A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a stationary structure including a hub having a plurality of portals spaced radially around an outer cylindrical surface of the hub, and a rotating structure that attaches to the outer cylindrical surface of the hub using rotatable attachment members to rotate about an axis in relation to the hub. The rotating structure includes a platform that attaches to the rotatable attachment members and is configured to revolve around the outer cylindrical surface of the hub on the rotatable attachment members. The rotating structure also includes a gravity chamber that attaches to the platform, and projects radially from the axis. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotating structure about the axis in relation to the hub to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a stationary structure including a hub having a plurality of portals spaced radially around an outer cylindrical surface of the hub, and a rotating structure that attaches to the outer cylindrical surface of the hub using rotatable attachment members to rotate about an axis in relation to the hub. The rotating structure includes a platform that attaches to the rotatable attachment members and is configured to revolve around the outer cylindrical surface of the hub on the rotatable attachment members. The rotating structure also includes a gravity chamber that attaches to the platform, and projects radially from the axis. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotating structure about the axis in relation to the hub to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to a cylindrical core member of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the cylindrical core member, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to a cylindrical core member of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the cylindrical core member, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that rotates to provide an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, a portal chamber is installed adjacent to the gravity chamber and configured to rotate about the same axis. The portal chamber includes a brake mechanism to stop the rotation of the portal chamber, a first access opening for a crew member to pass between an interior of the habitation module and the portal chamber while rotation of the portal chamber is stopped, an engagement mechanism that engages the gravity chamber to rotate the portal chamber about the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber, and a second access opening for the crew member to pass between the portal chamber and the gravity chamber while the portal chamber rotates at the speed of the gravity chamber.

The present disclosure provides examples of thermal control systems for reducing ice formation. In one example, a space vehicle comprising a first component, a second component, and a thermal control system is provided. The thermal control system is configured for transferring thermal energy between the first component and the second component. The thermal control system comprises a fluid loop in thermal communication with the first component and the second component, a heat transfer fluid including a perfluoropolyether, an anti-icing fluid, wherein the anti-icing fluid is immiscible with the heat transfer fluid and is miscible with water to form a mixture that remains liquid at temperatures under use conditions in space, and a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid and the anti-icing fluid within the fluid loop.

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to an outer surface of a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the outer surface of the hull, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

A spacecraft propulsion method uses cosmic ray triggered nuclear micro-fusion events to provide repeated or continuous thrust for artificial gravity during a space flight. In one embodiment, successive packages of deuterium-containing micro-fusion particle fuel material is projected in a specified direction outward from a spacecraft. In another embodiment, the micro-fusion fuel material is a coating upon a set of angled rings arranged circumferentially around the spacecraft. In a third embodiment, the micro-fusion fuel is dispersed in proximity to wind turbines to generate electricity for ion thrusters. In each case, the material interacts with the ambient flux of cosmic rays to generate micro-fusion products having kinetic energy that either produce thrust upon the spacecraft or drive the turbines whose electrical output in turn powers the ion thrusters.

A spacecraft propulsion method uses cosmic ray triggered nuclear micro-fusion events to provide repeated or continuous thrust for artificial gravity during a space flight. In one embodiment, successive packages of deuterium-containing micro-fusion particle fuel material is projected in a specified direction outward from a spacecraft. In another embodiment, the micro-fusion fuel material is a coating upon a set of angled rings arranged circumferentially around the spacecraft. In a third embodiment, the micro-fusion fuel is dispersed in proximity to wind turbines to generate electricity for ion thrusters. In each case, the material interacts with the ambient flux of cosmic rays to generate micro-fusion products having kinetic energy that either produce thrust upon the spacecraft or drive the turbines whose electrical output in turn powers the ion thrusters.

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber includes an outer cylindrical wall and opposing side walls. The gravity chamber attaches to a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an outer race attached to an inner surface of the hull, and an inner race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the inner race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.