'Roughly the size of Manhattan.'
The major drawback of using an asteroid for this purpose is that they're often more of a collection of rubble than our Earth's solid surface.By covering an asteroid in a giant bag made from carbon nanofiber tubes just a few atoms in thickness, such a bag could potentially "envelope and support the entire spinning mass of the asteroid’s rubble and the habitat within, while also supporting its own weight as it spins," the press release notes.
A mechanism could then spin the asteroid around inside the bag, causing bits of rubble to hit the nanofiber mesh bag, which would then "snap taut" and produce a layer that would shield the asteroid city's residents from radiation."Based on our calculations, a 300-meter-diameter asteroid just a few football fields across could be expanded into a cylindrical space habitat with about 22 square miles of living area," Frank said in the press release.
While this "wildly theoretical" concept is, well, the stuff of science fiction for now, it doesn't have to remain that way forever, the researchers argue. "The idea of asteroid cities might seem too distant until you realize that in 1900 no one had ever flown in an airplane," Frank continued, "yet right this minute thousands of people are sitting comfortably in chairs as they hurdle at hundreds of miles an hour, miles above the ground."
"Space cities might seem like a fantasy now," he added, "but history shows that a century or so of technological progress can make impossible things possible."
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
City Winery To Close Ivy City Location In New YearCity Winery, known for its regular jazz, funk, and R&B shows, appears to be closing its D.C. location. A statement from the CEO of the New York-based chain says the winery will look to relocate within D.C.
Consulte Mais informação »
Scientists may have discovered two water worldsTwo previously discovered planets believed to be rocky Earth-likes may actually be water worlds, new research suggests.
Consulte Mais informação »
Esplanade campus sale was Valley's largest office building sale of 2022 - Phoenix Business JournalPumping more money into new renovations was a theme throughout 2022 as flight-to-quality was top of mind for tenants and landlords amid concerns about recruiting, retaining and getting the best out of their workforce in this post-Covid world. Click through to read about the Top 10 highest-priced office deals of the year.
Consulte Mais informação »
Scientists say they know why the Southern Hemisphere is so stormyDiscovery involving topography and ocean circulation may help explain future climate change projections, researchers say.
Consulte Mais informação »
Proposed permanent housing building for those experiencing homelessness raises concerns with some Dorchester residentsSome residents are concerned that a proposal to convert a Dorchester hotel into permanent housing for the long-term homeless will negatively impact their neighborhoods. But advocates say this type of housing is desperately needed right now.
Consulte Mais informação »
Ozone hole closes later than usual for 3rd year in a row, scientists sayThe ozone hole over Antarctica has been acting strangely for the past few years.
Consulte Mais informação »