Chinese scientists are working on a spaceship that deserves the name “ship”. In a first study, the basic conditions for building such a large structure in space are to be explored.
Compared to the dreams of the space-crazy 1960s, today’s spaceships are a complete disappointment. Barely larger than survival capsules, they are far from the idea of a ship that crosses infinite space. In China, the National Natural Science Foundation has now asked to solve research tasks for space. The research plan also includes the construction of giant spaceships, which are described as “important strategic space equipment for the future use of space resources, the exploration of the secrets of the universe and long-term life in orbit”.
Now methods of lightweight construction are to be researched so that as little material as possible has to be transported into space for such a large structure. The feasibility study is to last five years and may cost over two million euros. But in order to realize the idea of a spaceship over 1,000 meters long, the researchers would have to have really revolutionary ideas. With today’s methods, such a building would perhaps be conceivable in principle – but it would not be financially possible. Under no circumstances could such a large spaceship be mounted on earth and then take off.
Research into the basic problems
Former NASA chief technologist Mason Peck told Live Science that the idea was “entirely feasible.” But the costs of getting components into orbit are very high. The construction of the International Space Station (ISS), which is only 110 meters tall at its longest point, cost around 100 billion dollars. The cost of something ten times bigger is astronomical. But Peck also points out that it depends on what you imagine under the spaceship. The ISS is crammed with heavy and expensive equipment. Such a large spaceship, on the other hand, can initially only provide a largely “empty” structure.
“If we talk about something that is just long and not that difficult, things look different,” says Peck. The empty spaces could also be used by partner companies with their own budget. Peck suspects that the project is about trying out new methods of construction in space. So far, all components have been built on earth and only finally assembled in space. With a 3-D printing technology, on the other hand, you would only have to take the compact raw material into space, from which much larger components are then built.
China is also catching up in space
Although there is no gravity in space, structures still have to endure loads. For example during maneuvers or when docking another spaceship. Such a shock triggers vibrations, which such a large structure must deal with as intelligently as possible. Michael Lembeck, professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, does not believe in the construction of the mega spaceship. “It’s kind of like talking about building Starship Enterprise. It’s fantastic, not doable, but fun to think about.” He assumes that the first study is little more than an in-depth brainstorming session for such a project.
China is currently building the Tiangong space station. When completed, it will be around a quarter the size of the International Space Station.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
