‘The Ark’

Structure:
 The ‘Ark Station’ is a rotating space settlement, simulating gravity by revolving around its
central axis. The 4 toruses are the habitat hub where all the 8000 people can be
accommodated. Each torus is stacked up on one another creating the concept of flooring
hence allowing quality life to be sustained on the ark station. Each floor would be
designated to a specific function; Industry, Agriculture, residential area and docking and
cargo storage.
 The following are the estimates based on the concepts for rotating space station design
principles in 2080. Dimensions for each torus:
1. Radius: 900 meters (from the central axis)
2. Circumference: 942 meters
3. Width of the habitat: 50 meters
4. Length of habitat: 8000 meters per torus.
5. Rotation Rate: 1 revolution per minute (rpm)
6. Artificial gravity: The gravity generated is approximately equivalent to the earth
gravity (1g) due to the radius of 900 meters and rotation rate of 1rpm.
 The materials that are being used in the structure of our Ark are as follows:
1. Aluminum alloys: They are light-weight and are known for their resistance
towards corrosion making them favorable for many functional structures. They
are used in making 80% of the exterior and interior structure of the settlement.
2. Titanium: Famous for its high strength to weight ratio titanium would be used in
the complex structures of this Ark which majorly comprises the central
hub/control center through which we will receive the necessary centripetal force.
As the center axis faces more force, titanium will be used because of its great
resistivity.
3. Carbon Composites: Light weight and strong materials like carbon-fiber-
reinforced composites are used for the main structural components of the
settlement, such as the outer shell and connecting spokes.
4. Windows and transparent elements:
a. Reinforced glass or toughened glass would be used. It will be tempered
with heat and cold production giving it much greater strength and shatter
resistance in comparison to normal float glass. It also allows the glass to
survive in different pressure conditions.
b. Synthetic sapphire will also be used for windows in residential areas due
to its hard material and resistivity towards different pressure conditions.
5. Radiation Shielding:
a. Water can be used for radiation shielding. Large tanks filled with water
strategically placed around the settlement. These tanks could be placed
on the periphery of the settlement or in the areas exposed to space
radiation providing a layer of protection.
b. Lunar or The Martian regolith in form of layers stacked up together would
be used for radiation shielding. In year 2035 the large deposits of moon
debris and in year 2050 the mining and excavation of mars debris were
 collected by the ISS which would be used as the protective layer in the
exterior structure.
6. Energy generation and storage:
a. Solar panels would be essential for energy generation, and they could be
made using light-weight, flexible and photovoltaic cells. Solar panels
would be attached around the central hub.
b. Nuclear fusion with the efficiency of 68% will produce the desired amount
of energy to generate the electricity along with powering the thermal
control systems.
c. Nuclear fission with the efficiency of 89% will produce the desired amount
of energy to generate the centripetal force.
d. Batteries with advanced energy storage systems, possibly using lithium
ion would ensure a stable power supply.
 Phases of construction
I. Site selection in the lunar orbit will been done by the artificial intelligence judging
the factors of possible potential hazards, feasibility of transportation, radiation
levels and communication with the earth.
II. Developing initial design concepts and calculating all the layouts including habitat
area, and the axis.
III. Collect resources for infrastructure. With th
IV. e newly discovered mines of titanium and aluminum the problem from running
out will be solved. New compounds of carbon such as Bucky ball helps us
fighting the deterioration of motor functions.
V. Robotics system will be deployed to prepare the site, build basic infrastructure
and assemble prefabricated modules. These robots could be autonomous or
remotely operated from earth or a nearby space station.
VI. For transportation of resources reusable spacecraft and space shuttles can be
used
VII. Making of expandable modular units or habitats can be assembled and
connected to the main torus. This would include additional workspace, residential
area and living quarters.
 Communication with earth
1. Communication Satellites: Space settlements would use communication satellites in
orbit around Earth to establish reliable and high-speed data links for transmitting
information, including voice, video, and data, to and from Earth.
2. Radio Waves: Communication with Earth would primarily occur through radio waves.
Space settlements would have specialized antennas to send and receive signals
using different radio frequencies.
3. Laser Communication: In the future, laser communication systems could be
employed for faster data transmission between space settlements and Earth, offering
advantages in terms of data rates and security.
Life Sustenance:
 Food production for population of 8000 would be accomplished directly through agricultural
enclosures as well as food processing industries. In case of emergencies (running out of food in
any case) glucose pods will be used. An innovation created by our team; glucose pods will
provide the necessary nutrients to our residents.
 A designated torus would be provided with required resources including water, oxygen and
suitable temperature for plant growth, and animal husbandry at the initial stage,
 Water would be provided using following methods,
1. Fuel cells: oxygen and hydrogen would be reacted through the process of electrolysis
producing a sufficient amount of water due to the advanced electrolytic cell.
2. Ice harvesting: the proximity of our position from the pole of the moon gives us axis to ice
deposits and with our robotics intelligence we would be able to extract water molecules.
3. Astronomical Water: considering capturing water-rich comets or asteroids to supplement
the settlement's water supply. Robotic missions could intercept and extract water from
these objects.
4. Hydroponics and Agriculture: hydroponic systems for plant growth can utilize water
efficiently. Water used for irrigation can be filtered and recycled back into the system.
5. Distribution and storage: designed network of pipelines to distribute water throughout the
settlement. Store water in tanks or reservoirs to maintain a steady supply during peak
demand and emergencies.
6. Water recycling: Establish advanced water recycling systems that treat wastewater,
purifying it for reuse. Technologies like distillation, reverse osmosis, and filtration can
remove contaminants and make the water safe for consumption. Closed-loop recycling
minimizes the need for constant water resupply from external sources.
 Oxygen would be provided using following methods,
1. Potassium superoxide (K2O2), for fuel cell reactions
2. Electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) would produce oxygen for regular use.
3. Product of Photosynthesis by plants will also be for regular use.
4. Carbon Dioxide Conversion; in a closed-loop life support system, carbon dioxide exhaled by
humans can be processed to produce oxygen. Electro-chemical reactions or chemical
processes can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbon compounds.
5. Solid Oxide Electrolysis; solid oxide electrolysis cells can directly split carbon dioxide or
water vapor to produce oxygen.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition; decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can release
oxygen gas.
7. Emergency Oxygen Storage; maintain emergency oxygen storage for critical situations or
system failures.
 Temperature would be maintained according to need using;
1. Temperature regulators for the designated agricultural enclosure,
2. Laboratory heating blocks for first stage of germination of the first batch of seedlings,
3. Active Thermal Control Systems, commonly used in the ISS, can also be utilized for the
purpose of efficient seed germination and growth,
  Hydroponic systems will be established, with enclosed greenhouses and attached laboratories,
which will not require soil, unlike our outdoor plantations and trees, does not require large
volumes of water, remains in laboratory level controlled systems, environment often produce
medicinal and herbal plants instead of highly photosynthetic one.
 Feed for livestock (limited to poultry and fish), will be provided from plant waste as well as their
prevailing ecosystem, noting that
1. Controlled laboratory conditions will be provided near the industrial and docking areas to
ensure quick and efficient transport of cargo.
2. Livestock will be brought in The Ark in premature conditions (eggs), and will be incubated in
desired conditions according to previous instructions.
3. Genetically modified eggs of both fish and poultry will be imported from the earth before
development.
4. Modifications will be made to attain maximum products and adaptability alongside
minimum waste and maintenance.
5. Industries designated to food processing (i.e fruit drying, freeing) and preservation (i.e
freezing, salting), will be set up to ensure a sustainable system is established where food
storage is also kept as an alternative incase of disaster.
 Waste Management will be observed to ensure minimum contamination of The Ark, outer
space, or any other celestial body, by;
1. Observing Efficient recycling of metallic and industrial waste through employment and AI
technology that recognized and tests for useful material.
2. Food waste and plant based waste will be managed using decomposer bacteria,
Azotobacter, which will be genetically modified before its arrival on The Ark.
3. Human waste will be utilized on agricultural enclosures to make use of fiber and nutrients
that were previously unexploited on earth.
4. Alongside azotobacter, livestock will be fed plant based waste in an attempt to replicate
earthly environments for the livestock.
5. Nuclear waste management will be observed by the energy department, ensuring that their
physical and chemical properties are altered to reduce all hazards to a minimum for the
betterment of The Ark and its Inhabitants.

Hath dh steam- steam condense in our flush producing water.

Gravity Simulation:

Muscle atrophy and bone density loss are severe effects of excessive microgravity exposure; these
effects can be minimized by using artificial gravity in a rotation settlement like the Ark. Hence the Ark
station will not be a hurdle towards the physical wellbeing of its inhabitants.

Cooling system:

The Ark station comprises an efficient cooling system which will effectively maintain the temperature of
the Station and will not let the temperature rise uncontrollably leading to the creation of a safe and
temperature friendly environment for its inhabitants who won't face any physical struggles due to the
temperature.

Connection to Earth:

Having an undisturbed connection and communication to Earth will also result in the mental wellbeing
of the inhabitants of The Ark, as they will stay in constant touch with their friends and family. The Ark
had made it possible by having an efficient connection through radio waves and space communication
satellite. Connection to earth can also lead to further enhancements in the space station as a variety of
information about earth can be taken to modify The Ark.

Healthcare:

Ark station provides obstacle free healthcare facilities to its inhabitants, Telemedicine and tele
psychiatry generates a mentally and physically healthy society. Timely supply of medicinal products and
appliances, and efficient medical services also provide a safer environment for the inhabitants of The
Ark.

Nature and Greenery:

Trees and greenery contribute towards enhancing the scenery of the Ark which attracts people and
psychological benefits to them too, the trees also lead to a better air quality resulting in a safer
environment for the residents. Trees will also lead to producing water through transpiration which will
also benefit the people.

Accommodation of waste:

The biodegradable domestic waste will be recycled again and will be used to generate electricity as
well, other than that, human waste (feces) will be taken care of very efficiently as it will be used as
fertilizers for the plants; hence it will result in human waste being used to grow greenery. Similarly, the
used steam will be condensed and will be given to plants

Access to Nature:
The Ark Station is designed very efficiently keeping the wellbeing of the inhabitants in mind, hence it
consists of windows and transparent walls which will allow its inhabitants to witness the view of space
and sunlight leading to their entertainment and mental wellbeing.

Entertainment:

The presence of gyms and playgrounds allow the inhabitants to entertain themselves by staying
physically fit as well, besides that having electricity stimulates the working of electric devices which keep
the inhabitants entertained through social media and TV shows.

Education and Learning:

The access to education generates an educated society and contributes to personal growth and mental
engagement. Education also expedites a socially aware and technical generation which can contribute
toward the development of the Ark.

Work and Productivity:

Enabling inhabitants to pursue meaningful work, research, and other productive activities can help
maintain a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Hygiene:

The inhabitants of the ark are provided with efficient equipment to maintain their personal hygiene. For
toiletries, we would develop upon the idea of reusing water such that the inhabitants would use
steam/gaseous water to wash their hands and faces. This very steam would be condensed and used for
flushing purposes. Once flushed the entire waste would be redirected towards the agricultural sector for
the purpose of fertility and recycling.
Business Development:
Tourism Centers and offices:

A spaceport is designed to welcome the visitors and new arrivals to provide them with the facility of
safety procedures and orientations there, plus, transparent viewing points are made to provide the
inhabitant of The Ark with mesmerizing views of space. Zero Gravity experiences are developed to allow
the visitors and inhabitants to experience weightlessness in specially designed domes, activities such as
floating and acrobats and even space walks are included in it. Besides that, museum places are
established to showcase the artifacts and history of space. Al this leads to internal collaboration,
increase in economics opportunities and cultural exchange amongst the tourists

Transportation hubs:

Various transportation hubs are established for ease of docking, warehousing and cargo handling
operations which is essential for efficient logistics and the sustainability of the settlement. A main area
of the settlement is designated to docking ports which are fully equipped to facilitate different types of
spacecraft’s including crewed and unscrewed vessels, cargo ships, and space tourism vehicles, along
with that a docking control center comprising experts is established to manage the arrivals and
departures of dockings. Efficient warehouses are designed which consist of microgravity, the warehouse
includes modular designs which can be expanded as the population grows. Climate control systems are
installed within the warehouses to regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality as well. Specialized
cargo transport vehicles are designed to face space challenges like microgravity, plus, transportation
hubs are provided with efficient cargo handling equipment such as robotic arms, conveyors, and lift
systems.

Administration, defense and legal services:

A governance structure comprising, election commission, council members and elected representative
is introduced according to the needs of the settlement, this council will then be responsible for the
management of the Ark. Other than that administrative offices are established who are responsible for
managing settlement affairs, including public services, infrastructure development, and resource
allocation. An efficient and undisturbed communication system is generated in The Ark for better
communication amongst the management body for better administration of the settlement. A dedicated
security force is creative to administer the defense of the Ark, the force comprises well trained officers
and physically fit people. A constitution is drafted for the settlement for maintaining peace and for the
implementation of the constitution courts are established and efficient lawyers and judges are hired. A
Legal Framework Is made that defines the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of the security force,
ensuring that their actions are consistent with settlement laws and international space law.