Celestial body planet transformation method

Abstract

The invention aims to provide a planetary transformation method for rock celestial bodies, which utilizes celestial bodies with an atmosphere layer, gaseous celestial bodies, gaseous planets, extrasolar planets, gaseous giant planets, super giant planets, thermal stars or super earth type planets with an atmosphere layer, namely all celestial bodies with transportable gas resources. The invention relates to a planet transformation method for a rock celestial body, which utilizes a celestial body with an atmospheric layer and comprises the following steps of: a, determining the optimal height of the celestial body with the atmospheric layer, and enabling the operation condition of a space station to be optimal at the height; b, deploying a space station, wherein the space station has the capability of collecting resources and sending the resources into a planetary orbit; c, collecting resources in a stable form at the space station; d, the resources are sent into a planetary orbit; e, the resources are transported towards the rock celestial body; and f, carrying out a resource degassing (sublimation) process on the surface of the rock celestial body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention relates to a method for planetary terraforming of celestial bodies (such as planets and rocky satellites) by utilizing atmospheric gases from other planets and satellites as gaseous resources that can be transported in solid form, such as solidified carbon dioxide. Background Technology

[0002] For many years, the possibility of inhabiting other planets and moons has captivated not only scientists but also the public. Due to limitations in scientific understanding and natural conditions, the focus has primarily been on celestial bodies relatively close to Earth, such as Venus, Mars, and the moons of some large planets. Furthermore, these celestial bodies possess vastly different environmental conditions. For instance, Venus has a dense atmosphere, while Mars has virtually none. To terraform these planets, even to a state capable of supporting Earth-like life, fundamental alterations to their environmental conditions are necessary.

[0003] Mars is a rocky planet with a very thin atmosphere (relative to Earth), but its surface structure is relatively intact.

[0004] Research indicates that Mars once possessed Earth-like environmental conditions, with liquid water and the formation of rivers and lakes, and its surface still retains numerous traces of this. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that Mars may have once had a relatively thick atmosphere, with pressure and temperature conditions conducive to the development of life, although its specific composition remains unclear. Mars' atmosphere was lost due to several key processes.

[0005] First, Mars has weaker gravity and a much smaller mass than Earth, making it easier for atmospheric gases to escape into space. Gas molecules from the Martian atmosphere can gain enough speed to overcome gravity and escape.

[0006] Secondly, Mars lacks a strong magnetic field for protection, while Earth's magnetic field can shield it from the solar wind, which consists of charged particles. Without magnetic field protection, the solar wind directly impacts the Martian atmosphere, thus accelerating atmospheric loss.

[0007] For the reasons mentioned above, Mars lost most of its original atmosphere, which was once denser and richer in gases. Currently, Mars' atmosphere is very thin, consisting mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2) and containing small amounts of other gases.

[0008] Returning to the issue of terraforming planets and their satellites, besides selecting suitable planets, it is also necessary to perform an atmosphere-modifying process to make them resemble Earth's atmosphere. The key question is whether the target celestial body has sufficient resources to form the required atmosphere.

[0009] In the case of Mars, there are proposals to use nuclear payloads to melt the ice caps on the Martian surface.

[0010] Furthermore, existing technologies propose using asteroids or other celestial bodies containing the desired materials to provide atmospheric resources. Of course, in the initial stages of colonizing Mars, settlements will be established, which must be under domes or in caves; therefore, their presence must be taken into account so that the planetary terraforming methods used will not subject these investments to the effects of the transported objects or similar adverse effects.

[0011] A planetary terraforming device is known from US patent application US2018111149A1, comprising an assembly with one or more bases that facilitate localized heating of polar ice caps in the presence of cosmic ray and meson fluxes. Each base includes a device for distributing deuterium-containing fuel material around and on the surface of the polar ice cap, where the material interacts with the cosmic ray and meson fluxes to produce kinetic energy products. The hardware may include one or more cannons, an orbital platform, and a rover that distributes the fuel material to designated areas of the polar ice cap. In one embodiment, the package of deuterium-containing fuel material may take the form of a projectile, wherein the shell wall surrounds the fuel material, and a fuse and a chemical explosive charge activated by the fuse disperse the material to a target location and altitude. In another embodiment, the localized space heating unit utilizes micro-fusion reactions using disks coated with fuel material to radiate thermal energy to the surface of the ice cap.

[0012] The 2018 article, "A List of CO2 Reserves Available for Planetary Terraforming of Mars" (1), introduced the concept of "planetary terraforming" Mars—modifying its environment to be more Earth-like, given our current understanding of Mars, so that Earth-related life (potentially including humans) could survive without life support systems. It is necessary to determine whether it is possible to release gases currently present in Martian non-atmospheric reservoirs into the atmosphere and increase atmospheric pressure and temperature to enable plants or humans to survive on its surface. It is also necessary to assess whether this goal can be achieved without using new technologies far beyond current technological capabilities, given realistic estimates of available volatile compounds. Recently, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) and the Mars Express spacecraft have observed atmospheric loss into space, while the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Mars Odyssey orbiter have analyzed the abundance of carbonaceous minerals and the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in polar ice. These results indicate that the remaining carbon dioxide (CO2) on Mars would be insufficient to produce a significant greenhouse effect if gases were introduced into the atmosphere; furthermore, most of the carbon dioxide in these reservoirs is unusable and difficult to release. Therefore, it can be concluded that planetary terraforming of Mars is impossible under current technological conditions.

[0013] Another 2021 article, “Planetary Transformation and Mars Colonization” (2), points out that colonizing planets, satellites, and asteroids in the solar system requires the construction of artificial, enclosed environments that can provide Earth-like living conditions. On the one hand, humans have been accustomed to living in artificial environments since the Neolithic Age, especially in some of the harsher regions on Earth; on the other hand, only by terraforming the celestial bodies intended for habitation can the colonization process of the solar system be promoted.

[0014] Mars has become the preferred target for this type of planetary terraforming for several reasons, as closer celestial bodies (the Moon and Venus) have much harsher conditions. Terraforming Mars is a massive undertaking, potentially taking hundreds of years and incurring extremely high costs. Important aspects of this project, including scientific, economic, and ethical issues, have been discussed in relevant literature. In particular, the ethical issues involve the possibility of native life: if native life (likely at the bacterial level) exists on Mars, any terraforming activity could lead to its extinction. Therefore, thorough research is necessary before undertaking any terraforming work to rule out the existence of such life.

[0015] Existing methods for terraforming rocky planets may also introduce additional risks, such as radiation problems caused by nuclear reactions, or the target planet lacking sufficient internal resources to form an Earth-like atmosphere. On the other hand, methods relying solely on the greenhouse effect are often ineffective because celestial bodies tend to lack sufficient resources. Terraforming through asteroid impacts is also not feasible because the chemical composition of asteroids is unpredictable, and impacts could lead to uncontrollable consequences (such as large-scale surface destruction). Summary of the Invention

[0016] The technical problem solved by this invention is how to utilize gaseous resources extracted from other celestial bodies and transport these resources in solid form (such as solidified carbon dioxide) to achieve planetary terraforming of celestial bodies such as planets and rocky satellites.

[0017] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by means of a method that utilizes resources from celestial bodies such as planets with dense atmospheres or similar resources, transports the resources in solid form to the vicinity of another target celestial body, and regasifies the resources there.

[0018] A method for terraforming rocky celestial bodies, utilizing celestial bodies with atmospheres, is characterized by the following steps: a. Determine the optimal altitude for space station operation in celestial bodies with atmospheres; b. Deploy a space station capable of collecting resources and sending them into planetary orbit; c. Collect resources in a stable form at the space station; d. Send resources into planetary orbit; e. Transporting resources toward rocky celestial bodies; f. Degassing (sublimation) of resources on the surface of rocky celestial bodies.

[0019] Advantageously, the space station is located on the surface of a celestial body with an atmosphere.

[0020] Advantageously, resources can be delivered directly from the space station to rocky celestial bodies.

[0021] Advantageously, resources are transported via space conveyor belts in the form of freely flying blocks.

[0022] Advantageously, a space sail can be deployed on a solid surface, in the form of a light sail, a solar sail, a heat shield, or a mirror that reflects stellar radiation.

[0023] Advantageously, incomplete space elevators can be used to lift resource blocks into celestial orbits.

[0024] Advantageously, resources can be extracted to an automated factory located in orbit via a space elevator or space vacuum cleaner, and then the resource blocks can be transported to rocky celestial bodies.

[0025] Advantageously, resources can be solidified in orbit.

[0026] Advantageously, CO2 in the resources can be solidified into dry ice, and N2 in the resources can be solidified into ammonium sulfate.

[0027] Advantageously, a dry ice shielding zone can be constructed around celestial bodies.

[0028] Advantageously, dry ice is obtained through compression.

[0029] Advantageously, resources are delivered via space cannons.

[0030] Advantageously, solidified gas blocks extracted from atmospheric celestial bodies can be deployed in orbits of rocky celestial bodies.

[0031] Advantageously, a space elevator can be used to obtain gas from the atmosphere of an atmospheric celestial body, and then solidify the gas in orbit.

[0032] Advantageously, a pipe with one end in the atmosphere and the other end in orbit is used to obtain gas from the atmosphere of an atmospheric celestial body, and then solidify the gas in orbit.

[0033] The advantage of this method is that it can precisely control the atmospheric composition of planets (and their satellites) that have been terraformed, such as Mars, as well as the distribution of solid resources entering the atmosphere.

[0034] Another advantage is that it avoids (or negligibly mitigates) the effects of collisions with planet-modified bodies, thus preventing unpredictable consequences of collisions and explosions on those bodies, including impacts on existing settlements.

[0035] The undeniable advantage lies in the convenience of transporting resources in solid form without the need for transport spacecraft. For example, it can be achieved through planetary gravity assistance combined with solar sails or nuclear-powered tugs. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following examples illustrate the invention but do not limit it in any way.

[0037] Example 1: How to use Venus resources to terraform Mars.

[0038] Mars is a rocky planet with low atmospheric pressure, relatively small mass, and strong gravity. The planet has resources on its surface that could be used to create an atmosphere, but even assuming that the ice caps at the planet's poles are fully utilized, this application would only be enough to create an atmosphere that is only 7%-8% similar to that of Earth.

[0039] Compared to Earth, Mars has a very thin atmosphere. The pressure at the summit of Olympus Mons is only 30 Pa (0.30 hPa), while the pressure at the bottom of the Hellas Basin reaches 1155 Pa (11.55 hPa); the average atmospheric pressure on Mars is 600 Pa. On Earth, this pressure is common at an altitude of 35 km above sea level; this represents less than 1% of the pressure at Earth's surface (1013 hPa). Mars' atmosphere contains 95% carbon dioxide, 3% nitrogen, 1.6% argon, and trace amounts of oxygen and water.

[0040] On the other hand, Venus's atmosphere is much denser than Earth's, consisting mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2) and small amounts of other gases, such as nitrogen (N2), water vapor (H2O), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and trace amounts of inert gases.

[0041] The atmosphere contains many other compounds, albeit in very small percentages. These compounds include hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF), as well as carbon monoxide, water vapor, and atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere.

[0042] The optimal location for the space station's operating parameters is determined above a planet with a gaseous atmosphere. In the case of Venus, this location would be approximately 50 km to 65 km above the planet's surface.

[0043] Therefore, Venus's upper atmosphere is the most Earth-like environment in the entire solar system, even more so than the surface of Mars.

[0044] At this altitude, a space station is deployed to collect resources in solid form, such as dry ice and other materials, using a compression method. Deploying the space station in the upper atmosphere allows for better adaptation to service conditions, as the station will operate without problems due to more favorable conditions and allow for crew involvement. In the case of nitrogen, it is converted into ammonium sulfate blocks, transported in a similar manner to dry ice (i.e., carbon dioxide blocks). The accumulated resources are then lifted into orbit around Venus using known rockets such as LauncherOne or similar vehicles, after which they are sent to Mars in solid form. Upon arrival at the Martian surface, the resources sublimate and release gases due to the environmental conditions, thus forming an atmosphere. The flight path and transport cycle are calculated in such a way that sublimation losses in space are minimized.

[0045] By transporting solidified carbon dioxide and nitrogen (such as ammonium sulfate) and other components to Mars (e.g., in the form of free-flying blocks on appropriately selected flight paths), the atmospheric pressure level of Mars can be increased, and its atmospheric composition can be regulated.

[0046] This process continues until a state similar to the target atmosphere is achieved. Then, a process is undertaken to make the atmosphere's composition similar to that known on Earth. This can be accomplished by microorganisms that produce oxygen from carbon dioxide. On the other hand, carbon dioxide itself will cause a greenhouse effect, raising and stabilizing the temperature on the Martian surface. Since Venus's atmosphere contains abundant carbon dioxide and nitrogen, its surplus resources can be fully utilized.

[0047] Placing solidified carbon dioxide blocks in low Mars orbit would minimize sublimation in space, provide partial protection against newly formed atmospheres being blown into space, and offer protection against cosmic radiation.

[0048] Example 2: How to use Venus resources to terraform Mars.

[0049] Mars is a rocky planet with low atmospheric pressure, relatively small mass, and strong gravity. The planet has resources on its surface that could be used to create an atmosphere, but even assuming that the ice caps at the planet's poles are fully utilized, this application would only be enough to create an atmosphere that is only 7%-8% similar to that of Earth.

[0050] Compared to Earth, Mars has a very thin atmosphere. The pressure at the summit of Olympus Mons is only 30 Pa (0.30 hPa), while the pressure at the bottom of the Hellas Basin reaches 1155 Pa (11.55 hPa); the average atmospheric pressure on Mars is 600 Pa. On Earth, this pressure is common at an altitude of 35 km above sea level; this represents less than 1% of the pressure at Earth's surface (1013 hPa). Mars' atmosphere contains 95% carbon dioxide, 3% nitrogen, 1.6% argon, and trace amounts of oxygen and water.

[0051] On the other hand, Venus's atmosphere is much denser than Earth's, consisting mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2) and small amounts of other gases, such as nitrogen (N2), water vapor (H2O), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and trace amounts of inert gases.

[0052] The atmosphere contains many other compounds, albeit in very small percentages. These compounds include hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF), as well as carbon monoxide, water vapor, and atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere.

[0053] One device, deployed in a geosynchronous orbit around Venus, allows atmospheric gases from Venus to be drawn into orbit through a pipe of suitable diameter, where they can then be converted into solid forms, such as solidified carbon dioxide, on an orbiter (i.e., a space station). Similarly, numerous space elevator designs have been proposed for lifting cargo from planetary surfaces into space. Taking Earth's space elevators as an example, assuming a high-strength cable 36,000 km long, its structure capable of withstanding its own weight without breaking (e.g., carbon nanotubes), the length and strength requirements of such pipes are significantly reduced in this type of atmospheric gas-drawing device because the intake is located tens of kilometers above the planet's (Venus's) surface.

[0054] By transporting solidified carbon dioxide and nitrogen (such as ammonium sulfate) and other components to Mars (e.g., in the form of free-flying blocks on appropriately selected flight paths), the atmospheric pressure level of Mars can be increased, and its atmospheric composition can be regulated.

[0055] This process continues until a state similar to the target atmosphere is achieved. Then, a process is undertaken to make the atmosphere's composition similar to that known on Earth. This can be accomplished by microorganisms that produce oxygen from carbon dioxide. On the other hand, carbon dioxide itself will cause a greenhouse effect, raising and stabilizing the temperature on the Martian surface. Since Venus's atmosphere contains abundant carbon dioxide and nitrogen, its surplus resources can be fully utilized.

[0056] Placing solidified carbon dioxide blocks in low Mars orbit would minimize sublimation in space, provide partial protection against newly formed atmospheres being blown into space, and offer protection against cosmic radiation.

[0057] References 1. Jakosky, BM; Edwards, CS Inventory of CO2Available for Terraforming Mars. Nature Astronomy, 2018, 2: 634–639; 2. Genta, G. Terraforming and Colonizing Mars. Wiley Online Library, 2021-11-23.

Claims

1. A method for planetary terraforming of rocky celestial bodies, utilizing celestial bodies with atmospheres, characterized in that... The method includes the following steps: a) Determine the optimal altitude for space station operation in an atmospheric celestial body; b) Deploy a space station capable of collecting resources and sending them into planetary orbit; c) Collect resources in a stable form at the space station; d) Deploy the resources into planetary orbit; e) Transporting the resources toward the rocky celestial bodies; f) Performing a degassing (sublimation) process on the surface of the rocky celestial body.

2. The planetary reforming method according to claim 1, characterized by, The space station is located on the surface of the celestial body with an atmosphere.

3. The method of planetary reforming according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The resources were delivered directly from the space station to the rocky celestial body.

4. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, The resources are transported via a space conveyor belt in the form of freely flying blocks.

5. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claim 4, characterized by, Space sails in the form of light sails, solar sails, heat shields, or reflectors that reflect stellar radiation are deployed on the block.

6. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, Resource blocks are lifted into celestial orbits using an incomplete space elevator.

7. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, The resources are extracted to an automated factory in orbit via a space elevator or space vacuum cleaner, and then the resource blocks are transported to the rocky celestial body.

8. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, The resource is solidified in the orbit.

9. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, The carbon dioxide in the resource is solidified into dry ice, and the nitrogen in the resource is solidified into ammonium sulfate.

10. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, A dry ice-covered area forms around the celestial body.

11. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, The dry ice is obtained by compression.

12. The planetary terraforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The resources are launched via a space cannon.

13. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, Solidified gas blocks obtained from atmospheric celestial bodies will be deployed in the orbit of the rocky celestial bodies.

14. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, Gases are extracted from the atmosphere of an atmospheric celestial body using a space elevator, and then solidified in orbit.

15. The planetary reforming method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by, Gas is extracted from the atmosphere of the atmospheric celestial body through a pipe with one end in the atmosphere and the other end in orbit, and then the gas is solidified in orbit.