Discussion/Editorials
Scoping your project:
Designing a space settlement with all of the proper considerations is a monumental undertaking. The constraints of artificial gravity necessitate very large structures, much larger than anything as yet built and launched into space. There still has been no working example of artificial gravity demonstrated in space, so this technology is still at a low readiness level. While these types of settlements are technically feasible, the limitations of current launch capabilities and in-space manufacturing/assembly processes means these orbital habitats are not currently viable (in terms of risk, cost, and opportunity). Nevertheless, the O’Neill contest represents a useful exercise in defining the requirements for successfully living, working, and thriving in space.
Every year we receive thousands of entries that include timelines for completion of the settlement and a cost estimate for its construction. We do not put much value in these estimates, as they are typically unrealistic. Consider removing them from your project. Timelines are highly dependent on technology development timelines, and there are many sources of uncertainty when projecting further into the future. Costs are even more difficult to predict, as the prices of launch vehicles and rates of inflation also vary greatly over the long timelines of a multi-generational project like this. Instead of focusing on these meaningless estimates, design your settlement with everything you think it needs for construction and survival, assuming you aren’t constrained by time or costs.
It is important to note that we favor depth over breadth. Consider scoping your project to what is done well and omitting sections of poorer quality that don’t enhance your submission. We do not expect you to solve every problem. You will be judged by the content included, NOT by what is missing. For example, suppose you have a project with a very unique structural design with good consideration of artificial gravity and radiation protection given the chosen location. An in-depth discussion of these design choices is likely to be more impressionable on the judges than some hastily composed sections on zero-g sports.
Finally, it is important to create projects that are compelling for the judges to read. We have included some examples of high-quality entries under the Recent Winners and Past Winners tabs. Take note of what these entries do well, and keep in mind the large number of entries we must go through. How will your entry stand out above the others?
-Matthew J. LeVine, Director of the NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest
Why should settlements be in orbit?
Space settlements are permanent communities in orbit, as opposed to living on the Moon or other planets. The work of Princeton physicist Dr. O’Neill and others have shown that such colonies are technically feasible, although expensive. Settlers of this high frontier are expected to live inside large air-tight rotating structures holding hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people along with the animals, plants, and single celled organisms vital to comfort and survival. There are many advantages to living in orbit: zero-g recreation, environmental independence, plentiful solar energy, and terrific views to name a few. There is plenty of room for everyone who wants to go; the materials from a single asteroid can build space colonies with living space equal to about 500 times the surface area of the Earth.
Why should settlements be in orbit? Mars and our Moon have a surface gravity far below Earth normal. Children raised in low-g will not develop bones and muscles strong enough to visit Earth comfortably. In contrast, orbital colonies can be rotated to provide Earth normal pseudo-gravity in the main living areas.
We hope teachers will make this contest part of their lesson plan. While designing a space colony, students will have a chance to study physics, mathematics, space science, environmental science, and many other disciplines. We would like students outside the science classes to participate as well. Thus, contest submissions may include designs, essays, stories, models, and artwork. Students can design entire colonies or focus on one aspect of orbital living. A class or school may submit a joint project where small teams tackle different areas in a coordinated fashion. For example, consider a cross curriculum project where science classes design the basic structure and support systems, art students create pictures of the interior and exterior, English students write related short stories, social studies students develop government and social systems, Industrial Technology builds a scale model, and the football team proposes low-g sports.
-Al Globus, Emeritus Director of the NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest
