Akihabara News (Tokyo) — Kyoto University and Kajima Corporation, a major construction firm, have proposed the development of an artificial gravity technology which would aim to sustain human life on the Moon and Mars in future decades.
Artificial gravity is believed to be an important step toward allow long-term or permanent human colonies on other planets and moons, many of which have lower gravity than Earth.
Kyoto University and Kajima have proposed a technology they call the “Lunar Glass,” which would allow humans to live comfortably within it.
Kyoto University Professor Yosuke Yamashiki explained, “we wanted to present completely original ideas.”
The Lunar Glass concept was introduced to the public in a YouTube video earlier this month. What it shows is a cone-shaped housing facility which rotates in a manner that simulates gravity on Earth and creates a livable environment.
The precise level of simulated gravity can be adjusted utilizing centrifugal force in amounts that replicate the “1G” conditions of Earth.
The proposed structure would contain all the basic necessities required for human survival, such as air, food, soil, vegetation, and a sizable body of water–even an open sky. This would allow settlers the ability to live for an extended period of time on the Moon and Mars.
The initial design is proposed to be 100 meters wide and up to 400 meters high.
The Lunar Glass would later be followed by the “Mars Glass,” which would be constructed following successful adoption on the Moon.
Artificial gravity, aside from providing comfort, is believed necessary from a human health perspective, especially in cases of long-term settlement.
Infants and young people who grow up in weak gravity could develop problems such an inability to cope with a return to Earth. For example, it is possible that they wouldn’t be able to stand or walk in 1G conditions unless accustomed to doing so. Moreover, some studies have indicated that weaker levels of gravity over a long period could lead to osteoporosis, muscle loss, and eye damage.
Kajima hopes that the Lunar Glass will be deployed to the Moon by 2050, though costs have yet to be calculated.
“Developing an artificial gravity residential facility with Kyoto University will be a watershed moment in space research,” says Takuya Ono, an architect with Kajima.
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