Round and Round She Goes...

Fictionally, writers have used the ever-questionable gravity conductors to generate and control gravitons. The coolest being Star Trek, which generated and distributed them into the hull plating. But, aside from pseudo-science experiments around gravitomagnetic torque effect that have no real scientific community confirmation and have not been duplicated, this "gravity generating" technology has not come to fruition.

So, for the purposes of this post, let's stick with concepts that are from more traditional avenues of artificial gravity. Okay, before we begin, I want to clarify that when we talk about this kind of artificial gravity, we're not talking about gravity at all.

What we're talking about is centripetal force (the counteracting of mass by a proportional rotational acceleration). Basically, spinning to give the feeling of weight to one's body. Think the spinning ride at your local amusement park but in a more effective and useful way to allow astronauts and, hopefully, space travelers the ability to function and remain healthy in space.

Studies performed and being performed indicate humans don't need a constant round-the-clock form of gravity to remain conditioned, and they don't believe humans would even need standard earth gravity either. Half earth's gravity and several hours a day could, in theory, suffice to sustain body health and prevent "deconditioning" during a space travels. (Deconditioning is the physical results of zero gravity, such as loss of bone mass and performance deterioration of the circulatory and neurological systems, among other clinical issues.)

The most popular solution scientists are exploring is centrifuge systems. The question of specific centrifuge structure to use for space travel depends on some decisions: continuous artificial gravity vs periodic artificial gravity sessions, and compartment systems or individual systems...to name a couple.

Quirky fact: Path of least resistance - in a large vessel or station sized rotational system the occupants would need to walk/move in the same direction as the rotation or dizziness and nausea could ensue. Also, depending on the size/structure, even turning your head could cause these symptoms.

I think in the short term regular "centrifuge sessions" in individual chambers is a sound and cost-effective solution. This is because those first missions will be a small professional crew only and a good testing ground for the technology.

Building too large too fast is not the way to go in space exploration. One vacuum step at a time, people. But it is exciting to jump ahead and imagine the evolution as our exploration evolves.

1. Individual centrifuge chambers at regular daily sessions for first long distance crew missions and colonization of Mars, moons and satellites.
2. Multi person chambers round the clock/Individual chambers at regular sessions for broader space travel with small passenger/crew mixture.
3. Compartment-size systems round the clock for mid and large size transport vessels with large crews needing gravity in their workspaces, but not needing gravity in the payload and common areas. Also could be for larger capacity passenger vessels. Passengers situated in artificial gravity quarters and crew in artificial gravity workspaces with non-gravity areas such as cargo areas and common areas.



4. Then we reach the vessel-size systems where all areas would have artificial gravity.

There are a million different ways centrifuge systems can be explored and executed. These are just my brainstorms on the concept. Let me know your thoughts, ideas or heck, even your disagreements. Below are a few links I used when exploring the idea. Some are older articles, but hey, the issues been around for a while with no other real solutions being presented.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/1995/gravity-1129.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/spaceodyssey/healtheffects.shtml

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast01oct_1/

http://www.esa.int/esaHS/ESAGO90VMOC_astronauts_0.html

http://www.space.com/8384-artificial-gravity-tests-space-astronauts.html

http://www.spacedaily.com/news/gravity-05m.html (artificial gravity workout system)

http://www.space.com/1089-artificial-gravity-nasa-spins-study.html

http://www.popsci.com/entertainment-amp-gaming/article/2009-01/artificial-gravity-fact-and-fiction

http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-02/physics-artificial-gravity-part-two

http://what-when-how.com/space-science-and-technology/artificial-gravity/

Automated Highway System

Join the AR geek fest with me. I was chit-chatting with my non-SF geek the other day on the way to lunch. (She is a very patient friend who tolerates my trips to la-la land.)

I don't even remember how we got to the specific topic, but next thing I knew I was sharing my automated highway idea. Oddly enough, she got on the bandwagon. I think this is because she's a commuter and it takes her FOREVER to get to work in the morning.

My idea is simple. A magnetic highway system that is compatible without needed "robocars".

Robocar concepts are pretty common in the tech talk world. Electric cars that basically take over and autopilot you on your way. Don't get me wrong, I think that's ultimately where we'll end up... but it just seems so un-American. Come on, for the most part we're free spirited cowboys with a heavy independent streak. We honor our cars and roads so much that we covet Route 66.

You US of A ers know what I'm talkin' about. One of the main reasons why our transportation systems haven't taken on as well as in other countries is that the majority of us love of the car and driving ourselves where we need to go. (Not to mention our sheer size compared to other countries.)

Okay...let's travel back to "Topic land"... where was I?

Oh yeah, Robocars.

Robocars just give me an image of Stepford Wives but with cars...or worse, a Twilight episode.

Magnetic highway systems have also been talked about, which is exciting. But again, it's in terms of swapping out your unique vehicle with a compatible one (aka robocars/A.I. vehicles).

My idea -- which, who knows, may not be new. I read tons of research papers and articles and don't always remember I read something until a commenter links me in -- involves:

1. Magnetic infrastructure built into current highways


2. GPS road mapping system integrated into the magnetic network


3. "Highway System Package" available for purchase at the auto store or dealership. (Includes magnetic installation kit for your vehicle and autopilot software to link to your car's GPS)

It'd have to be like the Fast Track program, where it's optional to participate. But, as you can see, Fast Track has exploded. There are only 1 or 2 cash lanes anymore. Start off with dedicated lanes and then expand as the volume of Highway System users increases.

Imagine, you can commute and instead of cursing traffic jambs or the crazy ass driver beside you, you could be leaning back and surfing the net or eating breakfast. Whatever you want...even catching another hour of zzz's until you get to your exit.

Now, I know I'm totally simplifying this. I'm not and never claimed to be 1) a scientist nor 2) an engineer. I'm just letting my mind go a-wandering.

What are your thoughts for automated highway systems? Any cool ideas you've been reading?