugal force, represented by the acceleration ac, is given by:

[0023] where r is the radius of the spacecraft or space station.

[0024] The spin frequency and the radius of the spacecraft or space station can be determined based on the required level of centrifugal force, which is dependent on various factors such as the duration of the space mission and the physical fitness of the crew. The centrifugal velocity should generate a gravity acceleration equal to the Earth g = 9.8 m / s2.

[0025] The method and apparatus of the present invention provide several advantages. First, by using a plurality of reaction anti-parallel small reaction engines, the spacecraft's spin rate is precisely controlled, and stability is maintained during the spinning process. Second, the design of the spacecraft is optimized to provide the desired level of centrifugal force with minimal mass and power consumption. Third, the control system provides real-time monitoring and adjustments to ensure that the artificial gravity is maintained at the desired level throughout the space mission.

[0026] In conclusion, the present invention provides a novel and effective method and apparatus for creating artificial gravity in a spacecraft or a space station using a plurality pairs (at least one pair) of anti-parallel small reaction engines installed around the lateral surface of the spacecraft or space station to spin it and generate centrifugal gravity. The method and apparatus provide several advantages over existing technologies and can promote long-duration space missions with minimal health risks to the crew. Especially, after reaching the required speed the reaction engines will be turned off and free spinning continuously is sustained for a long time without the need for energy.

[0027] An embodiment of the disclosed invention is installing the reaction engines inside the spacecraft to prevent extra friction during the flight inside the atmosphere.

[0028] spacecraft or space station rotates around its longitudinal axis to generate a gravitational force perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The occupants of the spacecraft experience this force as "downward" towards the ground. One approach to rotating a cylindrical spacecraft is to install a large motor in the center of the cylinder that spins a counterweight attached to a long cable. This setup causes the spacecraft to rotate around its longitudinal axis, generating centrifugal force but it is an inefficient method because the 3rd law of Newtonian mechanics needs the stator to be stationary and attached to a stationary base like the ground but there is no base in space.

[0029] Rotating a cylindrical spacecraft or a circular space station or a cylindrical inhabitant section of a space station by motors requires a lot of energy and very advanced and expensive technology to make a rotating motor.

[0030] The more important issue is the need for a connection base and support point for the rotating motor in space.

[0031] Spinning spacecraft and space stations by a plurality of anti-parallel of reaction engines or at least a pair of reaction engines is a safe, feasible, relatively cost-effective, and energy-efficient method.

[0032] A pair of anti-parallel or a plurality of anti-parallel reaction engines provide a feasible method for spinning spacecraft or space stations because their technology is developed enough, while other proposed methods provide insufficient power or are in the theoretical stage.

[0033] The disclosed method is energy efficient because the reaction engines are turned off after reaching the required speed and free spinning sustains for a very long time due to the absence of any counterforce in space.

[0034] An embodiment of the disclosed invention contains at least a couple of counter-spinning pair of reaction engines e.g., clockwise to decrease or completely stop the spinning e.g., counter-clockwise which generated gravity force.

[0035] The present invention provides several other advantages over existing methods for creating artificial gravity in spacecraft. using a plurality of anti-parallel small reaction engines provides a more reliable and efficient method for generating artificial gravity in a spacecraft or a space station. The small engines can reduce the risk of equipment failure, and the spacecraft's stability during rotation is ensured by the opposing torque generated by the engines.

[0036] The modular design of the anti-parallel small reaction engines allows for customization of the engines' fuel source and thrust levels. This customization can ensure the spacecraft's mission is optimized, reducing fuel consumption and increasing mission duration.

[0037] Finally, the small reaction engines' size and weight are significantly smaller than a single large motor, reducing the spacecraft's weight, launch costs and providing required stability.Fig. 1

[0038] is an illustration of a spacecraft100, wherein a plurality of reaction engines101a-101h, is placed around lateral surface of the rocket.Fig. 2

[0039] is front view illustration of a spacecraft wherein two rockets are installed.Fig.3

[0040] is a depiction of a space rocket.Fig.4

[0041] a circular-shape space station wherein reaction engines are located around it.Fig.5

[0042] another depiction of, wherein reaction engines are installed inside the spacecraft.Fig. 6

[0043] [Fig.6] illustrates a space station wherein reaction engines spin only inhabitant compartment.Fig.1

[0044] is a top-view illustration of a spacecraft100, wherein a plurality of reaction engines is placed around the lateral surface of the rocket101a-101h.Fig.2

[0045] is a front-view illustration of a spacecraft200, wherein two rockets201a, and201bare installed. Their two other rockets are on the opposite side of the spacecraft which is not illustrated and they maintain stable torque for spinning the spacecraft.Fig.3

[0046] is a depiction of a space rocket, wherein two rows of anti-parallel reaction engines are installed on the lateral surface of the spacecraft, two series rotate the spacecraft counter-clockwise302b,302c, and two rows of reaction engines301a,301drotate the spacecraft clockwise. reaction engines in one direction for rotation can be selected and the opposite-direction reaction engines act as breaks to stop the rotation of spacecraft.Fig.4

[0047] a circular-shape space station400, wherein a plurality of reaction engines is located around it401a-401f, are installed around the space station. The direction of artificial gravity is depicted by arrow402, and centrifugal force is depicted by arrow403acting on object404. The direction of inhabitant406, and rotating direction405.Fig.5

[0048] illustrates the top view of spacecraft 500, wherein a plurality of501a-501dof reaction engines are installed inside the spacecraft to prevent aerodynamical problems while the spacecraft is in the atmosphere.Fig.6

[0049] [Fig.6] depicts a noncircular space station600, wherein a cylindrical inhabitant compartment is rotated by reaction engines601a, and601bwhose counter-direction reaction engines are located on the other side of the compartment. The counter-direction engines are not depicted in this image. The cylindrical inhabitant compartment is attached to the space station by a frictionless magnetic bearing602, which makes the spinning of the inhabitant compartment sustained for a long time. Other sections such as solar array607, power module606, laboratory module605, acquisition port604, docking module608, and logistic module603do not spin.Examples

[0050] The disclosed invention utilizes a plurality of small reaction engines, in some embodiments at least a pair of counter-direction reaction engines, some of the technical features include generating gravitational force for spacecraft, space stations, and compensating gravity on the other planets.

[0051] An example can be the spinning of a 200,000 Kg space station which has an 8.37 m diameter (equal to a space shuttle weight and diameter) by two 64 KN reaction engines (equal to the thrust force of a Boeing 737 airplane engine), that by calculation it is seen, it takes about 3hours and half that the rotational acceleration reaches 9.8 m / s2 which is required for the generation of the Earth gravity, after that the engines turn off and, spinning will be self-sustained due to no counterforce in space.

[0052] The artificial gravity system disclosed invention can be applied to any spacecraft and space station like the lunar gateway, and International Space Station.

[0053] The disclosed invention can be used on other planets like Moon and Mars to compensate for low gravity on those planets.

Claims

A system for creating artificial gravity in a spacecraft or a space station, comprising a plurality of reaction anti-parallel small reaction engines installed around the lateral surface of the spacecraft or space station, wherein said engines are configured to spin the spacecraft or the space station around its longitudinal axis.The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reaction engines is oriented such that their thrust vectors are directed tangentially to the lateral surface of the spacecraft or space station.The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of reaction engines is controlled by a computer system configured to adjust their thrust vectors to maintain a desired spin rate and centrifugal force.The system of claim 1, wherein at least two anti-parallel reaction engines which located on the two opposite sides of the lateral space of the spacecraft or a space station.The system of claim 1, wherein the spacecraft or the space station comprises a crew module, and the crew module is oriented such that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spacecraft.The system of claim 5, wherein the crew module is equipped with living quarters, workstations, and other facilities for human habitation attached to other sections of a space station by magnetic rotating and magnetic bearings which are almost frictionless.The system of claim 5, further comprising a communications system configured to transmit and receive data, voice, and video signals between the crew module and ground-based facilities.The system of claim 1, wherein the reaction engines are placed on the inhabitant compartment and rotate the inhabitant compartment.The system of claim 1, wherein any convenient propulsion system can be deployed rather than reaction engines.

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