In Space Infrastructure, Living in Space, Space Settlement

The Space Habitats Report – Oct.19.2024

Here is a new selection of videos, articles, and news items about space habitats (govt and commercial), living in space, and space settlement.

=== International Space Station & NASA 

** NASA Astronaut Suni Williams Talks with WGBH Boston Public Radio – Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – NASA Video

Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams of NASA discussed life and work aboard the orbital outpost during an in-flight interview October 16 with WGBH/Boston Public Radio. Williams is in the midst of a long-duration mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration flights as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.

** NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Talks with KGW-TV, Portland – Thursday, October 10, 2024 – NASA Video

Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Don Pettit of NASA discussed life and work aboard the orbital outpost during an in-flight interview October 10with KGW-TV, Portland. Pettit is in the midst of long-duration mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration flights as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.

** Science Launching on SpaceX’s 31st Cargo Resupply Mission to the Space Station – NASA

Scientific investigations launching to the International Space Station on the 31st SpaceX commercial resupply services mission include studies of solar wind, a radiation-tolerant moss, spacecraft materials, and cold welding in space.

More: https://go.nasa.gov/3zZrxg8

** Moon Minute: Water on Moons and Planets – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

Want the latest update for NASA’s Artemis campaign? Check out this update, which features how missions like the Europa Clipper mission will help future Artemis launches to the Moon.

=== Commercial space habitats

** Axiom Space

— Axiom partnered with Prada on design of the new EVA spacesuit that made its public debut this week:

Axiom says,

Advancing NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuit design, the AxEMU provides increased flexibility, performance, and safety, as well as specialized tools to aid in exploring the lunar south pole. The suit accommodates a wide range of crewmembers, including males and females from the first to 99th percentile (anthropomorphic sizing). It will withstand extreme temperatures at the lunar south pole and endure the coldest temperatures in the permanently shadowed regions for at least two hours. Astronauts will be able to perform spacewalks for at least eight hours.

The AxEMU incorporates multiple redundant systems and an onboard diagnostic system to ensure safety for crewmembers. The suit also uses a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system and a robust cooling technology to remove heat from the system. It includes advanced coatings on the helmet and visor to enhance the astronauts’ view of their surroundings, as well as custom gloves made in-house featuring several advancements over the gloves used today. The spacesuit architecture includes life support systems, pressure garments, avionics and other innovative systems to meet exploration needs and expand scientific opportunities.

Axiom Space developed the AxEMU using a single, foundational architecture. The architecture is evolvable, scalable and adaptable for missions on the lunar surface and in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

Axiom Space has iteratively improved this next-gen spacesuit over the past two years to support the Artemis III mission. The AxEMU has undergone extensive testing and simulations with a wide range of astronauts and engineers at state-of-the-art Axiom Space, SpaceX and NASA facilities. Testing was conducted underwater to simulate the lunar environment with an unoccupied spacesuit at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) and reduced gravity simulations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

** Sierra Space

— Sierra wins NASA contract to develop system that both compacts waste and reclaims water: Sierra Space Advances Off-World Infrastructure and Sustainability with NASA-Awarded Trash Compaction and Processing System | Sierra Space – Oct.18.2024

Sierra won

… a NASA contract to develop a Trash Compaction and Processing System (TCPS) and test it aboard the International Space Station in late-2026.

The technology may be critical for the success of future space exploration and is being developed to handle waste management, stowage, and water reclamation for long-duration missions, including crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. The TCPS could effectively reduce the volume of trash generated by astronauts and recover nearly all water entrained in the trash for further use.

Current primary waste systems in space cannot reclaim water or effectively reduce the volume of trash in a manner necessary for long-term space travel. The TCPS is being developed to recover nearly all the water from the trash for additional use. This capability may be vital not only for deep space exploration but also for commercial orbital facilities or extraterrestrial bases. As a stand-alone system, TCPS only requires access to power, data, and air-cooling interfaces and it provides a simple user interface to facilitate crew interactions.

…

The TCPS includes an innovative Catalytic Oxidizer (CatOx) that processes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous byproducts to maintain a safe and sterile environment in space habitats. Catalytic oxidation is a more energy-efficient and safer alternative to traditional VOC removal methods. This same CatOx technology is also employed in Sierra Space’s Environmental Controls and Life Support Systems (ECLSS). The TCPS technology compacts astronaut trash into solid square tiles that are easy to store, safe to handle, and capable of providing additional radiation protection. The system is designed to recover nearly all water from the trash for recycling, and the CatOx removes any noxious or harmful contaminants for crew safety.

** VAST

— Vast revealed the design for its Haven-1 space station module that they plan to launch in 2025: Vast Unveils Its Final Haven-1 Space Station Design | VAST – Oct.10.2024

Every detail of the Haven-1 interior has been implemented with an eye for detail, creating a visual hierarchy that allows the astronauts to focus on the task at hand, monitor the station’s systems, and enjoy their experience onboard. After docking with a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Haven-1 crew members open the Haven-1 exterior hatch and are greeted by a sleek, functional layout upon entry. A real-time display shows the station status with temperature and lighting controls, and optimized cargo compartments ensure essential supplies are stored efficiently. Notably, Haven-1’s interior surfaces are soft and padded to provide an added safety component for crew and visitors as they float throughout.

Above and below the corridor, the station’s four private crew quarters offer astronauts a space to rest and recharge. Slightly larger than the crew quarters aboard the ISS, these expanded personal rooms are uniquely designed to allow for changing, entertainment, online communication with loved ones back on Earth (enabled by SpaceX Starlink connectivity), and, most importantly, a good night’s rest. Experience has shown that sleeping in space can be a restless endeavor. Maximizing sleep efficiency and comfort remains critical to the overall experience aboard the Vast station. Historically, zero gravity sleep has been uncomfortable for astronauts due to a lack of standardized and consistent restraint systems during weightless sleep and a deficit in the distributed gravity forces humans are accustomed to on Earth. Vast’s patent-pending signature sleep system is roughly the size of a queen bed, provides a customized amount of equal pressure throughout the night, and accommodates side and back sleepers alike.

Additionally, each room features a built-in storage compartment, vanity, and a custom amenities kit

See video below for imagery of the Haven-1 station. A second video gives a Haven-1 construction update.

— Muti-module Haven-2 station design unvealed: Vast Announces Haven-2, Its Proposed Space Station Designed To Succeed The International Space Station (ISS) | VAST – Oct.14.2024

During the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Vast, the US-based space habitation technology company, unveiled Haven-2 — the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS) and the next step in the company’s vision to pioneer a path to long-term living and thriving in space.

With the planned retirement of the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030, NASA conceived the Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program and is expected to select its Phase 2 winner(s) in mid-2026. Laser-focused on securing this prestigious contract to build the successor to the ISS, Vast has developed Haven-2, designed to offer the most compelling solution to ensure continued U.S. and international partner presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

“Our focus this decade is to win the NASA Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) contract and build the successor to the International Space Station,” said Max Haot, Vast CEO. “To achieve this, we will first demonstrate our capability by building and operating the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1, which is set to launch in 2025.”

…

If selected in 2026, Vast plans to have the first module of Haven-2, an evolved and NASA-certified version of Haven-1, fully operational in orbit by 2028. This near-term timeline is made possible by leveraging Vast’s significant private investment in the design, build, launch, and operation of Haven-1. The first Haven-2 Module will be 5m longer than Haven-1, offering nearly twice the livable volume of its predecessor while utilizing all the same proven systems.

See the video below for imagery of the Haven-2 design.

— Vast Unveils Final Design for Haven-1, the World’s First Commercial Space Station – VAST Youtube

We’re excited to introduce the final design for Haven-1, a groundbreaking space station that sets a new standard for human-centric design, comfort, and productivity in space.

Haven-1 merges cutting-edge microgravity lab advancements with a focus on astronaut well-being and features:

1.1m Observation Window Dome for stunning views of Earth
Patent-Pending Sleep System designed for optimal rest in zero gravity
Onboard Fitness System to improve cardiovascular and bone health
Warm, welcoming Interiors with natural materials, including maple wood veneer

Guided by visionary designer Peter Russell-Clarke and supported by veteran NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel, Haven-1 offers an unparalleled experience in space, balancing innovation with comfort.

Chief Design and Marketing Officer Hillary Coe emphasized the importance of human-first design, stating, “We have big ambitions to create a future where everyone is living and thriving on Earth and in space. This requires a shift in how we approach design for all backgrounds and comfort levels.”

We are excited to continue to push the boundaries of human spaceflight and pioneer the path to long-term living and thriving in space.

— Haven-1 Progress, October 2024 – VAST Youtube

Less renders, more hardware. Yesterday, we revealed the final design of Haven-1. Today, we’re sharing our latest progress update as we build the team, facilities, and hardware for the launch of the world’s first commercial space station in the second half of next year. Every step brings us closer to redefining space exploration. Stay tuned for more milestones as we make history.

— Vast Unveils Haven-2: Our Proposed Successor to the International Space Station (ISS) – VAST Youtube

Today at IAC 2024, Vast introduced Haven-2, our proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS). The first module will be fully operational by 2028, ensuring an overlap of operational space stations before the ISS retires in 2030. This near-term timeline is made possible by leveraging Vast’s significant private investment in the design, build, launch, and operation of Haven-1. When completed in 2032, Haven-2 is designed to surpass the ISS in volume, research facilities, and cost efficiency.

** Starlab – Voyager Space

–— Starlab releases video showing interior design of the station module:

— A video report on the Starlab project:

=== Chinese space habitats

** Shenzhou-18 Crew Gears Up for Entry of Shenzhou-19 Members into Tiangong – CCTV Video News Agency

The Shenzhou-18 mission crew has carried out their work in an orderly manner this week in preparation for the handover with the Shenzhou-19 members at China’s Tiangong space station later this month.

The Shenzhou-18 mission crew has carried out their work in an orderly manner this week in preparation for the handover with the Shenzhou-19 members at China’s Tiangong space station later this month.

=== Space settlement

** Robert Zubrin, The New World on Mars: What We Can Create on the Red Planet, an NSS Space Forum – National Space Society

National Space Society Space Forum, Aug 29, 2024, The New World on Mars: What We Can Create on the Red Planet with

Dr. Robert Zubrin
President, The Mars Society
Astronautical Engineer and Author
Founder, Pioneer Astronautics

View this National Space Society (NSS) Space Forum for an opportunity to dive into a bold, new vision for humanity on Mars. Hear from Dr. Robert Zubrin, one of the most influential voices in space settlement, as he presents insights from his new book, “The New World on Mars: What We Can Create on the Red Planet.” Dr. Zubrin, who revolutionized our thinking about Mars with his classic “The Case for Mars,” is back with a detailed and actionable plan for establishing a sustainable human presence on the Red Planet.

In this forum, Dr. Zubrin lays out the technological breakthroughs, economic strategies, and political commitments required to turn the dream of Mars settlement into reality. Dr. Zubrin provides a compelling case for why Mars should be humanity’s next great adventure. From the first steps of reaching Mars to harnessing its resources and building thriving cities, he explores the full scope of what it takes to create a new world. You’ll also learn about the incredible scientific discoveries and cultural innovations that could emerge from a Mars settlement—ushering in a new era of human civilization.

Dr. Zubrin, in making the case, draws on his deep expertise and passion for space exploration as he offers this positive view for the long-term survival of humanity; suggesting a new frontier that could inspire innovation, drive economic growth, and safeguard the human race from potential global catastrophes.

Enjoy this exciting and informative space forum that offers an inspiring and thought-provoking vision of expanding our human boundaries and settling Mars. …

— Interview on  The Space Show with Rick Tumlinson:

Rick Tumlinson returned to discuss the upcoming New Worlds Conference in Houston over Nov. 1-2. Rick provided us with a 20% discount code to use if you buy online tickets and register for the event: RickSave20. In addition to our conference discussion, we talked [about] the need for a space vision and lots of outreach. He linked this to both the conference and his [Earthlight] Foundation

=== Space resources:

— Interview on The Space Show with Matt Gialich of AstroForge:

We welcomed guest Matt Gialich of AstroForge to the program to discuss their space mining plans, their operations and challenges so far plus their short to medium term plans for asteroid mining for PGM and applicable asteroids. We talked technology, economics, regulations and more.

—Interview on The Space Show with Dr. Kevin Cannon of Ethos Space:

Dr. Cannon returned as our guest to talk about his new association with Ethos Space, their plans for lunar launch and landing pads, infrastructure and down the for a sun shield space umbrella to protect Earth from warming. Also discussed was living on the Moon, Mars, lunar and space mining and resource usage and building large structures in space for in-living living/settlement. 

=== Other space habitat and settlement news and articles:

=== Earth views from ISS

** Highlight: Boise ID – Wildfire Smoke – Oct 7, 2024 11:42 MDT – ISS Above

** Live Video from the International Space Station (Official NASA Stream) – NASA

Watch live video from the International Space Station, including inside views when the crew aboard the space station is on duty. Views of Earth are also streamed from an external camera located outside of the space station. During periods of signal loss due to handover between communications satellites, a blue screen is displayed.

The space station orbits Earth about 250 miles (425 kilometers) above the surface. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the station, and it has been continuously occupied since November 2000. It’s a microgravity laboratory where science, research, and human innovation make way for new technologies and research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3CkVtC8

Did you know you can spot the station without a telescope? It looks like a fast-moving star, but you have to know when to look up. Sign up for text messages or email alerts to let you know when (and where) to spot the station and wave to the crew: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov

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ISS after undocking of STS-132

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Lego Ideas International Space Station
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Outpost in Orbit:
A Pictorial & Verbal History of the Space Station