Chapter
Apr 26, 2012
The Solar System Cruiser—Interstellar Precursor
Publication: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space V
Abstract
Although the current space climate is focused on developing cheaper access to space and performing smaller, well-defined science payloads, the ultimate future calls for a permanent human presence in space, crowned with the achievement of interstellar travel. Whether that expansion comes from practical drives — the taxation of the limits of the carrying capacity of Earth — or more romantic, exploratory impulses, prudence dictates that we begin preparations far in advance of our departure date. There are numerous technological feats to master, in the guise of physical systems such as propulsion and shielding, and biological systems such as life support. But serious issues of design and systems integration also emerge, and their scope and difficulties may need several testing iterations for even their definition. A Solar System Cruiser that cycles between inner and outer planets, improving and evolving along each voyage, represents a phased mission architecture that both utilizes existing infrastructure while validating future technologies and testing human factors limits. As such, it might provide a valuable exercise in design learning that will serve humankind well in future grand undertakings such as interstellar travel. In addition, it may provide valuable infrastructure, material resource and science development for its useful lifetime.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this chapter.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 1996 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
Permissions
Request permissions for this article.
Authors
Affiliations
Ph.D. Candidate, Program in Neuroscience & School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Medical Scientist Training Program, Box 0606, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093.E-mail: [email protected]
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
View Options
Get Access
Access content
Please select your options to get access
Log in/Register
Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members:
Please log in to see member pricing
Purchase
Save for later Item saved, go to cart Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Get Access
Access content
Please select your options to get access
Log in/Register
Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members:
Please log in to see member pricing
Purchase
Save for later Item saved, go to cart Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.