The space station as it is configured now doesn't look like it's designed efficiently to take advantage of artificial gravity. Is there a flaw in the design?
2006-11-20 01:10:45 · 4 answers · asked by Kene 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I think you pose a very insightful and valid question. I've wondered this same thing myself and dreamed about the day we can created a structure like the one you describe.
However, to create a rotating torus large enough to mimic earth's gravity would be unfeasable with the enormous cost right now to build in space. Plus, the way the space station is built puts almost no stress on the station. If the station were rotating it would have to constantly withstand the forces of "gravity".
2006-11-20 01:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cost and the modular construction philosophy dictate it's design. To get a feeling of artificial gravity would require it to be relatively large and larger than the budget allowed. Also, the ISS right now allows extra modules and pieces to be added on while the old modules are being used. A torus would have to be 100% complete before it could be used otherwise, it wouldn't be rotationally stable.
2006-11-20 09:17:01 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have heard two reasons.
1) It is not practical to do so, although I have not heard details as to why.
2) One of the main reasons to have a space station is to do zero gravity experiments. If you want gravity, just stay on the ground.
2006-11-20 09:54:58 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a matter of expense. It would have to be much larger than it is now for it to work practically....build it too small, and it would have to spin so fast that its own centrifugal force would pull it apart.
2006-11-20 09:18:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋