Space Stations from Fuel Tanks

extracted from Buzz Aldrin et al.

NSS - Ad Astra

Star Bird

But what form of vehicle is beyond Skygrazer? Building upon the Skygrazer vehicle, the next evolutionary step in this system is a vehicle we call the Star Bird. Making maximum use of reusable and existing technology, this simple rocketplane with sloped delta wings would make an outstanding replacement vehicle for the space shuttle. However, our Shuttle II would use the Star Booster for first stage propulsion in a two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) system. It would carry seven to ten passengers and have a 15 by 45 ft. cargo bay.

Key to attaining orbit with second stage propulsion is the use of higher performance liquid hydrogen as a fuel instead of kerosene as with the Star Booster. Star Bird will utilize two advanced SSME's, internal liquid oxygen and making the concept unique, two external liquid hydrogen drop tanks (DT's) which are anchored over the wings on the side of the fuselage. These tanks, 15 ft. in diameter and 83 ft. long, are exactly the same disposable tank technology that has served the Space Shuttle program so well over the years except--these tanks contain only the low density hydrogen and have cut-outs for easily installed hatches and manipulation once on-orbit. In our commercially-based scenario, these tanks are saved for a variety uses in space ranging from an orbital source of high purity metal feed stocks to habitable pressurized volumes that could be used in orbit, on the Moon, or as part of the reusable interplanetary transportation system that we envision will open the Space Frontier in a cost-effective way.

Star Bird could easily perform as a logistic and resupply vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS), ferrying people and supplies as part of a completely reusable TSTO system. The tanks that it brings to orbit will be stored in a slowly expanding orbital resource reservoir containing ever increasing supplies of aluminum, copper, carbon, silicon, iron, magnesium, titanium, chromium and other elements that can be tapped by an emerging orbital industrial base.

The First Space Hotel

Originally conceived by Wernher von Braun and called a "dry" workshop, our tourist "hot spot" would be created within the voluminous interior of a space shuttle ET pressure vessel--the hydrogen tank. Outfitted and fully equipped on the ground, it could be launched and made operational shortly after orbital insertion. To facilitate expansion and growing market needs, it can be designed for modular expansion. Habitable volume can be increased by accepting both additional ground launched "annexes" and empty DT's from our orbital storage reservoir. The interior volume of added empty tanks can be configured in orbit, easily subdivided into multiple floors and rooms by utilizing recently developed inflatable modules. These modules employ a material that hardens when inflated and exposed to microwaves from a hand-held microwave "gun."

Like Skylab, these early facilities will be zero "g". Unlike Skylab, they will likely have more windows, plusher amenities and few science racks to get in the way of passengers involved in recreational or leisure activities. Early tourism facilities will be confined to Earth orbit like Skylab. What about those tourists who wish to go to the Moon, or beyond--and can afford it? Can the aspirations of the super wealthy complement an overarching goal of opening the Space Frontier? We believe the answer is "yes."