Space Zoo Patrol – Space Station

 (research / manufacturing / tourism)

By    Rhonda Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer, Orbital Assembly

1. What is the name of the technology? 

Pioneer-class space station with variable (micro and artificial) gravity.

2. What does it do?

OA’s Pioneer-class stations, the first of which is scheduled to be operational in as little as several years, will be the first on-orbit business park with variable artificial gravity (up to ~0.5g) to support the greater health of its occupants, as well as enable novel research and manufacturing processes not possible in a microgravity facility or on Earth. OA plans to lease space on Pioneer-class stations to a mix of private, academic, commercial, research, and industrial customers, and offer them a wide range of on-orbit capabilities including manufacturing parts on demand from aluminum, steel, plastics, and possibly other materials. The company will also provide opportunities for space tourism.  

3. How does it work?

The Pioneer spins at different speeds to provide variable levels of artificial and microgravity.  

4. How is it better than the older technology?

The only space station technology today is the International Space Station. It is cramped, not comfortable, and has no gravity (so you need extensive training).

5. What classes should I take in school to work on this?

Mechanical Engineering, Space systems engineering, Architecture, Food Science, and of course Math, physics, and other sciences.

6. Pictures