Apeiron 2021[Final]

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new

landscapes, but in having new eyes

E I R O N

NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTRE

ANNUAL SPACE COMPETITION, 2021

NASA AMES Research Center

Annual Space Settlement Contest

P R O J E C T A P E I R O N

The Team

Madina Khan | Zainab Afzal | Amna Nasir | Hiba Anwar

Safa Nadeem | Hamza Zubair Shaikh | Muneeb Aitimad Alvi

Paulin Isabel Eugenio | Sirajam Muneera Sadia | Giller Jess Flores Gandia

Fathima Hana Mohamed Fahim | Reena Riczie Mercado Nolasco

Supervisors

Ms. Sana Munawar | Ms. Almas Rehman | Ms. Marya Javed

APEIRON project is to be submitted to the NASA Space Settlement Contest, hosted by the reputable, primary

sponsors: NASA Ames Research Center and NSS (National Space Society).

This project is a collaborative work comprising 12 team members, and 3 supervising teachers, of 12th Grade, of Pristine

Private School, of Dubai. The submission of this proposal is to the large group category.

This project proposal is the 2021 submission of the annual NASA Space Settlement Contest,

from Pristine Private School

Table of Contents

0 Preface

0.1 Structure of Report

0.2 Executive Summary

0.3 Acknowledgements

I

Apeiron - The Overview

1.1 Apeiron

1.2 Positioning Apeiron: Low Earth Orbit

1.2.1 Lagrange Libration Point

1.2.2 Lunar Surface

II

Structural Analysis & Operating Apeiron

2.1 Inspiration: Anaximander’s Universe

2.2 Designing Apeiron

2.3 Component Analysis

2.4 Interior Analysis

2.5 Artificial Gravity

2.5.1 Centripetal Force

2.5.2 Rotation Tolerance

2.5.3 Training and Adaptation

2.6 Operating Apeiron

2.6.1 Energy

2.6.1.1 Mining the Moon: Introduction to ISRU Units

2.6.1.2 Helium-3

2.6.1.2.1 Extraction of Helium-3

2.6.1.2.2 Separation of Helium-3

2.6.1.3 Deuterium

2.6.1.3.1 Mining on Mars: The presence of sulfide

minerals

2.6.1.3.2 FSR Reactor: Production of H2S gas

2.6.1.3.3 Heavy Water: Introduction

2.6.1.3.4 Electrolysis of heavy-water

2.6.1.4 D-He3 Nuclear Fusion

2.6.1.4.1 The Alcator C-Mod Tokamak: Introduction to

nuclear fusion reactor

2.6.1.4.2 The working of Alcator C-Mod

2.6.2 Transportation

2.6.2.1 MagLev

2.6.2.2 Interstellar

2.8 Considering Adversities

Pristine Private School 3

2.8.1 Radiation Shielding

2.8.2 Thermal Rejection

2.9 Construction of Apeiron

III Infrastructure and Control

3.1 Communications

3.1.1 External Communications

3.1.2 Internal Communications

3.2 Controls

3.2.1 Export Management

IV Life Support

4.1 Atmosphere Control

4.1.1 Temperature Regulation

4.1.2 Air

4.1.2.1 Oxygen

4.1.2.2 Water

4.2.2.1 Sewage Treatment

4.1.2.3 Nitrogen

4.1.2.4 Carbon Dioxide

4.1.2.5 Waste Management

4.2 Artificial Seasoning

4.3 Agriculture

4.3.1 Aeroponics

4.3.2 Bio-intensive farming

4.3.3 Regulating movement

4.4 Livestock

4.4.1 Survival of Livestock

4.4.2 Suitability of Livestock

4.5 Medicine

4.5.1 Internal Medicine

4.5.1.1 The effects on cardiac rhythms and alternatives

4.5.1.1.1 Antiarrhythmic drugs

4.5.1.2.1 Electroshock Therapy

4.5.1.2 Microgravity

4.5.1.3 The effects of imbalance, stability disturbances,

metabolism rates and the methodology to overcome

4.5.1.4 Orthostatic Intolerance and solutions

4.5.1.5 Pathophysiology

4.5.2 External medicine

4.5.2.1 The effect of muscle loss, mass loss, and bone density

4.5.2.2 Biological-aging process and nanoceria

4.5.3 Psychology


4.5.3.1 Sleep deprivation

4.5.3.2 Transient anxiety and depression

4.5.4 Ethics while dealing with Death

4.6 Diet

4.6.1 Harvesting and food distribution

4.6.2 Seed Banks

4.6.3 Summarized Diet Plan

V Economical Prospects

5.1 Primary Sector

5.1.1 Mining Industry

5.2 Secondary Sector

5.3 Tertiary Sector

5.3.1 Tourism Industry

5.4 Quaternary Structure

5.5 Financial Prospects

5.5.1 Construction Finances

5.5.2 Industry Finances

VI Human Factors

6.1 Government System

6.2 Education

6.3 Population Control

6.4 General Issues

6.4.1 Law Creation

6.5 Entertainment

Afterword

Bibliography


List Of Figures

Contributors’ Note of Appreciation

All figures that have been enlisted alongside their credits respectively are the works/property(s) of

other artists, that have been used in this report for diagrammatic/presentation purposes of this

research. However, images without credits that have been displayed are the artistic works of a

member of our team, Giller Jess Flores Gandia, who has contributed essentially towards the

expressive details of this report.

I Apeiron - The Overview

Fig. 1.1 - Anaximander

Fig. 1.2 - Lagrange Points, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5

II

Structural Analysis & Operating Apeiron

Fig. 2.1 - Anaximander’s idea behind the structure of the Earth

Fig. 2.2 - Anaximander’s celestial sphere/vertical diagram representing his universe

Fig. 2.3 - Anaximander’s universe in summer, by day and universe in winter, by night

Fig. 2.4 - Apeiron, viewed from x-axis

Fig. 2.5 - Apeiron, viewed from y-axis

Fig. 2.6 - Apeiron, viewed from z-axis, complementing the Celestial Sphere of Anaximander

Fig. 2.7a - Truss 1, identical to other trusses

Fig. 2.7b - Channel 1, identical to other channels

Fig. 2.8a - The 4 tori in view, x-axis

Fig. 2.9 - Central Cylinder, y-axis view

Fig. 2.10 - Docking Station, x-axis view of Apeiron

Fig. 2.11 - Inspiration for the interior of the Residential Module in RT1 and RT2

Fig. 2.12 - Residential Module on Apeiron (inspired)

Fig. 2.13 - Hospital in RT2

Fig. 2.14 -A classroom in Apeiron Academy, RT1

Fig. 2.15 - Retail Stores in Apeiron, for the growing economy

Fig. 2.16 - Agriculture Module on Apeiron

Fig. 2.17 - Concept of Specialized Barns for Livestock

Fig. 2.18 - Concept of Specialized Aquariums for Fish

Fig. 2.19 - Concept of In-Vitro Fertilization Laboratory

Fig. 2.20 - Industrial Module Model Picture (Inspired)

Fig. 2.21 - Czochralski process

Fig. 2.22a - ISRU Unit on Moon and Mars

Fig. 2.22b - Mining on Moon, extractor in view, and sintered regolith moon-base constructed on lunar

surface

Fig. 2.22c - Extractor of Regolith (Ilmenite Ore)

Fig. 2.23 - hGCV geodesic tube

Fig. 2.24 - hGCV in view, made of laminated glass

Fig. 2.25 - Sulfur concentration in the upper few decimeters of the Martian surface, as mapped by the

Mars Odyssey Gamma Ray Spectrometer. Regions of very high hydrogen content are not shown (grey)

due to the presence of abundant subsurface ice. Viking (V-1, V-2), Pathfinder (PF), Spirit (MER-A),

and Opportunity (MER-B) landing sites plotted

Fig. 2.26a - FSR Reactor

Fig. 2.26b - FSR, Aerial View

Fig. 2.27 - Mechanism of the G_S Process, Individual Pillar


Fig. 2.28 - Industrial Scale Electrolysis of D2O, singular unit

Fig. 2.29 - Alcator C-Mod Tokamak

Fig. 2.30 - Magnetic field structure of the Alcator C-Mod

Fig. 2.31 - Diagrammatic representation #2 - demonstration on the working of the tokamak

Fig. 2.32 - Skeletal Structure of Alcator C-Mod

Fig. 2.33 - Concept of the MagLev summarized

Fig. 2.34 - Interstellar leaving Mars ISRU Unit, Apeiron’s martian base

Fig. 2.35 - Construction’s first phase where settlement is positioned near LEO, mining the moon for

essential metals

III Infrastructure and Control

Fig. 3.1 - Fibre Optic Communication

IV Life Support

Fig. 4.1a and Fig. 4.1b - Concept of digital art

Fig. 4.2a and Fig. 4.2b - Anaximander’s ideals behind human evolution

Fig. 4.3 - Surgical Facilitation on Apeiron

V Economical Prospects

Fig. 5.1 - ISRU Unit established on Moon and Mars

Fig. 5.2 - Concept of Space Tourism

VI Human Factors

Fig. 6.1 - Population demographics on Apeiron - Graphical


Acronyms & Terminologies

ISRU - In-Situ Resource Utilization

LEO - Low-Earth Orbit

MAGLEV - Magnetic Levitation

ICU - Intensive Care Unit

Sqm - (conjugated, square meter)

IVF - In-Vitro Fertilization

IEC - Inertial Electrostatic Confinement

ICRF - Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies

UV - Ultra-Violet

ISS - International Space Station

NH 3

- Ammonia

CO 2

- Carbon Dioxide

N 2

- Nitrogen (gas)

CH 4

- Methane

H 2

- Hydrogen (gas)

³He - Helium 3

ppb - Parts Per Billion

hGCV - Helium-3 Geodesic Cylindrical Vessel

SR - Solar Reflector

1H - Protium

G-S Process - Girdler-Sulfide Process

D 2

-

Deuterium (gas)

D 2

O - Deuterium Oxide, Heavy Water

APXS Instrument - Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer, which makes use of 2 kinds of radiation in

order to identify the chemical compounds/percentage on regolith

x-Ray Fluorescence Analyses - X-ray fluorescence utilizes the emission of secondary X-rays from a

material that has been excited by being bombarded with high-energy X-rays

SO 3

- Sulfur trioxide

FeS - Iron II Sulfide

H2S - Hydrogen Sulfide

Fe(OH) 2

- Iron II Hydroxide

Al 2

S 3

- Aluminium Sulfide

FSR - Iron Sulfide Reactor

HDS - Hydrodesulfurization

HDO - Deuterium-Hydrogen Oxide

MeV - Mega Electronvolt

J - Joules


ITER - International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

JET - Joint European Torus

MIT PFSC - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Plasma Fusion & Science Centre

MHz - Megahertz

EMS - Electromagnetic Suspension

LMS - Linear Synchronous Motor

SRB - Solid Rocket Booster

NEO - Near Earth Object

DSN - Deep Space Network

Mbps - Megabits per second

Gbps - Gigabits per second

LED - Light Emitting Diode

ONT - Optical Network Terminal

Li 2

CO 3

- Lithium Carbonate

RT1, RT2 - Residential Torus 1, Residential Torus 2

RGB LED - Red Green and Blue Light Emitting Diode

EBCT - Electron Beam Computed Tomography

CT - Computed Tomography scan

ICD - Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Microbial Flora - Collection of bacteria and microorganisms within host

N95 Respirator - N95 respirator, abbreviated for an N95 filtering facepiece respirator, is a

particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that filters approximately 95% of airborne molecules

IGRA - Interferon Gamma Release-Assays

hGH - Human Growth Hormone

Agri -(Conjugated, Agriculture)


0.1

Structure Of Report

This report is organized in terms of its clarity and understanding.

The reader is initially introduced to the executive summary that serves to provide as a precis to the

detailed report, encapsulating information respectively from the first to the final sections that

discusses this project. Followed by the acknowledgements, noting the contributors.

Apeiron, the first chapter, describes the project in itself. Classified into three subsections, identifies

reasons why the team of Apeiron has decided to launch, discusses the settlement’s positioning and

propulsion thereon. Structural analysis of Apeiron is described in the second chapter, which briefly

outlines the design, outlook and inlook into its interior (sectors), operating the settlement

respectively analysing its energy and transportation, overall construction and its phases of the

settlement. Infrastructure is the final chapter (the third chapter) that discusses the settlement, as

the following chapters would demonstrate human activities on Apeiron.

The fourth chapter describes life in the settlement, demonstrating the necessities and requirements

for replicating a self-sustained artificial ecosystem, where abiotic and biotic factors are taken into

consideration to present life on foreign circumstances. This report highlights the significance to

take into account all risks and adversities posed to both mankind and animals, organized into

sections and subsections, inclusive of all factors - atmospheric conditions, environmental aspects,

livestock and health - taken into acknowledgement. Economic prospects and financial inlook

analyses finances managed on Apeiron, ensuring to secure self-reliability, describing various

aspects that cover this factor, in the fifth chapter of the report. The sixth chapter discusses the

human factors that, describing governmental system, education system and law enforcement

procedures prosecuted to induce stability and peace in Apeiron.

The final chapters, which highlights conclusions in afterword, and bibliography, ending this report.


0.2

Executive Summary

Apeiron is a concept that originates from the Greek, manifesting Anaximander’s notion of the

genesis of the universe. We have selected this name that highlights our ideology and the primary

purpose behind the initiative; to settle among the stars. Multiple paradigms have been

demonstrated in this report, that seals the motif that Aperion is set to be a successful settlement.

Apeiron will be positioned in the LEO for the purpose of construction under zero gravity conditions,

considering the resources that are to be mined and made from materials on the moon and NEOs in

attempts to lower our projected costs that are to be funded for this mission. When construction

phases are complete, Apeiron is set to position in Lower Lagrange Points, operating on our primary

source of energy - solar energy - as it will be the most effective energy source utilized during the

initial years of Apeiron. The shift will be prior to 3-5 years of development post launch, where our

secondary source of energy - nuclear fusion of deuterium and helium-3 - will be capable of

providing years worth of energy supply that caters the population of 990. Transportation is a

key-element highlighted in this report, where the use of MagLev for the transportation of people

and in-bound cargo, as well as out-bound resources are to be managed by the Interstellar. With

Apeiron remaining steadfast to provide the safest and prosperous living conditions as possible for

people to thrive in deep space, communication is one infrastructure utility that is relatively

significant to maintain with ISRU bases established on Earth, Moon and Mars, as well as internal

communication being the necessity sustained to allow cross-communication between individuals

and faculty on the settlement. Living conditions are maintained on Apeiron, to provide the

appropriate atmosphere and basic necessities that are significant to the survival are greatly

expressed. Moreover, facilities are promised to the inhabitants in order to maintain living

circumstances, where such as agriculture, recreational, medical and educational facilities will serve

at its fullest to ensure the success of Apeiron. Underlying the driving facilities that are provided to

keep Apeiron running are the frequent monitoring and controlling of financial prospects in order to

sustain this project running under economical circumstances. Marketing and business facilities are

being maintained to ensure an income that is profitable, in order to stem a stable economy of the

settlement. This is managed by several initiatives taken by the team, such as introducing space

tourism industry, retailing facilities, as well as mining industries that could propagate high

incomes that are assured to benefit all.

Apeiron will house a population of 990, taking all efforts to secure the residents satisfaction and

well being by providing the most excellent services possible, from law recreation, to governing

systems, we conclude this project is deemed successful.


0.3

Acknowledgements

This report was written from the ground up descriptively by Madina Khan, Hamza Zubair Sheikh,

Zainab Afzal and Reena Riczie Mercado Nolasco, comprised of the collaborative efforts of Hiba

Anwar, Giller Jess Flores Gandia, Sirajam Muneera Sadia, Safa Nadeem, Paulin Isabel Eugenio,

Amna Nasir, Muneeb Aitimad Alvi and Fathima Hana Mohamed Fahim. Under supervision and

continuous guidance of Ms. Sana Munawar, from the Department of Physics, of Ms. Almas Rehman,

from the Department of Chemistry and Ms. Marya Javed, Science Department Coordinator and from

the Department of Biology, we extend our appreciation and thanks to all, who have continuously

enlightened us throughout the journey. We also thank Ms. Tasneem Usman - Senior School Section

Head - and Ms. Padma Unnam - Examinations Officer - and our overall extend our gratitude to our

principal, Ms. Shagufa Kidwai, for making this possible.

And lastly, we thank the judges who took their time to read this submission.


Preface

“The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

The following source for the citation is 'La Prisonnière', the fifth volume of 'Remembrance of Things

Past' - also known as - 'In Search of Lost Time'. It evidently is the most celebrated work by Marcel

Proust. With reference to the second chapter of La Prisonnière, it incites how the narrator’s

perception is contrasting to how normally we would perceive any mundane journey as - a new

landscape, a change in a physical location, a different settlement. Being overwhelmed by the works of

the composer Vinteuil, the fictional musical, and reviewing works of Elister’s artistry, led him

entirely transported to a different place across the galaxies; his mind conquered with imagination,

crafted a place being so well defined in his eyes, in light of the composer’s own making, and the

artist’s own masterpiece. The eventual lines are the concluding thoughts of the narrator:

“The only true voyage, the only bath in the Fountain of Youth, would be not to visit strange lands but to

possess other eyes, to see the universe through the eyes of another, of a hundred others, to see the hundred

universes that each of them sees, that each of them is; and this we do, with great artists; with artists like

these we do really fly from star to star.”

This book was published in 1913, with completion of the volumes by 1927, before even the first space

expedition began. Ideas of the exploration of space were only the limited thoughts of the society back

in the 1920s, where it would only linger primarily as an imaginary notion, a make-believe concept

derived. There were several circumstances, where people inspired these thoughts into books, arts,

music, etc - hence, we could assume there was an understanding, hope and belief amongst people,

who really had a thought on whether we could really 'fly from star to star.' But with the exception of

individuals with a belief of its possibility, a contemplation of the ideas - whether if we could actually

launch a satellite, if man could travel to space, if we could land on the moon, if there would be a

possibility for a living society, a created-civilization, a whole new world, beyond earth’s limits and its

highest skies - remained in the minds’ equipped with the curiosity and determination, till the first

1957 successful orbital launch of the uncrewed satellite, and the victory of man's first landing on the

Moon in 1969. Its success celebrated the growing knowledge, whereby inaugurated concepts of

accomplishing so much more - and so we did.

“Many years ago the great British explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was

asked why did he want to climb it. He said "Because it is there." Well, space is there, and we're going to

climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are

there.” - John F. Kennedy


Of The Foretold Apeiron, by Zainab Afzal

Tides had risen, responding to the stars luminescence,

Upwards; the body of water propagates the movement

Of the vessel, across the coast of Black Sea,

It voyaged, engulfed by the blankets of poorly lit skies.

He emerged, stood on the quarterdeck

And admires the ship leaving behind

The reflecting lights on board, coruscating the body of water,

A smile graces upon his lips.

He gripped the handrail, his grasp affirm,

Lifted up his head and gazed above.

His inquisitive eyes set still on the moon,

As it beamed with a warming delight,

That began to turn into a burning desire,

Into an urge for it to reveal its truth that lay behind.

Where did it all arise, where will it diminish itself,

he asked, as he observes

How she revives herself after dusk, and dies by dawn.

There was no beginning to be seen, no end in sight.

It all stems from some infinite, some divine, he thought.

Overwhelmed was his mind, branded with its fires of obsession,

Engraved with marks of passion -

Something of great tranquility,

Lay in the infinity.

His hand further did it firm on the handrail,

His eyes closed shut, and he breathed,

Beseeched the truth to unveil herself.

He lifted his finger, and outlines amidst the air

That shared a whiff of the the sea of Black he sailed,

Delineating a ring, another, the other,

Formed ring with his two fingers, lifted his hand up the centre,

And therein sprouts his universe.


What invites all to be in view of all these men,

Who stand still and question you where you do come from,

What parts you from the day, when the sky dressed herself with the finest hue of blue,

And why do you rise when she has worn the blanket of dark.

What made you, and the other Celeste Forms that surrounds,

Would never be found by us,

Would never be unraveled, never be born,

Or finite would it become, like us.

The masts and the sails slide right upon tides, to his surprise,

As he reality revives him from the abyss of thoughts,

And paces forward to spot the horizon, glinting its light across the other end of the sea,

Alarming the arrival of early dawn.

The stars greet its farewells of the day,

And the moon, who slowly veils herself with its light.

He chuckled, returns from the quarterdeck,

Picked up his book, turned the pages to enscript his log.

Sailing across the coast of Black Sea,

Did he find the wisdom that remained as a strand that weaved in their minds

Whilst he stood with the tapestry of the thought.

Theiren, resides the thought on where They had come from.

Theiren, foretold of the Apeiron.



1.1 Apeiron

A Greek term to define infiniteness, boundlessness, describes unlimited outcomes, possibilities and

prospects that are subjected to almost anything - there are no boundaries created.

We have selected this name based on several aspects that speak volumes of our ideals and the primary

purpose behind the making and initiative. We desired a name that has a history to it, that was

celebrated in the past, and that gives meaning to the name of settlement in terms of inspiration and

intellect that is conceptualized - and that would be appreciated by our voyagers.

Anaximander, an author who contributed to the

initiating surviving lines in the Western philosophy

theorizing the universe and its origins, and one of the

first speculative astronomers, who had postulated

this speculation of “boundlessness” or

“infiniteness” of the universe. We know very little

about his life, but one of the most conspicuous details

of his journey that we found inspiring indeed

indicates that he was an explorer, as he was one of

the Milesians (they were known to be audacious

sailors), and he likewise seeked to colonize - led a

mission that founded a colony called Apollonia on the

coast of the Black Sea. Anaximander and his works

clearly demonstrates that he was an individual who

aims to seek answers - about where do we all come

from, how was the world constructed, and what are

the main elements that create the world.

But his inaugurating written contributions regarding his theories of the universe and its origins,

dictates how the universe is “apeiron” initiated other minds to dig in deep to conceptualize the theory;

undermining clues that could determine ideals of the complexity of living aspects centres the

boundlessness, the geographical and physical aspects of the world, questioning how the world is

created, mapped and designed, whereas predicting the possible conditions and regions and how the

universe supports life.

His theory of how the universe is apeiron, the first principle, is as follows:

“Everything has an origin or is an origin. The Boundless has no origin. For it would have a limit.

Moreover, it is both unborn and immortal, being a kind of origin. For that which has become, also,

necessarily, an end, and there is a termination of every process of destruction.”

- (Physics 203B6-10, DK12A15)


The Greeks were familiar with the idea of immortality and the Homeric Gods, but Anaximander

included two features to conceptualize divinity. Apeiron is described as “phusis” or “nature.” This

theory coincides to Aristotle’s ideals, emphasizing that divinity that arises when there is continuity to

creation;

“The belief that there is something Boundless stems from the idea that only then genesis and decay

will never stop, when that from which is taken what has been generated, is boundless”

- (Physics 203B18-20)

In this statement, Boundlessness is given a characteristic of playing inexhaustibly infinite in process.

The universe ultimately is given that characteristic - an ongoing medium that cannot be created,

seen, or destroyed, but is utilized to introduce what is found in Nature. This theory was proposed

during the time when Anaximander disregarded his teacher’s teaching of Arche, and idealized that

water is one of the substances that are not to undergo to make other substances - fire and earth, for

instance - therein is not an element that could conclude its ability to create due to it differing

properties. Hence, he proposed Apeiron - an ‘boundless’ surreal substance, that may conceptualize

the origins of the universe. Its permanence was therefore indicated by Aristotle, by a description of

impermanent resources that are impossible to create the Boundless medium. This became even more

indulging, when 2500 years later by Friedrich Nietzsche utilized this idea to prove his theses of

“Eternal Recurrence.” He states the following:

“If the world had a goal, it would have been reached. If there were for it some unintended final state,

this also must have been reached. If it were at all capable of pausing and becoming fixed, if it were

capable of ‘being,’ if in the whole course its becoming it possessed even for a moment this

capability of ‘being,’ then again all becoming with long since have come to an end.”

Nietzsche wrote the following citation in Die Philosophie im tragischen Zeitalter der Griechem (1873)

which remained unpublished in his lifetime, but released, he expresses these theories whilst crediting

Anaximander as well. To summarize, Anaximander was well reputed with the theory of how endlessly

extensive his universes’ are. Utilizing these ideals, we plan to make a colony in space that shares the

endlessness in creation, and ongoing in medium. Being human, we are voyagers as we are inquisitive

and incite for answers as we delve deeper to origins of creation. In this case, we are in the shoes of

Anaximander as he explores the Black Sea to colonize, and therein arises Apollonia.

In the theory of Apeiron, with regards to his theory of the universe’s origins, the fields on which

Anaximander established his ideals of revealing on what the origins based on were given thought to,

relative to the interlinking factors philosophers like Anaximander would derive in terms of origin, are

the fundamental principles we utilize to establish our project’s objectives on. These include:


a) The physics behind its functioning of the system, providing the overall possibility for its

existence; this includes Anaximander’s first and second theory, where he proposes his view

of the universe

b) The origin of the world contingent on elementary aspects to support the system; proving the

origins of this world is from Apeiron, from where ‘phusis’ or ‘nature’ derives.

c) Life, in all forms, formed from the product of what has been created by the Apeiron.

Aniximander’s areas of research and analysis sheds light to elementary fields that mark the basic

factors that contribute to the universe. His theory of Apeiron covers all parameters of life and the

space that revolves around it, or in other words, how the world is in the middle of all that surrounds.

Therefore, we base our main ideals on these rudimentary principles that determine the origin of the

universe, and the world we live in where each criterion is an aspect of what this project aims for -

creating an interstellar habitat, a world that sails across stars, to prove that in terms of voyage and

exploration, there are no boundaries and we are free from borders. We are open to unlimited and

infinite possibilities of what we can accomplish, in limitless and boundless skies; a man-made

civilization cruising in space only proves to the narrow minds that we are capable of achieving more

than what we can think of.

1.2 Positioning

Low-Earth Orbit, LEO

During the development and construction phase of the settlement, the low earth orbit is the ideal

location. Since there are limitations of fuel for propulsion of a gigantic settlement, it is impossible to

be sent into orbit fully constructed and hence the only possibility left is to build it in parts in the orbit

itself. The proximity to Earth, an altitude of about 2,000 km, is the perfect minimum distance for

transporting materials and resources for construction with lower costs. To ease the expenses of

construction even further, tourism can be implemented, and solar energy harvested for power.

Furthermore, the early settlement will be well protected from radiation by the van Allen Belts

surrounding the Earth.

1.2.1 | Lagrange Libration Points

The following phase of the settlement would

require repositioning to another location as the

settlement would become too big to safely orbit

the Earth without colliding with other satellites.

This would also present us with the opportunities

of asteroid mining for resources and research

observations.


The next suitable location would be orbiting the Lagrange Libration points which are

positions in space where gravitational pull of large masses, such as the Earth or the Moon, equals the

centripetal force required for an object to move along with them. This reduces fuel consumption and

allows the object to remain stationary without much calibration and aligning.

Among the five libration points in the Earth-Moon system, only two of them L4 and L5 are stable

enough to be acceptable for the settlement at this stage. The settlement would be required to

maintain an orbit around these points until it has collected enough resources for the next phase.

1.2.2 | Lunar Surface

The last phase would require colonization of the lunar surface for the settlement to become

completely self-sustainable. The settlement would need to orbit the L1 point for ease of

communication between the Earth and Moon and then a leading team of explorers and researchers

would begin scouring the surface of the moon for the perfect spot.

Over time, a lunar base and steady income from mining the moon’s resources would be established.

Fresh water can be harvested from craters and the lower gravity of the moon can allow interactions

between the orbiting settlement to be integrated in order to sustain a large community of space

dwellers. For more on moon mining, visit Section 5.1.1.



2.1 Inspiration: Anaximander’s Universe

Anaximander’s model of the world was the first proposed

mechanical diagram that displays Earth, cylindrical in shape

that measures a third of its diameter, that supposedly

‘floats’ in the centre of the wide and infinite abyss. The

surface below, is the region of inhabitants in its central

region, with the mass of oceans that surrounds. The theory

that Earth remains unsupported and floating is an

revolutionary motif that surpasses the aspect where people

began to inaugurate the scientific logistics behind this

seemingly wise theory of the time - without being given

the technological facilities for them to prove so -

does imply Anaximander’s attempts in thinking beyond

the scope of what has been in his reach to conclude.

This fact interlinks with the second proposed theory: celestial bodies move around the Earth in

circles, emphatically introducing the concept of an ‘orbit’, which again is a acknowledging notion

that submits the ideas of what the world would look like - in space. This proves the accuracy of the

first notion; the Earth must remain unsupported to allow celestial bodies to complete their orbits,

allowing the occurrence of day and night. The third concept introduced determines space itself, and

what is the most intriguing: the mannerism of how ‘heavenly bodies’ share distances, one after the

other, may virtually imply and stress how the solar system is theoretically created in his eyes,

constructing a celestial sphere to present his knowledge.

The solar wheel - the orbit that represents the

sun - is 27-28 times the diameter of the Earth,

whilst the lunar wheel - the orbit displaying

the moon - being 18-19 times the diameter of

that of Earth, emphasising stars and other

satellites might follow the same model.

The two wheels combined make up the

predominant theory of the solar system first

derived.


Fig. 2.3 Anaximander’s universe in summer, by day and universe in winter, by night.

https://iep.utm.edu/anaximan/

In light with these details of the universe proposed by Anaximander, Apeiron will be inspired by how

the universe is designed, creating a universe where life will evolve and will be redefined, outside the

belts of normal, and beyond the pale blue dot where history was once defined.

2.2 Designing Apeiron

The innovation behind the structure of Apeiron space settlement is to provide a successful living

environment in conditions as hostile as deep space; above the low earth orbit. Apeiron could

potentially serve to be a beacon of hope for industrialisation, experimentation, research and

technological development. It has a well- planned organization of the structure to facilitate the

fundamental amenities to the residents. Apeiron has unsurpassed residential accommodations,

agricultural facilities, comfortable recreational facilities, medical and educational facilities.

Being provided with a plethora of options to create our settlement, we had to consider the

requirements carefully before coming to a decision. A circular/ rotational shape is crucial, because in

order to provide artificial gravity, we will make use of centripetal force. Many may claim that

gravitation on earth occurs even though earth is not a circular object. However, when compared to

our settlement, Earth has a relatively huge mass and radius, and therefore the difference in the

gravitational acceleration between the poles and the equator is not significant. But, if we decide to use

such a shape in our settlement, significant differences will incur.


A sphere might seem like a feasible idea, considering its similarity to the shape of the Earth. Even

though it could provide us the largest living area in terms of its volume, gravity along the entire

spherical settlement varies which means the surface of the sphere at the equator spins faster than the

poles. Furthermore, if any puncture was to occur, the affected area might not be easily sealable.

The cylinder was our alternative. Gravity along the cylinder remains uniform as it rotates on a

longitudinal axis and a cylinder could house a large population. However, the inhabitants can view

the opposite side of the settlement and the idea gave rise to psychological concerns. Moreover, in

order to create a radius that will generate substantially the artificial gravity needed, the settlement

will require a massive amount of materials.

The realization to rather construct multiple tori, as a singular torus requires much less air volume

compared to a sphere or a cylinder even though gravity levels do vary along the inner surface, was

comparably suitable in all circumstances, hence fulfilling the requirements of artificial gravity. The

rationale behind it is that a torus requires less air volume, but a cylinder can house a large population

and expansion can be achieved by simply extending it. Considering all the pros and cons of each

scheme we decided to settle on a combination of a variety of proposed ideas suitable into our

settlement.

Conclusively, the final design called for a series of four truncated tori equipped with artificial gravity,

attached to a central cylinder experiencing microgravity. The docking port follows a spherical shape

externally connected to the cylinder. The design followed the philosophy of our name of the

settlement Apeiron where it partially is consisting of replicable components to idealize the theory of

Apeiron.

Fig. 2.4 - Apeiron, viewed from x-axis


Fig. 2.5 - Apeiron, viewed from y-axis


Fig. 2.6 - Apeiron, viewed from z-axis, complementing the Celestial Sphere of Anaximander, Fig. 2.3

2.3 Component Analysis

1. Tori, Trusses and Channels

The torus, crusted with layers of solar panels on

the exterior of each tori will take up an area of

20,734 sqm approximately.The rotation ring on the

exterior is attached to the 4 trusses (T1, T2,T3, T4,

from North of ring, 0 round clockwise

°

completing a 360 ) and 4 channels (C1, C2, C3,

°

C4, respective to each truss) which are connected

to the ringed torus itself via attachment rings. The

4 channels have a transportation system installed

within, creating a path from the tori to the

cylindrical center.

Fig. 2.7a, Truss 1, identical to other trusses

Fig. 2.7b, Channel 1, identical to other channels


2. Trusses T1, T2, T3, T4 of tori

4 trusses are joined to the Central Cylinder via the inner attachment ring and the outer attachment

ring. It has a length of 125.5m in the bigger tori and 85.5m in the smaller tori, and together they serve

the function of providing structural support, holding the cylinder and tori in place.

3. Channels C1, C2, C3, C4 of tori

The 4 channels, attached to the Central Cylinder via the inner attachment ring are directly attached to

the torus and have a length of 126.5 in the bigger tori whereas 86.5m in the smaller tori with a width

of 2m. Within the Channels, run the transportation system carrying in our inhabitants, staff

members, loads and goods to and from the torus to the cylinder.

4. Determining dimensions of tori

For the purpose of analysing the sizes of each torus, these are the equations to be utilized in order to

identify the size relevant to each module.

Table 2.1

Component

Torus volume

Torus Surface Area

Circumference

Base Area

Respective Equation

(πr²)(2πR)

4 . 2π . R . r

2 . π . r

h . c

5. Residential tori (2)

The two central residential tori are to hold the most

important purpose of Apeiron i.e. housing a

population of 990 inhabitants. The inhabited

structure is essentially the truncated torus. The

residential torus has a radius of about 150m with a

major radius of 142.5m and a minor radius of 7.5m.

Torus volume

(π · 7.5²) · (2 · π · 142.5) ≈ 1.58222 × 10 5 m 3

Torus Surface Area

(2 · π · 142.5) · (2 · π · 7.5) ≈ 42192.56 m 2

Ground area of the interior

Width = 22 m

Circumference = 2 · π · 150 ≈ 942.48 m

Area = 942.4778 . 22 = 20,734 m²


The residential tori will experience 1g gravity level to stimulate earth like gravity and the

overall gravity fluctuations are prevented by utilizing consistent flooring with a substantial and

stable design.

6. Agriculture Torus (1)

The agricultural torus is essentially the place where livestock and agriculture will be taken care of.

The torus has a height of 15m and a total radius of 100m with a major radius of 100m and a minor

radius of 7.5m. Experiencing a gravity level of 0.7g will aid in faster plant growth according to

researchers. The torus is structurally divided into two floors. The first floor which houses all the

different types of agricultural activities has an area of 12,560 sqm. It is internally divided into 4

segments, each tending to different crop types according to agricultural methods. The second floor is

to accommodate the livestock we are going to cater to integrated in the bio extensive farming area,

and has an area of 11,620 sqm.

Industrial Torus (1)

The industrial torus is where all the energy related machinery, and machinery to control Apeiron will

be located. The torus has a height of 15m and a total radius of 100m with a major radius of 100m and a

minor radius of 7.5m. The torus will experience a gravity of 0.5g for easier production and to reduce

the workload on the machinery. The torus is structurally divided into two floors. The second flow

comprises our primary resource of energy - solar energy; this will all have plenty of space to fit with

an area of 11,620 sqm. Our very own nuclear fusion tokamak, and the FSR reactor will accumulate the

area of the first floor (12, 560 sqm) is plenty.

The table below summarizes each tori structural characteristics.

Table 2.2a

Volume (π·7.5 2 ) · (2 · π · 100) ≈ 1.11033 × 10 5

Surface area = (2 · π · 100) · (2 · π · 7.5) ≈ 29608.81

Width

22 m


Fig. 2.8 - The 4 tori in view, x-axis


7. Central cylinder

The central cylinder is the pivotal component to which every other component’s strength

and balance depends on. Its symmetrical structure and perfect mass distribution holds the

structure in place. The central cylinder in Apeiron has a radius of 8m and a height of 120m.

Being a non-rotating component, it has microgravity. The cylinder will be divided into 5

bases with an area of 201 sqm each; a microgravity hub, a recreational center, and

Apeiron’s control facilities; storage area, research facilities, and control center.

Volume of the central cylinder

πr 2 h

Therefore:

π · 82 · 120 ≈ 24127 . 43 m 3

Surface area of central cylinder 2πrh + 2πr 2

Therefore:

= 2 · π · 8 · 120 + 2 · π · 82 ≈ 6433.98 m 2

Base area πr 2

Therefore:

π · 82 ≈ 201 m 2

The Central cylinder also complements the shape of our Earth in Anaximander’s eyes. As

we noted, Anaximander’s Universe resembles the shape of our settlement viewed from

x-axis. Careful correlation of these theories, and dotting the points to draw the lines

between these theories only suggests that Apeiron is as if a universe on its own; In space, it

will be the first living settlement, inhabiting 990 people, and 120 species.

8. Docking station

Docking station is the area where transportation and the import-export of goods,

industrial resources and other resources will take place. Located at the end of the Central

Cylinder, the docking station is a spherical shaped component with a diameter of 10m

having an overall volume of

(4/3 πr 3 = 4/3 · π · 5 3 ) ≈ 523.6 m 3


The sphere opens up to reveal 3 docking inlets and 3 outlets. The docking port has a

length of 4m and a width of 2m and has a long runway leading up to it.

At the end of the runway is an elevator shaft

which leads to a maintenance hall above. The

maintenance hall is where regulatory checks,

space shuttle refueling, repairing etc. will take

place. Loading-unloading of the extracted

minerals, goods and other industrial

components will also occur in the same

region, from which it will be transported to

the industrial torus via the transportation

system in the cylinder.

Fig. 2.10 - Docking Station, x-axis view of Apeiron

The table below summarizes each tori’s trusses, channels and attachment rings, for reference

purposes.

Table 2.3 - Summarized Components and Dimensions

Torus Truss l / m Channel l / m Inner attachment

ring c / m

Outer attachment

ring c / m

Residential (2) 125.5 126.5 53.4 841

Agriculture (1) 85.5 86.5 53.4 590.6

Industrial (1) 85.5 86.5 53.4 590.6


2.4 Interior Analysis

2.4.1 | Residential Module

Fig. 2.11 - Inspiration for the interior of the Residential Module in RT1 and RT2

Credit: Forgotten Tomorrows, Tumblr


Fig. 2.12 - Residential Module on Apeiron (inspired)

Credits: Kromekat.net, Project Portfolio

Housing a population of 990, Apeiron considers not only what seems adoptable in the foreign space

environment, but takes into consideration of our people’s perceptions - what seems psychologically

best suited for them, in order to stabilize their well-being, and secure their happiness. With that, we

provide our people top-tier facilitation; to make them feel at home, even though they remain afar

from the pale blue dot.

Apeiron’s Facilitation

1. Houses

Among the 990 residents are 840 individual residents and 50 families of three. Providing a

comfortable and safe interior by maximizing space efficiency, we have decided to integrate double

story family houses, and triple story individual residential apartments.

Family Apartments Individual Apartments Hotels

Each family house will be allotted

60sqm of area of flat with

dimensions 5 x 12. Hence, a total of

50 family houses will take up (50 x

60) 3000 sqm of area.

An individual will occupy a space of

20 sqm in a flat with dimensions 4

x 5. Within one triple story

apartment we will accommodate 3

individuals. Therefore, a number of

280 such apartments will be built

with a total area of 5,600 sqm for

the 840 individual residents.

Tourism is an integral part of

Apeiron’s economy and to

accommodate 80 tourists per visit,

we plan on building a hotel

apartment with flats similar to the

individual flat design above with

an area of 20sqm. Services will

include doctor on call, dry

cleaning, scheduled excursions and

guided tours to the different

sectors of Apeiron and other

services provided.


2. Hospitals

The healthcare system of Apeiron is organized

in a manner that ensures timely access to the

highest attainable standard of care to all its

residents and guests. A hospital with an area of

20,000 sqm divided into two floors, will

comprise of operation centers, 2 ICUs,

specialized doctors’ chambers, nurses’ rooms,

laboratories, reception and specialized rooms

for scenarios enlisted in the medical section.

Our healthcare team will include general

practitioners, doctors specializing in

cardiology, ENT, orthopedics, pediatrics etc,

and a team of nurses. A pharmacy will also be

built closer to the residential areas for easier

access to medicine and other resources.

All in all, our policies, facilities and services will be developed to provide a hassle-free experience to

all our patients by delivering compassionate care and fostering an organized culture.

3. Schools

On Apeiron, education for a child is given the

utmost priority. A school will be built for

students in the establishment stage to the

college level, which overall will take up an area

of 2,500 sqm. Since, we have a distinct

fascination towards hands on learning and

practical approach, most of the learning will

take place in sections of the school like

laboratories, specialized fields, classrooms

with maximum access to personalized

resources and media devices.


4. Retail Centres

The retail center will take up an area of 650 sqm. This

includes supermarkets for accessing the daily

necessities, dollar stores, fashion brands, restaurants

and cafes, with occasional benches around to sit and

relax. As seen above, a walkway will extend between

the rows of shops on either side. All in all, this will be

an area aimed towards tending to the leisure and

necessities of the residents in the residential module.

2.4.2 | Agriculture Module

Fig. 2.16 - Agriculture Module on Apeiron

Credit: https://pin.it/PlL1kql


Interior Construction for Livestock

The housing of livestock on Apeiron is extremely important and thus requires special, ethical and

effective considerations. We plan to structure the barns and aquariums away from the residential tori,

to avoid any disruption to the coherent society in central Apeiron.

Different species and types of animals will be sheltered in specialized pens/barns equipped with

scrubbers and oxygen generators, for the controlled regulation of oxygen, carbon dioxide and

methane gas. As for the survival of salmon, specialized aquariums with temperature, pH and gas

regulators as well as aquatic filters, will be used.

As for successful In-Vitro Fertilization, an

In-Vitro Fertilization laboratory consisting of

laminar flow hoods, incubators, centrifuges,

stereo microscopes, refrigerators and most

importantly embryo transfer facilities will be

established in a separate section of the torus;

where tests and the IVF procedure (mentioned

above) will be allowed to take place safely in a

controlled environment, under suitable

conditions for increased probability of successful

procedures. Additionally, suitable transfer facilities

between the shelters and the laboratory will also be

developed for efficient embryo collection and

transfer.

In conclusion, the proper construction of the interior for livestock plays a major role in the survival of

livestock on Apeiron, and thus the survival of the inhabitants. Therefore, genuine and innovative

thought has been given by the team in designing the interior construction for livestock and ultimately

the whole torus for agriculture and livestock, considering and tackling any practical challenges or


issues faced as far as design of the torus is concerned, to mitigate the effects of such

problems and to enhance effectiveness of the torus as an important part of Apeiron settlement.

2.4.3 | Industrial Module

Fig. 2.20 - Industrial Module Model Picture (Inspired)

Credit: Turbosquid.com, Giimann

Within the Industrial Module, what comprises in our second floor would be the contributing

machinery to conduct solar energy - inclusive of the control centre for the movement of the solar

panels will be on the first floor with the inverters and the whole wiring system to make sure that all

which is of utmost importance is in one easy to access location, as well as the research and

information room will be present so as to cross-reference the timings of solar panel movement,

monitor night and day cycles for maximum efficiency of energy absorption. Our very own nuclear

fusion tokamak, and the FSR reactor, as well as production and refinery of essential necessities i.e.

oxygen, water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, will accumulate in the area of the ground floor.

2.5 Artificial Gravity

The most crucial aspect of a space settlement is taking into account weightlessness which is a danger

to human health especially if the settlement is to spend months or even years in freefall. Extensive

measures need to be taken to oppose weightlessness and provide a healthy living environment for

adults as well as children.


2.5.1 | Generating Artificial Gravity

Linear Acceleration

Accelerating the settlement continuously in one direction can force the objects inside it in the

opposite direction, inducing a sense of gravity. This can be explained perfectly by Newton’s first and

third laws of motion where the pull towards the ground is a manifestation of inertia while the induced

gravity is the reaction force of the object on the ground to the acceleration force of the ground on the

object.

Linear acceleration provides gravity that is uniform throughout the structure with the absence of any

adverse fictitious forces like Coriolis forces. However, this kind of acceleration is limited to the

amount of fuel required to provide a constant force. Even with the most efficient propulsion systems

the effect would only be temporary and not suitable for our permanent space settlement.

Gravity Generator

The most hypothetical solution for simulating gravity is a generator that creates a gravitomagnetic

field instead of mass or acceleration. A research group from the European Space Agency have

succeeded in simulating the effects using a superconductor.

The experiment involved spinning the material 500 times a minute and a few sensors set up around

the material detected acceleration fields outside the superconductor. This experiment demonstrated

how superconductors might be an effective future technology to solve our gravity problem in space

settlements.

Centrifugal Force

Centrifugal force is generated from centripetal acceleration caused by circular motion. A rotational

simulated gravity is the most proposed idea to counteract the effects of prolonged weightlessness.

Centrifuges have been used by aviation and space agencies to prepare astronauts for high-g

environments during space launch. The same technology has been reworked by many into something

ideal for a space settlement. Although there have been no practical applications of centrifugal force

for artificial gravity in space there are however many dedicated research studies on the topic and is

the most sought out technology for pioneering settlements. And thus, this is the technology we will

be implementing.

2.5.2 | Centripetal Force

Circular motion is the movement of an object along a circular path. In uniform circular motion the

velocity of the object is changing constantly and hence the acceleration is constant. This acceleration

is known as centripetal acceleration and is always directed towards the center.

Centripetal acceleration can be expressed as:

v

a c = 2

r


Since we require a set number of rotations per minute or angular velocity, we can express

the equation by substituting the tangential velocity:

v = rω

a c =

(rω) 2

r

a c = rω

2

Now that we have the acceleration in terms of angular velocity, we can rearrange it to calculate r:

2π

ω = t

2π

a c = r( t

)

2

t

2π

r = a c ( )

2

Now using the formula we can calculate the radius required to produce a gravity of 1g or acceleration

of 9.82 s :

m −2 .82 ms ( ) 95.47 m

9

−2

60 s 2

2π

= 8

With a radius of almost 900 metres or diameter of 1800 metres for a rotation per minute of 1 the

construction of the settlement becomes economically impossible.

30 s

.82 ms ( ) 2 = 223.87 m

9

−2

2π

However, the radius decreases by almost a factor of 4 if we increase the rotations per minute to 2.

With this in mind, how far of a reduction in size can we achieve by taking into consideration the

tolerance of the human body coupled with faster rotations.

2.5.3 | Gravity Gradient

One of the problems of centrifugal force is that the gravity level is uneven along the radius of the

rotation frame. For example a person standing would have their heads closer to the axis than their

feet and thus, the level of gravity will have a smaller magnitude near the head than the feet.


The ratio of acceleration at the head to the acceleration at the feet can be expressed as:

a 2

Head ω r (r −h)

=

ω2r

a F eet

(r − h)

=

r

Using this formula if the average height of a person is h = 1.8 m and radius r = 150 m:

(150 − 1.8)

150

x 100 = 98.8 %

And thus the gravity gradient is:

100 % − 98.8 % = 1.2 %

As you can see, the greater the radius the smaller the gravity gradient effects would be. Taking this

into consideration, the lower limit on the size of the radius would be a gravity gradient of around

20%.

Another thing to consider is that when a person walks along the direction of rotation, the linear

velocity of the person adds to the tangential velocity increasing the gravity level at the feet. On the

other hand, if they walk in the opposite direction of rotation, the linear velocity of the person would

subtract from the tangential velocity decreasing the gravity level. Hence, if the tangential velocity is

too small it can be cancelled out completely therefore it needs to be high enough to not undergo a

noticeable change.

2.5.3 | Rotation Tolerance

A major problem that hinders the tolerance of centrifugal force is the Coriolis effect which is a

fictitious force caused by the perception of the observer inside the rotating environment.

For example, imagine throwing an object in a straight line. To an observer outside the rotating frame

the path of the object might be linear but for an observer inside the rotating frame the object might

appear to take a curved path. Because of this, traveling against the rotation would feel like climbing

uphill while traveling along the rotation would feel like running downhill.

Another problem caused by coriolis effect which leads to intense motion sickness is disorientation or

a tumbling sensation when the subject moves their head. This is due to the otolith organs inside the

inner ear that are sensitive to gravity and acceleration.

Besides the Coriolis effect, the settlers would experience different levels of gravity depending on the

distance from the axis with complete weightlessness in the center.


Increasing the radius of the settlement would ultimately reduce the overall effects of

Coriolis forces and changes in gravity. Although, there is solid evidence that the human body is

capable of adapting given proper training and enough time, which for the settlers will be plenty.

2.5.4 | Training and Adaptation

In various studies conducted over the years, participants were able to adapt to 6 rotations per minute

in just a day and up to 30 rotations per minute over a longer period of time. Several training exercises

have been devised ever since to decrease adaptation times and nullify motion sickness.

In 1998 James R. Lackner conducted a series of experiments that concluded specific movement

repetitions can train the brain to adapt faster when subjected to rotation. Another proposed training

exercise by Patricia S. Cowings in 2000 called autogenic-feedback training has allowed participants

control over 20 physiological responses in order to mitigate motion sickness.

Taking these studies into consideration, the human body is capable of adapting quickly given the

proper training or even just prolonged exposure to the stress of artificial gravity. This is good news

even for visitors as they can be slowly introduced to the environment.

2.5.5 | Conclusion

Since humans are capable of adapting to 6 rpm and 4 rpm easily, the minimum size of the settlement

can be around 25 – 55 meters in radius which is even more plausible given the cost of construction

and transportation of materials.

However, to meet the needs of our expanding settlement the final size distribution will be around 100

- 150 metres in radius. The minimum sizes will be used in the early stages of development and

eventually expand once the settlement finds a steady source of resources and materials.

2.6 Operating Apeiron

2.6.1 | Energy

Energy must be viable, substantial in amount, and easily harnessed, as it is one of the significant

resources required for any operating settlement. Apeiron unifies the ideals of infiniteness and the

boundlessness in nature, and hence, incorporating those principles in context to our driving force of

our settlement contemplates on our inspiration of Anaximander’s ideals of the universe.

Onto finalizing our sources of energy, provided we are given with a variety of options for us to

consider and however complex it may seem, we plan on interconnecting several energy sources to

form a combinational power grid, collectively contributing to produce a singular outcome - large

amounts of energy, enough to supply the entire settlement, for many years. In the initial years

post-launch of the settlement, Apeiron will rely on the solar energy produced, empowering the entire

settlement, as it is far more economic and feasible. This will prevent the rising of expenditure, as we


keep the cost-effective methodologies in practice in attempts to avoid any loss under any

circumstance. This is essential to keep our ideals in practicality. Aperion is set to be a self-sustained

settlement. It is realistically attainable, the considerable utility of solar energy as a primary source, to

be reliant on for a period of time, till a combination of utility of several sources, to increase its

efficiency.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is a form of energy currently in use by the International Space Station (ISS). To get this

energy, photovoltaic panels have been efficient up till now. These cells are basically semiconductor

diodes writ infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) radiations into electricity. To provide a whole settlement

with solar energy we will need more advanced and larger solar systems with way better photovoltaic

cells but given the rapid advancements in technology that will be manageable. The solar energy the

Earth receives is around 175,000 terawatts, however, due to reflection from the clouds and absorption

of light waves by the atmosphere, this amount is reduced substantially. In space however, this is a

completely different story as there is no atmosphere to cause these hindrances. For example, on the

moon a solar power system can capture hundreds of times the energy that system would capture on

the Earth. This shows us that solar power is indeed a very viable way to produce our energy.

Solar energy also has many other advantages, it does not produce any hazardous waste that needs to

be stored safely and monitored properly for hundreds of years and also has already a deep amount of

research gone into it. The ISS uses solar energy as well, they have eight wings each with around

33,000 solar cells on them.

A run down of how this works is that solar cells are made up of solar arrays which convert energy to

electricity on the space station. The solar cells are made of the material silicon from purified chunks.

These cells use a method called photovoltaics to directly transform light to electricity.

Photovoltaics is the conversion of light energy into electricity due to some materials having the

photoelectric effect. This is when they absorb photons of light and release electrons which can then

be captured to provide an electric current which can be used as electricity.

We will aim to fit the solar panels on the sides of our settlement. Solar panels need to be pivoted

towards the sun and our solar panels will be pivoted in such a way that they can always be pointing

towards the sun no matter which way the spacecraft is moving in. however there will also be an

option to move the solar panels out of the sun’s direction for when they are fully charged with electric

current or some maintenance is needed. For this there will be a positional tracking machine which

will follow the movements of the solar panels to ensure maximum efficiency from them. Relative to

the structure, we will fit two sets of solar arrays (2 solar arrays for each set) on the back of the

settlement as extensions which can be moved about using the aforementioned system. This will be

around 750 square metres in area for each set (this is taking into account only the pure area of the

solar panels). They will each contain around 79,000 solar cells and each set will produce a maximum


of around 36 kilowatts to a minimum of around 25 kilowatts. The dimensions of a single

array will be approximately 37 metres or 120 feet by 13 metres or 43 feet. In addition to these two sets

or arrays we will also have solar panels around the tori that we have in the middle of the settlement.

They will be slightly bent in nature compared to the arrays at the back as they need to go around the

entirety of each torus. The total length and width will be similar to the circumference and the width of

each torus and since one whole array cannot go around as a complete circle, we will need to divide it

into four quarters which will all be separately attached to the torus. This will allow our settlement to

have a total of 4 solar arrays at the back and if we compare the size of the arrays to the ones in the

back, the 4 tori should have the equivalent of 6 arrays attached to it, this should be a sufficient

amount of power and energy to make the system run.

The construction of the solar panels is as follows, the main material used will be purified silicon as it

is a semiconductor with high melting and boiling points. First we will look into the construction of

the photovoltaic cells. They are made using thin slices of crystalline silicon. We will be using

monocrystalline slices as since they are being prepared from the same source, it is more efficient.

These monocrystalline slices or wafers will be prepared by the Czochralski process.

In this process, we require high purity of semiconductor silicon which is melted at temperatures of

1400°C -1450°C in a crucible usually made out of quartz or graphite.

This silicon is then doped with boron or

phosphorus to form P silicon. Next, a seed

crystal is used, this is basically a small

crystal which is used in laboratories to

grow a larger crystal of the same material

from. The seed crystal is attached to a rod

which is held up in a very precise position.

The rod is then lowered towards the

crucible, seed crystal side down, and then

it is pulled up and at the same time it is

rotated as well. If through the correct

calculations, the speed of rotation and the

rate at which it is pulled upwards is

properly integrated into the process, with

the constant maintenance of the

temperature gradients, a large

single-crystal ingot is extracted from Fig. 2.21 - Czochralski process Credit: http://www.jhaj.net

the crucible.


The science behind this is that the seed crystal acts as a deposition place for the heat that

is released due to the latent heat of solidification as the melt solidifies into a larger replica of the seed

crystal used. The diameter of the ingot produced can also be controlled with the changes in

temperature.

After the production of these ingots, they are then cut using a diamond wire into thin square wafers

and coated with a thin layer of N type silicon to form the PV junction between the two types of

semiconductors.

This concludes the formation of the photovoltaic cells. To finish the solar panel, the solar cell is

closed between an upper layer of encapsulant material to trap it, tempered glass which is topped of by

an aluminium frame and a bottom layer of encapsulant again followed by a polymer made rear sheet

which is then connected to the junction box which controls all the working of the solar panel.

But however sustainable and achievable this may sound, the consequential result of heavily relying

on solar interrelates to certain limitations, which may suggest must be quite impractical to rely on a

single source of energy, and when given the example of the world we live in today, the inauguration

of several sources (both renewable and non-renewable) all together combined contribute immensely

to bring all activities in operation to life.

Whilst being 20% ~ efficient questions the distribution of these energies being sufficient to be

supplied throughout the year or more, hence the risks of eclipses will question the redundancy.

Apeiron will not be exposed to these limitations. Redundancy will be enhanced by consideration of an

alternative resource of energy to rely on - which is sufficient for a settlement to survive in harsh

conditions of space.

Nuclear Fusion

Proceeding with knowledge displayed above of every circumstance, we are depending on 2 major

sources of energy - primarily relying on solar energy, when obtained, eventually becoming the drive

and contributing to the next source: the nuclear fusion of helium-3 and deuterium to produce a

phenomenally large reserve of energy output.

NASA’s Artemis Program to be launched in 2024 to the Moon likewise adopts a similar fundamentals

of development - the methodology for energy production, where the utility of helium-3 would be

responsible for the production of energy from a nuclear reactor conducting nuclear fusion of the

isotopic substances.

And ideally, our main intention is the energy in practice obtained from sunlight via solar panels

projected in line with its direction, would be introduced to several processes undergone to the final


stage of major production - the nuclear fusion of the isotope of helium (helium-3) and

isotope of hydrogen (deuterium), which statistically proven to be one of the viable choices for energy

production suitable for a space settlement. Relying on this source of energy after initial years

post-launch, as sufficient revenue will be generated from exports of Apeiron, will inaugurate a

positive impact in terms of energy production. It is stated:

“1 kg of helium-3 burned with 0.67 kg of deuterium gives us about 19 megawatt-years of energy output.”

Theoretically, if 1 megawatt energy output, equivalent to 1 million watts, has its ability to supply 650

average households, 19 megawatts energy output has an ability to supply more than 12000+ homes

on board settlement, which is a great deal of energy produced by just a kilogram of helium-3.

However, as attainable it may seem, there are several drawbacks that must be taken care of; materials

involved in the nuclear fusion must be taken into deep consideration. Because this is a process

involving nuclear fusion - a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to

form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy - involves isotopic substances, we may question its

radioactivity. But helium-3 is not radioactive - it is a light, stable isotope, hence when involved in

nuclear reactions (namely nuclear fusion) it could therefore provide a highly efficient form of nuclear

power with virtually no waste and harmful radiation emission. Deuterium, on the other hand, is a

stable isotope of hydrogen as well, and is well admired for its great abundance on Earth - only, and

only, on Earth.

After conducting several extensive researches, and thoroughly understanding the tedious details, we

have finally developed the alternative methodology to be induced that could possibly act as the

ultimate solution, which has the potential to produce a great deal of energy substantial for the

settlement to rely on.

2.6.1.1 | Mining the Moon: Introduction to ISRU Units

FIg. 2.22a - ISRU Unit on Moon and Mars


Fig. 2.22b - Mining on Moon, extractor in view, and sintered regolith moon-base constructed on lunar surface

Credits: pin.it/11mSVc4

ISRU are units stationed on the moon that carry out extraction, processing and transportation on the

lunar regolith to process the raw materials. These are work-sectors that are capable of supporting

pressurized areas for labor to work, but mostly require minimal human oversight as technological

advancements are programmed to inaugurate the use of rovers and robotic miners, for them to

complete the extraction. For more about the mining industry, please visit: Economic and Industry,

ISRU Units: Moon and Mars.

2.6.1.2 Helium-3

Helium-3 is an isotope of normal helium, containing 2 protons, and a neutron in its nucleus. Unlike

Earth, which has the protection of the surrounding magnetic field, the Moon has been bombarded

with large quantities of ionized helium-3 by the solar winds, binding itself with tritium dioxide. He-3

on the Moon is contained in an ore called ilmenite (iron titanate), that contains titanium dioxide. A

rough approximation on the surficial analysis of the lunar regolith containing helium, the ratio of the

isotopes contains 28 ppb helium-4 and 2.8 ppb helium-3 (although there may be variable sample

measurements, from 1.4 to 15 ppb), and collectively, 1.1 million tonnes of ³He are present in the first

few meters on lunar topsoil. It is that mining on the regions rich in helium-3, extracting estimately

100 tonnes would be sufficient to fuel Earth for a year - which even so, relying on this source, has a

possibility to fuel our settlement for more. Even with the utility of current space technology, 1 tonne


extracted would be equivalent in worth one billion, making it a potentially economic

process to rely financially on.

NASA Artemis Program plans to achieve by constructing a regional base responsible for the

extraction. These include mining robots, programmed for detecting, extraction, and transportation

of raw materials to be carried to the regional base, for further transportation to the required

destination.

Utilizing similar technological advancement than having to rely on human oversight - keeping it

minimal - it would be cost effective and a major breakthrough to bringing in an affirmative response.

As Apeiron’s extraction of helium-3 is going to be dependent on the mining of lunar regolith, various

other volatile substances pre-reacted might as well be obtained. A surficial analysis on the lunar top

soil when mined indicated the presence of NH 3

, H 2

O, N 2

, CH 4

, CO 2

and H 2

and some metals.

Conclusively, in ratio for collection of helium (in raw form) with lunar volatiles, are 1:2.25, per

kilogram obtained in 20 metric tonnes. For beneficial use, the volatile substances may also be

extracted, processed and transported back to Apeiron, to avoid minerals being unnecessarily

discarded.

However, the problems associated with the extraction of ³He, are solved utilizing a novel method for

extracting ³He gas from ilmenite ore using direct radiant solar energy, establishing various

solar-controlled chambers which propagate an increase in temperature that could cause helium to

evolve. For further purification, implementation of graphene nanospheres that will separate the

isotopic substances, helium-3 and helium-4, that are produced as combinational products of the

extraction. It is that Apeiron’s ISRU units on the Lunar regional-base situating our mining industry

will be heavily reliant on the 28-day-day-and-night cycles. Our ideals for the development of our

concept of extraction is on the basis of the patented invention with the U.S. Application US20020066288A1.

2.6.1.2.1 | Extraction of Helium-3

The methodology of extraction of He-3 relies on increased

temperature of the regolith, substantial to harvest all gaseous

materials at 600 degrees celsius, obtained from the lunar regolith.

This is achieved by constructing a collection vessel, hGCV,

designed as a geodesic semi-cylinder, that is structurally adapted

to be subjected to maximum exposure to direct solar radiation

when the collection vessel is in direct sunlight.

hGCV is conditioned to be vacuum-tight; however, for intervention after a completed processing

interval, may be entered or accessed via one or more resealable openings therein (not shown) for the

purpose of extractors to feed the system with ilmenite ore, and removing the products subsequent to


processing. hGCV is composed of titanium dioxide that is to be extracted along the

ilmenite ore. hGV is operatively affixed on the lunar regolith of a terrestrial satellite - the Moon.

Apeiron’s extractor will be used in order to grind through the ilmenite ore. This grinding is achieved

by the robotic arm attached with a grinder that crushes through lunar regolith, bringing in smaller

and substantially adequate in size chunks of the ore. Within the grinder, consists of a lube of vacuum

pump, that removes the required lumps of ore to be loaded to a connective chamber. Momentarily,

the loaded ore will be dropped by an attached conveyor belt within the chamber onto the conveyor

belt within the hGCV. A parabolic solar collector, SR, attached to the hGCV chamber will result in the

ore being exposed to heat production. SRs are designed to receive the direct solar radiation, thereby

simultaneously concentrating the radiation to the ore, magnifying the of Sun's solar energy, forcing

the gaseous substances (inclusive of ³He) to vaporise from the ilmenite ore.

The mechanism of SRs is based on the basic concept of reflection, exaggerated by the parabolic effect.

The parabolic characteristic is given by an array of concave mirrors of large area that concentrate the

solar rays on the receiver tube that is located in the focus.

He-3 can be extracted from ilmenite ore at a temperature of between about 200 degrees Celsius and

1000 degrees Celsius. Essentially, the temperature responsible for the maximum yield is noted to be

at 600 degrees celsius by the direct propagation of solar radiation, inaugurating the effect maximised

by the parabolic effect, where most gaseous substances, inclusive of a higher percentage of helium,


will be extracted. The solar radiation extraction of He-3 from titanium dioxide refined by

raw Ilmenite, will be just as efficient.

The internal lube of glass of the hGCV consisting of a

conveyor belt holding the lunar regolith ore is to be made of

laminated glass - this is essential as it is shatterproof, when

broken, and remains intact to be replaced later. This also is

beneficial for labor to work comfortably without being prone

to injuries, during the mining interval.

The following separation method yields a high percentage purity of ³He to liquify. A low temperature

would be first required (approximately 75K for liquid nitrogen) where other gaseous impurities are

strongly absorbed. After the period of 14 days, ceasing the periodical lunar night, this will result in

very cold temperatures within hGCV, as low as -173◦C leads to the liquefaction of the carbon dioxide

(-78.5 ◦C), ammonia (-35 ◦C), methane (-161 ◦C), and nitrogen (-196 ◦C), leaving the glass lube hGCV

with helium as the only gas (due to its melting point (-272◦C) be lower than the surrounding

temperature.) This effect can also be achieved early, without the waiting of a 14-day interval -

Cryogenic effects may assist in the separation.

Utilizing ISRU transport, the helium gas will be removed by vacuum pump from hGCV, and

transported to undergo an isotopic separation process, to obtain helium-3.

2.6.1.2.2 | Separation of Helium-3

The utility of graphene nanospheric pores

For immediate separation, required by Apeiron, especially in the first 14 days past launch, this

methodology confirms rapid separation, and less equipment required - referring to the cryogenic

effect of helium-3 and helium-4, to enable separation with respect to their melting points - which

involves graphene nanospheres, to achieve the obtaining of 100% extraction of helium-3.

When the helium gas is extracted out of the containment of the vacuum chamber and taken in for

processing, it undergoes the process of nano-spheric filtration, to separate the isotopes helium-3

and helium-4. The use of graphene nanosphere will avail with the process of separation. Based on

recent solutions by the U.S, New Zealand and Germany regarding gas separation miniscule pores

produced in a singular sheet of graphene, to separate different isotopes of helium, thereby achieving

100% purification in the gas separation.

Based on the molecular/atomic analysis, in spite of helium-3 having less than half the density of


helium-4, helium 3 is smaller in molecular size, which easily sieves out of the graphene

nanopore, leaving helium-4 molecules abstained behind. This approach has potential applications in

the production of helium-3, when spoken of industrial contexts. However, the utility of pure

graphene sheets for isotopic separation (due to the characteristic of permeability) was not sufficient

to achieve the specific potential required to permit helium-3 being sieved alone. A simple solution lies

when coupling the graphene nanopores with nitrogen enables the fine tune the tunnelling barrier,

which enables the efficient separation of the two isotopes at an industrially acceptable gas flux 1,2.

In addition to potentially providing a new source of helium-3, this approach may alternatively apply

separation of other gases inclusive, without having to enter the 28-day-and-night cycle on the

moon, which is the immediate and affirmative, cost-effective, without enhanced liquification of

gases using their melting points.

After separation, pure helium-3 is obtained. It is transported from the ISRU to Interstellar, to be

attached, docked on Apeiron.

2.6.1.3 Deuterium

Deuterium, also known as heavy hydrogen, is an isotope of hydrogen with its nucleus consisting of

one proton and one neutron, which is double the mass of the nucleus of ordinary hydrogen. This

isotope is essentially needed for the nuclear fusion with helium-3.

Whilst helium-3 is abundant on extraterrestrial regions i.e the Moon, deuterium's presence only on

Earth's oceans, abundant in 0.02% of ocean waters conclusively, hence absent in substantial

amounts in the extraterrestrial regions which could be extracted using the ISRU. Our team researched

the methodologies for its availability to be possible in our reach - and thereby came up with the

solution.

Water comprises hydrogen and oxygen; in comparison to the two isotopes present, Deuterium atoms

are about twice the atomic mass of normal hydrogen atoms. Heavy water consists of water molecules

with two deuterium atoms replacing the two normal hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen in normal water

consists of about 99.98% by weight of normal hydrogen ( 1 H), whilst the substitution for the

production of heavy-water, deuterium is to substitute normal hydrogen, with the percentage by

weight being equivalent.

The production of heavy-water is to be achieved by the Girdler-Sulfide Process, constructed on an

industrial scale on one of the Earth’s Apeiron bases. These bases will include essential utilities that

are in need by Apeiron. To obtain D 2

O using the G-S process reaction, the conditions in the interest of

the equilibrium reaction needed to displace normal hydrogen with deuterium is the presence of H2S

in gaseous form, as well as the attaining a temperature difference, i.e. 20-40 degrees to 130-150

degrees celsius, to obtain a high yield of D 2

O by the end of the reaction. This inaugurated difference in

equilibrium constants when calculated, hence promoting a sustained reaction. The sole purpose to


obtain D 2

O is to separate the two molecules, in the final step of attainment, before it

proceeds to the nuclear reactor responsible for the nuclear fusion. This is achieved by the electrolysis

of heavy water, producing D 2

(gas) and O 2

(gas) as a result of the reaction - both being beneficial

products.

As to how to accomplish the production of H 2

S responsible for initiating the G-S process on Apeiron,

as it is absent in its most feasible form, the team carried several researches for attaining the

possibility of its production with the utility of extraction, in lieu of general extraction, and concluded

the following.

2.6.1.3.1 | Mining on Mars: The presence of sulfide minerals

Sulfur, being most abundant on Earth and hardly present in extraterrestrial regions in space, is the

central to studies of Mars’s planetary-scale processes, surface evolution, climate history, and

potential habitable environments; the ideals behind ‘Mission to Mars’ is due to the essential mineral

that support life and fulfill the needs of mankind. An acidic nature for the Martian surface is

suggested by the abundance of S, the occurrence of jarosite and other Fe 3+ -sulfates with amorphous

silica, experiments simulating the alteration of basalt under acidic conditions, and geochemical

models recovered by rovers on Mars.

Apeiron, likewise setting up its mining industry on the Moon, will establish ISRU units on Mars. On

the basis of the surficial analysis from Martian meteorites indicated elevated contents of sulfur

concentrations in the interior, and surficial deposits contain high levels of sulfur (estimately of SO 3

up to 37%, with the average of 6%), present in sulfate salts of martian regolith minerals. In this

contribution, we highlight key mineralogical and geochemical evidence from Martian meteorites and

Mars’ surficial analysis that provides insight into the sulfur-rich in conc. in minerals on Mars.

In light of the historical outlook, X-ray fluorescence analyses from the Viking missions revealed that

Mars has sulfur and chloride salts on the surficial regoliths of Mars. A further analytical discovery led

to the findings of sulfate salts that were identified using telescope-based spectroscopy of Martian

dust, and sulfates were proposed by various authors using geochemical models, thereby subsequent

landed missions confirmed the high percentage of sulfur utilizing APXS instruments for confirmed

detection. Dust, ubiquitous on Mars’s surface and in its atmosphere, has an average SO 3

content of

6.8% (2.7% of pure sulfur), and martian soils have an average SO 3

content of approximately 6.2%

(2.5% in sulfur).

Comparatively, the values described are supposedly higher than the average sulfur content detected

on the topsoil of martian regolith. Conclusively, these findings suggest concentrations of sulfide

minerals on the martial regolith that may be mined for commercial uses.


However, the highest SO 3

values measured on Mars were obtained on white-yellow soil exposed in

Spirit rover’s wheel ruts and inferred to be comprised of Fe 3+ -sulfates, percentage by weight,

described to be on the Arad site, 35.1%, which is particularly of our interest. With the utility of the

ISRU units established on mars and extractors, likewise on moon, extraction of the sulfide minerals

from the Martian regolith will be performed, including pyrrhotite, rare chalcopyrite and/or cubanite,

pentlandite, troilite–pentlandite– chalcopyrite, pyrite and some secondary marcasite are roughly

some Martian meteorites that have FeS and Al 2

S 3

minerals,

in concentration. It is after purification to

purely obtain ferrous sulfide, will the FeS aid in to propagate the production of H 2

S in its gaseous

form.

2.6.1.3.2 | FSR Reactor: Production of H2S gas

When pure FeS, as well as a proportionate amount of purified Al 2

S 3

, is

obtained from the mineral sulfides extracted using ISRU, FeS will be

transported, docked and processed, to obtain H 2

S gas. This is achieved

on an industrial scale reactor; the reaction with metal sulfides hydrated

using water, results in the release of gaseous H 2

S, as a byproduct of

Fe(OH) 2

formed.

FSR will be the industrial scale reactor, rising with the height h of

circumferential distance d that is going to be responsible to carry out

this reaction. The FSR reactor will have a sliding door to load the sulfide

mineral containing FeS into the reactor. After loading, enclosed in the

chamber, the mineral will be exposed to vacuum within the chamber,

until the hydration process begins. This is essential to avoid any


impurities present within the vacuum chamber that would promote any hindrances in the

reaction.

The next step to propagate this reaction would be water released into the chamber of the reactor,

causing the following reaction to occur:

FeS (s) + 2H 2

O (l)

→ Fe(OH) 2

(s) + H 2

S (g)

Where the resulting products, iron hydroxide and hydrogen sulfide gas, will be produced.

A vacuum pump, attached on the top of FSR will be used to subsequently

remove the H 2

S gas being produced, and directed to the next process that

aids in the production of heavy water; The Girdler-Sulfide process.

A similar reaction is to occur if Al 2

S 3

is to undergo hydration:

Al 2

S 3

(s) + 6H 2

O (l)

→ 2Al(OH) 3

(s) + 3H 2

S (g)

Where H 2

S released will be obtained by a vacuum pump attached to

subsequently remove the gas. Stoichiometrically, if 10.000 kilograms of

the obtained purified FeS was to react with 4.104 kg of water, on the

basis of the following calculated result will lead to the 3.890 kg of

production of H 2

S; the same could be preceded for 10.000 kg of Al 2

S 3

,

reacting with 7.236 kg of water, producing 6.854 kg of H2S;

Thus, the statement above is correct with our calculation for both mineral sulfides:

For Fes, H 2

O and H 2

S stoichiometric calculation (left); Whilst Al 2

S 3

, H 2

O and H 2

S (right)


Conclusively, the amount of H 2

S produced will be substantial for the G-S process.

2.6.1.3.3 | Heavy-water: Introduction

Heavy water, chemically known as deuterium oxide, is a form of water that contains only an isotope

of hydrogen – deuterium - rather than the common hydrogen-1 isotope, known as protium. The

presence of the heavier hydrogen isotope gives the water different nuclear properties, as deuterium

and protium are differential in atomic characteristics, and the increase of mass gives it slightly

different physical and chemical properties, prospecting on the positive light of advantageous

outcomes.

The Production of Heavy-water

The production of heavy water will be reliable on the final product, D2O, to be exported from Earth;

constructing a utility on Earth, the final product will be imported to Apeiron by the assistance of the

Interstellar. With the G-S process, the obtained H2S gas will be piped along various reacting vessel

towers responsible for the production of pure deuterium-depleted water, and finally loaded into a

large, collective vessel.

At each level of this method, one column is sustained at a temperature of 20-40 °C, whilst the other at

130-150 °. The required equilibrium constant being 2.33 at the cold towers, and 1.82 at the hot

towers, sustained temperatures of 32 degrees celsius at cold tower and 130 degrees at hot tower will

prospect significant changes conducting the reaction.

The following is the equilibrium reaction,

H 2

O + HDS ⇌ HDO + H 2

S

The obtained H2S gas is circulated in a closed loop between its

first cold tower and hot tower. These are the two

interconnected, separate towers, which assist in the

enrichment process. We will need to require a deaerated and

demineralized water allowed into the cold tower where

deuterium migration takes place from the hydrogen sulfide gas

to water.

One the other hand, ordinary water, having a composition of H 2

O nourished with a percentage of

deuterium is subsequently released in the hot tower where deuterium transfer takes place from the

liquid water to the hydrogen sulfide gas. A cascading effect demonstrates greater enriched water is

released into the cold tower and is further enriched. Practically in this process, water is enriched to


22% D 2

O. An added process of distillation could assist to maximise the effect, but the

process remains to be cost-effective just as it is.

After the continuous effect of the G-S enrichment of D 2

O water, the heavy water is to be transported

to Apeiron, and to be stored in the industrial module to be electrolyzed, in attempts to obtain pure D 2

gas, and O 2

gas, beneficial products of the reaction.

2.6.1.3.4 | Electrolysis of heavy-water

The final stage of extraction of deuterium is attainable with the utility of electrolysis on industrial

scale, with electrolyzing plants each responsible for the production of the products, D 2

and O 2

. Each

individual cuboidal electrolyzer measures 1.50 m in width, 2.25 m in length, 1.95 m in height, with 2

pipes protruding outwards for collecting vessels to attach for removal of ensuing products, with a

diameter of 0.20 m.

Fig. 2.28 - Industrial Scale Electrolysis of D 2

O, singular unit

The electrolysis of deuterium oxide - heavy water - is a straightforward process. Our feed water

(namely our heavy water) piped along to the first floor of the industrial module enters into the

electrolyzer for the process to occur. The electrolytic reaction at anode and at cathode is what

separates water into their respective products. The reactions are displayed;

Reaction at Anode: 4OH- → 2D 2

O + O 2

+ 4e-

Reaction at Cathode: 4D 2

O + 4e- → 2D 2

+ 4OH -

Essentially, the beneficial products, both D 2

gas and O 2

, will be utilized. D 2

gas will be routed to

conduct the nuclear fusion in the reactor, and the O 2

gas will be subsequently appended to our

breathing supply.


2.7.1.4 | D-He 3

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a reaction that describes the fusion of two or more atomic nuclei, to produce a

product of different atomic nuclei, whilst the release of subatomic particles: a proton, or a neutron.

For energy production, we will rely on the fusion of deuterium and helium-3. This fusion reaction is

an aneutronic reaction, and is one of the leading reactions in collection of candidate fuels.

Aneutronic fusion involves the fusion of charged particles, involving large amounts of release in

energy comparatively easier to contain and could be a reliable source of energy for Apeiron.

2 D +

3 He

→

4 He +

1 p + 18.3 MeV

However, the conduction of these reactions requires a special inlook into the conditions required. The

reactions are initiated at high temperatures, suitable confinement required for these charged

particles, lest the dependence of power density. The power density for a kilogram of helium-3

reacting with deuterium is 19000000 J/s released, making it substantial fuel supply for Apeiron to

rely on, which in addition to required a lower energy threshold in contrast to most candidate fuels.

Fusion reactions are hard to crack and practice, almost making some of the most beneficial reactions

highly impractical and difficult to initiate. Nuclear fusions that make the most useful products,

deuterium in its purest form for instance, all occur naturally in some stars, and the Sun (the reason

for deuterium's abundance on the Moon.) A nuclear fusion reactor therefore needs to be constructed,

designed according to the requirements to fulfill the conditions to commercialize aneutronic fusion

of matter.

2.7.1.4.1 | The Alcator C-Mod Tokamak: Introduction to nuclear fusion reactor

Several inventions all proceeded in an attempt to make the fusion of nuclei of two or more atoms

possible, with the two of the most leading methodologies that seemed attainable to select in practice.

One method insights on the confinement of the plasma fuel 1 , enabling a direct route taken for the

acceleration of the needed conditions required for fusion. These are one of the classes of several

connected devices that work collectively, known as the IEC. An example of a known device is the

fusor. The mechanics behind the fusor describes components involved - two concentric-spherical

metal wire grids - are exposed to a higher voltage, causing the fuel to become ionized. This enables a

rotation due to the field inaugurated, causing the fuel to move inward continuously towards the

centre, in hopes to come in contact with the second ion involved, enabling the fusion reaction. If it

fails, it is re-accelerated again, and the process repeats till contact.

1

a hot, dense ionised state of gas, as a result of massive compression and temperature


However, one major drawback of the IEC is the stress on the loss of energy whilst the

process, in relation to the lack of the unevenly heated plasma, which brings about this loss

mechanism. The significance of this is that they are never able to reach a fusion breakeven point - the

defined ratio of the reactor’s power to the power needed to keep the plasma fuel steady being exactly

1 - becoming unreliable for energy production.

Therefore, the alternative that seems reliable and by far the most efficient mechanism to process the

fusion is the use of a fusion-reactor, known as the tokamak. The tokamak utilizes a magnetic field

that is substantial enough in power to confine the plasma within its torus. With the utility of this

mechanism, we are able to confine the plasma to a degree where commercializing of aneutronic

fusion reactions is made possible. Tokamaks were inaugurated in the 1950s by Soviet physicists Igor

Tamm and Andrei Sakharov, inspired by a letter by Oleg Lavrentiev. T-1, the work of Natan Yavlinsky,

was the first working reactor where it was conceptualized the methodology behind the work; to attain

a stable plasma equilibrium, the required magnetic field lines wind around the torus in a helical

pattern, with the minimal safety factor (being <1, specifically) in order to eliminate reactor

instabilities.

ITER and JET are currently under the process of construction, confirming the light of its working in

years to come. Apeiron, with respect to the sizes of the tokamaks, will not be able to fulfill the reactor

size, and therefore insight on the compact, working factors. In this, we will introduce the utilization

of the Alcator C-Mod, the reactor most suitable for Apeiron.

The Alcator C-Mod was a tokamak that operated at

the MIT PSFC. The characteristic feature of the

C-Mod tokamak of our interest was the utility ICRF as

its primary heating and current driving source.

Alcator C-Mod operated at higher fields, B 0

≤ 13 T and

with the standard minority heating scenarios are

D(H) being 4.4–6.9 T and D( 3

He) for further higher

magnetic fields of (7.3–8.0 T). A minority species

(Hydrogen or 3

He) is indicated, and ICRF scenarios

use a two-component plasma - in our case of

interest, D and He-3. ICRF minority heating assists in

multiple fusion reactions, typically the confinement

of D and He-3. The ICRF heating system operates at

80 MHz in D(H) plasmas, and this frequency

corresponds to on-axis minority cyclotron

resonance(3) of protons at 5.3 T magnetic field,

absorbing fast waves released by hydrogen minority

species in the deuterium plasma fuel.


It can be very efficient as a typical single pass absorption in C-Mod for approximately

>80% for minority concentrations of 5–10%. Minority heating at 80 MHz and 7.9 T in a deuterium

majority plasma is achieved using the He-3 minority resonance on-axis, which makes it likewise a

catered beneficial confinement.

Another characteristic that is essential is the lower hybrid oscillation, which is the oscillation in

longitudinal, opposite direction of plasma ions and magnetized electrons. The magnetized electrons

are used to supply the current transformed by the ohmic transformer, and this current is responsible

for fusion to be empowered.

Despite several achieved results, i.e.:

“A world record for plasma pressure in a magnetically confined fusion device, reaching 2.05

atmospheres – a 15 % jump over the previous record of 1.77 atmospheres (also held by Alcator

C-Mod) This record plasma had a temperature of 35 million degrees C, lasted for 2 seconds, and

yielded 600 trillion fusion reactions.” (citation from Alcator C-Mod, Wikipedia) hence on the final day

of its working, the magnetic field of 5.7 tesla was attained (one of the achievements of C-Mod); the

tokamak forcibly ran into a safe shut down after 2016 due to the lack of funds and projected costs

shifted into the construction of ITER.

Our proposed ideals behind the mention of the Alcator C-Mod comes about the idea of the tokamak

helping Apeiron to achieve nuclear fusion in a foreign landscape; this will hence become a major

achievement to a greater extent - with significance to giving rise to the endless possibilities, the

project will be marked as a major development and a breakthrough in plasma physics studies and

space settlement prospects.

2.7.1.4.2 | The working of Alcator C-Mod

In a tokamak, the presence of magnetic field coils confine

the plasma fuel to reach the conditions necessary for

fusion. One set of magnetic coils generates an intense

toroidal field, around the ring, called the torus of the

tokamak. The central solenoid conducts the second

magnetic field directed along the poloidal direction. The

toroidal field created surrounds the plasma, whilst the

poloidal field produces rotations round the plasma. The

two field components result in a twisted magnetic field

that results into a confinement, one of the conditions

being achieved. Another set of field coils generates an

outer poloidal field, for the purpose of position and

stabilizing the plasma in the torus.


The reason behind the working of a tokamak is that plasma consists of charged particles

in the form of ionised atoms and electrons. The charges these particles carry can be deflected and

confined by magnetic and electric fields. Although confining these particles for a long period of time

is difficult, the fusion of plasma takes even less time and it can be done before the field is put to

threat. Another thing to take into consideration is that the temperatures during this process will

reach high values so we need materials adequate enough to support it. Common choices are tungsten

and carbon.

The figure on the right shows the toroidal and poloidal fields with the plasma current and how these

work hand in hand to stabilise the plasma and allow for successful fusion to occur. The toroidal field

which has a similar shape to the torus and the poloidal field which goes across the torus both

combine to form a magnetic field which basically emulates the shape of the plasma that is being used

and this allows it to effectively and efficiently stabilise it long enough for fusion to occur.

Fig 2.31 - Diagrammatic representation #2 - demonstration on the working of the tokamak

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-schematic-tokamak-figure-courtesy-of-C-Brandt_fig1_262364216

As gaseous deuterium and helium-3 obtained will enter into extremely high temperatures, electrons

will gradually separate from their nuclei, achieving an ionized state - termed as plasma. The

helium-4 nucleus produced at the end of the reaction carries an electric charge which will be

subjected to the magnetic field and will remain confined in the plasma, contributing to its continued

heating. Estimately 80% of the energy produced is removed from the plasma with a neutron

consisting of no charge, and is not subjected to the magnetic field that surrounds. The neutrons

produced each time are to be absorbed into the walls of the C-Mod, where their kinetic energy is

transferred as useful heat.


The overall output energy is given out as heat by the end of the reaction. This energy will be utilized

to empower Apeiron as a whole.

Structure of Alcator C-Mod - Summarized

Below briefly describes the parameters of the C-Mod

required for the installation of the C-Mod on Apeiron

Major Radius (m) 0.68

Minor Radius (m) 0.21

Maximum elongation 1.85

Max. toroidal field (T) 8.11 - 9

Max. stored plasma / m 3 1

Max. Plasma Current

(MA)

2.02 - 3

Vessel Volume / m 3 4

ICRF Source Power (MW) 8

Max. Stored Plasma

energy (kJ)

250

Lower hybrid power (MW) 3

Fig. 2.32 - Skeletal Structure of Alcator C-Mod

Credits: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File

Alcator_C-Mod_tokamak_engineering_diagram

To assist the MIT PSFC construction, operation and updation of C-Mod, a percentage of Apeiron’s

funds received from exports of He-3 and rare lunar metals obtained in the initial years of launch will

be invested into the project. Projected costs for the total investment will be around 0.5-4 billion $.

Transported within one of the 4 Interstellars, C-Mod will be

launched from Earth, and received by Apeiron, where it will

be primarily resourced to commercialize the D-³He fusion

fuel.

2.6.2 Transportation

2.6.2.1 | MagLev

Transport is a necessary fragment of the space settlement;

connecting different sectors, both near and far. With the

difference in environment of space and earth, several


factors like: gravity, air, cost and energy have been taken into account. Accordingly,

MagLev (Magnetic Levitation) technology will be utilised in the settlement.

EMS (Electromagnetic Suspension) utilises the attractive properties of magnets to elevate the train.

In this system, the C-shaped undercarriage of the train, fitted with electromagnets, is wrapped

around the guideway, which has iron rails fitted into it. Due to attractive magnetic force between the

iron rails and the electromagnets, the undercarriage is attracted to the guideway, thus levitating the

train.

To propel the train forward, LMS (Linear Synchronous Motor) is used. It is similar to the mechanism

of a rotating motor, however, it is laid flat and produces a linear magnetic field. The primary,

attached to the guideway, is connected to a 3-phase A.C. supply which allows a magnetic field to flow

along the primary. The secondary, attached to the undercarriage, is fitted with permanent magnets,

allowing it to generate its own stationary magnetic field. The stationary magnetic field of the

secondary produced by the permanent magnets, allows the train to move in sync with the moving

magnetic field of the primary.

By using magnetic levitation for the train, passengers can experience a smooth trip despite the train

running up to 430 km/h because the only source of friction is air. This also makes the train more

energy efficient as there is no energy loss due to friction. Maintenance costs are also reduced as the

parts of the train do not wear out as fast as other conventional trains. This form of transportation is

also one of the quietest as it does not produce any engine or gear noises. Although designed to be a

high-speed form of transportation, the speed of the train can be managed by controlling how fast the

current changes direction; the faster the current changes, the faster the train and vice versa. This

allows the train to be used for not only freight and passenger transportation, but emergency

transport as well.

MagLev trains will be used as a mode of passenger and cargo transportation within the cylindrical

hull of Apeiron and the residential torus. The 4 trains in the cylindrical hull will each have a length of

5 metres. The seats inside the trains are situated on both sides parallel to each other; able to

accommodate a total of 20 passengers per journey. These seats are foldable upwards allowing the

train to be used for cargo transportation at night. This reduces the amount of energy and material

used for the trains. A schedule of the train trips is attached below.

Schedule for the MagLev Transport

Time

Trip

09 00 AM - 11 59 AM Passenger Transport

12 00 PM - 12 59 PM No Trip

13 00 PM - 15 59 PM Passenger Transport


16 00 PM - 18 59 PM No Trip

19 00 PM - 21 59 PM Passenger Transport

22 00 PM - 22 59 PM No Trip

23 00 PM - 02 00 AM Cargo Transport

2.6.2 | Interstellar

Although the settlement is planned to be

self-sustaining, essential cargo from

earth may be needed. To transport said

cargo, a reusable system will be used.

This reduces the amount of pollution and

waste produced. It is similar to launching

a space shuttle with the addition of a

space tug, allowing the shuttle to move

from orbit to orbit and to the settlement.

It also contains a fuel tank, carrying

liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuel.

The cargo-containing component, the

orbiter, of the space shuttle will be carried

by a booster. The booster allows the

orbiter to reach a certain altitude and

speed before separating, and returning to

earth. The orbiter then continues on to

reach the low-earth orbit and moves on

further to the next with the help of a

space tug. As it reaches the settlement, it

is docked and unloaded before returning

to earth for its next delivery.

Fig. 2.34- Interstellar leaving Mars ISRU Unit, Apeiron’s martian base

Credit: pin.it/7wu9h3B

The Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) will use aluminium powder with oxygen from ammonium perchlorate

to produce aluminium oxide. Together with aluminium chloride, water vapour and nitrogen gas,

aluminium oxide reacts exothermically to heat up the interior of the SRB to around 3200 degrees

celsius. This heat causes the water vapour and nitrogen gas to expand allowing the boosters to

lift-off. Apart from this, the orbiter also generates its own thrust by reacting liquid hydrogen and

oxygen fuel exothermically causing water vapour to expand generating thrust. After providing

enough thrust to the orbiter, the booster falls back down into the ocean to be collected and

refurbished to be used again. The orbiter continues into the low-earth orbit with the help of the


thrust produced by using liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuel. When used up the fuel tank

separates and disintegrates upon re-entry to earth.

The orbiter only generates enough thrust by itself to reach the low-earth orbit, therefore the use of

space tugs are necessary for it to surpass earth’s orbits and reach the settlement. The cost of each

journey is quite high, therefore the import of goods from earth will only be conducted once every 2

months and will only be limited to 5000 kg.

2.8 Considering Adversities

To voyage across the stars is what we might view as an opportunity to explore, and the possibility of

constructing a space colony just adds on to more. However, the foreign environment is loaded with

various risks underway, and obstacles to hurdle over. Protection comes first on Apeiron, and is our

priority, or none of this remains possible to ensure the security of an everlasting interstellar

settlement.

2.8.1 | Radiation Protection

The Earth’s multiple layers of atmosphere and force field make life possible on the planet, the

settlement however will not be able to have these fundamental protections naturally unlike the earth.

Radiation is one of the major risk factors that the population of the settlement could be exposed in an

orbit. To give an insight into better understanding; Radiation is a form of energy that is emitted in the

form of particles, rays, or electromagnetic waves. In space, the radiation we experience is different

compared to earth, Space radiation consists of atoms in which electrons have been stripped out while

the molecule accelerates to velocities near the speed of light in outer space, ultimately leaving only

the atom's nucleus. These particles can have significant health effects on human DNA cells and

tissues due to highly ionized radiation they have so much energy that can beat electrons out of any

atom it hits -ionizing the atom. This as a result could damage the atoms in the human cells, which

leads to health defects and problems such as cataracts, cancer, and damage to the central nervous

system in the long run.

The Earth has a very strong magnetosphere which shields us from solar, planetary, and interstellar

conditions, by deflecting the incoming particles around the planet by the earth’s own magnetic field.

We would like to incorporate the same shielding mechanism in our settlement by creating a deflector

shield, an electromagnetic radiation deflector shield deployed with an electromagnet designed to

produce a magnetic field configured to disperse radiation from a source of radiation or an artificial

mini magnetosphere with magnetic field that will mimics the nature.

We intend on utilizing innovative technologies such as magnetic confinement techniques used in

nuclear fusion and superconductors; A superconducting magnet is an electromagnet made from coils

of superconducting wire. When working, they must be cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The catch on

using superconductors is for starters, they are cost efficient to run even though it involves cryogens


like helium and liquid nitrogen. The magnetic fields produced by these magnets are more

stable than those generated by resistive magnets, the electricity coming through power lines can

fluctuate in frequency, which results in magnetic field fluctuations. Therefore, using superconducting

current has proven to create a more uniform magnetic field. Which will ultimately provide the

population of the settlement with solace from solar winds by deflecting charged particles fired from

the sun.

Another alternative suggests the use of miniature artificial magnetospheres. This is basically all

about replicating nature's defense system into a comparatively smaller level. A protective bubble

which deflects solar particles was previously researched on by a group of Physicists that claimed that

this is technically possible.

It is believed to be possible to exploit knowledge of turbulence to create a much smaller protective

bubble, it was tested first through computer simulations, and then in a laboratory experiment. The

method involves injecting a supersonic plasma into a 1.5 m long vacuum vessel lined with magnetic

coils, with a target magnet placed at the far end of the vessel. Using both optical imaging and an

electromagnetic probe, Bamford’s team showed that the target magnet deflected the plasma such

that the volume of space surrounding the magnet was almost entirely free of plasma particles.

2.8.2 | Thermal Rejection

The function of the thermal control system is to keep all the spacecraft's component systems within

acceptable temperature ranges at all times from take off to within orbit. It must cope with the

external environment, which can vary in a wide range as it is exposed to deep space or to solar flux,

and with ejecting to space the internal heat generated by the operation of the Apeiron itself.

Thermal control is essential to guarantee the optimal performance and success of the mission

because if a component is to such extreme temperatures and radiations it could be damaged or its

performance could be severely affected. Examples of such components are optical sensors, livestock,

resources, etc. These systems can be categorized into two: active and passive control systems; based

on where they are used within the spacecraft.

Passive control systems include coatings to change properties of the external surfaces in terms of

thermal-optics and insulators to protect the spacecraft itself from excessive heat or cold, mirrors to

improve thermal rejection and ability of external radiators as well as reduce absorption of solar

refluxes. Then to passively change the environment within the spacecraft, components such as

radioisotope heater units, are used to heat up the inside of Aperion, but not as drastically and at will,

and thermal washers to reduce heat at certain interfaces where it is installed.

Active control systems have fluid loops to dissipate heat, thermoelectric coolers and heaters, as well

as special pipes that help redistribute heat back outside the spacecraft. This can be controlled and

monitored to avoid excessive heating or cooling. The heat collected and transported has to be rejected

at an appropriate temperature to a heat sink, which is usually the surrounding space environment.


The rejection temperature depends on the amount of heat involved, the temperature to be

controlled and the temperature of the environment into which the device radiates the heat.

It should be pointed out that in a vacuum environment, convection is no longer available and the only

mechanism of rejecting heat is radiation. Radiation follows the Stefan-Boltzmann Law

E = T 4

where: E = the energy rejected

, the Stefan-Boltzmann constant,

= 5.67 W m -2 K -4

T = the temperature at which the heat is radiated

That is, the total amount of heat radiated is proportional to the surface area of the radiator. And the

lower the radiation temperature, the larger the radiator area (and thus the radiator mass, for a given

design) must be.

The radiator can only reject heat when the temperature is higher than that of the environment. In

space, the optimum radiation efficiency is gained by aiming the radiator at free space. Radiating

toward an illuminated surface is less effective, and the radiator must be shielded from direct sunlight.

2.9 Construction of Apeiron

Building space settlements is not an easy task but nonetheless, it is manageable. There are many

factors which should be taken into account. First of all we need a proper way to protect ourselves from

radiation. This will be using magnetic confinement techniques used in nuclear fusion and

superconductors at cryogenic temperatures. Another thing to look at is that we cannot launch

materials from Earth into space as it is very expensive. The way around this will be to get our

materials from the moon or NEO’s i.e.: asteroids and meteors. The moon covers the need for oxygen,

silicon and metals whereas the NEO’s cover the need for hydrogen carbon and nitrogen all of which

are to be used in our construction.

We will also need to look at how these materials will be transported from the moon and neo’s to the

settlement. Using current launch vehicles will be too expensive as we will need a large amount of

launches to get all the materials across to the settlement. One option is to build electromagnetic

catapults which can be used to transfer the materials across space. This is called a mass driver. These

machines have a linear motor which consists of a stair and a rotor as in a normal motor but insteads

of being rolled they are unrolled which allows them to produce a force that runs along the length of


their body instead of a rotational force that a regular motor would produce. The linear

motor would be used to catapult payloads consisting of the materials required at high speeds. As

mentioned above, it works through electromagnetism using coiled wires with electric current passing

through them. After a payload has been released, the catapult will keep moving forward due to

momentum so as the payload and the catapult are separated, using its electromagnetic properties, we

will slow the catapult down and prepare it for another payload.

One advantage of zero g construction is also that the lack of gravity will prove to be beneficial for us

as we can build out settlement at any height and any position as the laws of gravity will not be there to

bring it crashing down.

Fig. 2.35 - Construction’s first phase where settlement is positioned near LEO, mining the moon for

essential metals



3.1 | Communications

One of the most important systems to create in a settlement is to create a communication network

that allows people to interact and exchange information. This helps the team of researchers operating

above the ground in (Apeiron) and the team of experts on Earth to communicate critical information

and groundbreaking explorations or discoveries.

3.1.1 | External Communications

To create a reliable operating system that helps communication of data happen between outer space

and earth, we would rely on Deep Space Network (DSN) that currently employs large number data

transmitting vessels such as satellite, space probes and space flights, as the exchange of information

becomes challenging as we move further away from our ground stations on the earth.

The Deep space network on the ground that functions with an array of giant radio antennas to receive

data from space, these antennas were selectively placed on 3 crucial locations (Spain, Madrid),

(Canberra, Australia) and (Goldstone, California) on earth that equally separates

them from 120° apart, so together they can get coverage of the whole sky and a constant flow of

communication. Our ground station will be integrated under the control of the Deep space network.

The further away our settlement moves from ground level, the larger the size of the antenna needs to

be able to detect its signals. We will be utilizing 70-meter diameter antennas for efficient

communication between the space and the ground. The surface of this giant, dish-shaped reflector is

preserved to an accuracy of within half an inch (one centimetre) over its entire 3,850-square-meter

surface, weighing in at approximately 2.7 million kilograms. This consistency is crucial; even small

deformations will interfere with the activities of the antenna.

The structural design of Apeiron will consist of antennas to pick up the radio signals these radio

waves travel at 300,000km/s at the near speed of light, transmitted signals from the earth are then

decoded to translate information, this should allow a successful flow of external communication for

Apeiron.

3.1.2 | Internal communication

An internal communication network is an equally significant feature that will allow the population of

Apeiron to be socially engaged with society, family, and friends. As research indicates that social

isolation experienced among the elderly can progress to depression, physical health threats which

can in turn lead to a poorer quality of life. Moreover, it helps the residents of Apeiron remain updated

aboard. A successful internal communication system will be achieved through fibre-optic technology.

This technology not only helps communication possible but at the rate of highest speed attainable, as

fast as 10000Mbps (1Gpbs). The optical technology will help power the essential Broadband; a term

referred to as high-speed internet access that is always faster than traditional dial-up access. Fibre

optic internet operates by transmitting a beam of light through fibre optic glass cables, this process

further helps information to be delivered.


The components of fibre cables consist of numerous smaller

optical fibres. The fibres are exceptionally thinner in size,

less than a tenth as thick as human hair, to be exact.

Furthermore, each optical fibre has two parts:

● The core: typically made of glass, the innermost

member that carries light and has a high index of

refraction.

● The cladding: typically made of a thicker portion of

glass, which helps enclose the light to the core and

has a lower index of refraction.

Fig. 3.1 - Fibre Optic Communication

These two constituents work together to create total internal reflection. Total internal reflection

helps light travel down the fibres without escaping, and when the light hits the glass at a very shallow

angle, about 42 degrees or less, reflecting like a mirror. The cladding retains the light in the core as

the glass or plastic it is made of has a varying optical density or lower refractive index.

Light is passed down the optical fibre through LED or Laser pulses that travel at a rapid speed,

carrying binary data, which is a framework of coding that makes up all that we see on the digital

world and especially on the internet. Binary codes consisting of bits, that are zeroes and ones send

messages in ordered eight-part patterns, called bytes. Binary bits are easily converted to pulses of

light. Each pulse represents 1 bit and the absence of pulse presents zero. Before they undergo any

deterioration, these pulses can travel up to sixty miles. Once the pulses reach their destination, the

light pulses are translated to electric Ethernet via an optical network terminal (ONT). Hence making

light a viable resource to help connect our devices to the internet which in turn will not only enable a

powerful medium of communication for the residents and people of Apeiron but a useful tool that can

speed up daily tasks.

3.2 Export Management

This is an important aspect as a massive amount of revenue of the settlement depends on the balance

of trade of Apeiron. Ensuring that exports are provided to all those who have bought the supplied

goods. However, the exporting system will be simple, as most of the management aspects of it will be

handled once it lands on Earth. All exported goods will be transported in one spacecraft, to which

within the vehicle, the goods are divided by which company, or entity is importing the specified

goods. Once the spacecraft has reached the Earth safely, the specified goods will be screened for

defects, possibly due to space travel, as defects will be checked before transportation. The perfect

goods will then be delivered to the companies that have ordered them. At the start of the Apeiron

process, a spacecraft will travel once a month, once the settlement becomes more stable and space

travel becomes more easier and safer, the frequency of the travel can increase, and can therefore

reach customers at a faster rate.



4.1 Atmosphere Control

4.1.1 | Temperature Regulation

The atmosphere protects and sustains life on earth by providing warmth and absorbing harmful UV

rays. Maintaining levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide is important for living things to survive, on

earth the role of plants in production of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide is mostly taken for

granted, but there is not much liberation in the space settlements. Maintaining the right atmosphere

and environment is an essential part of having a sustainable life in the space, so other methods are

used to remove the byproducts and reclaim water and oxygen.

Free Cooling method is used as a cooling system for the spacecraft, it is a method that is used to lower

the temperature of a system (water or air conditioning) by using lower external air temperatures,

such systems are not much effective, but they are robust and less energy. The spacecraft has the

advantage of proximity to space as the ideal heat sink, which makes the free cooling a reliable

solution. Water is often used as a coolant as it has a relatively high heat capacity and is readily

available.

There is no internal heat required as the heat waste from the solar radiation and electricity

consumption is excessive. The hull is warmed by the long wavelength infrared which passes through

the panel, and by the heat lost from the interior. The waste heat is transferred outside the hull and

dissipated from the space facing radiator.

4.1.2 | Air

Carbon dioxide must be extracted from the air and replaced by the humans breathing and by waste

from recycling processes. Levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide must be maintained to attain optimum

partial pressures. Remains of animals and plant waste including faeces are good sources of nitrogen

and some plants like legumes have symbiotic bacteria in the root nodules to fix nitrogen. A chemical

process called Haber bosch synthesis is also used to produce nitrogen. Some carbon and nitrogen will

be lost from the airlocks and will need to be replenished.

Management of air quality

The first step towards sustaining comfortable levels of temperature and humidity is to introduce a

regulatory regime ban all but the essential polluting processes. Filters in the air extraction system can

along with exhaust ventilation help us prevent the excess number of pollutants entering the

atmosphere and resulting in contamination. As the spacecraft is divided into different compartments

so if one of the levels suffer contamination the ventilation system can be shut down to prevent the

spread from occurring.

It must be ensured that all the essential processes that could result in a high number of pollutants

should take place outside the settlement or habitats. The chemical processes that require closed


compartments and special conditions to take place should take place in the docks away

from the population and the fumes should be vented out of the spacecraft.

Air quality is also maintained by the crops mainly in the greenhouses by the process of

photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide also becomes integrated in organic matter which increases the

concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere. Local filtration systems prevent the air from being

contaminated and the back up systems look for remaining traces. Processes like air liquefaction and

distillation cause volatile traces like CH 4

from the lubricants to be removed.

4.1.3 | Oxygen

Most small spacecraft carry their own supply of oxygen, however these are missions that last for a

short period of time, whereas space settlements require more abundant resources. The primary

source of oxygen could be generators that use water to produce oxygen by the process of electrolysis.

Water is mixed with a small concentration of salt forming a solution(electrolyte) to increase the

conductivity of water. The electrical current passes through the solution from the anode (positively

charged electrode) to cathode (negatively charged electrode) which causes the water to split into ions

and then form oxygen and hydrogen at the electrodes.

Reduction occurs at the cathode:

2H 2 O (l) + 2e -

→ H 2 (g) + 2OH - (aq)

Oxidation occurs at the anode:

2H 2 O (l) → O 2 (g) + 4e - + 4H +

The electricity that is used in the process of electrolysis comes from the solar panels and He-3

energy,and supplied to generators through the power grid.

Oxygen can also be delivered from earth in a pressurized tank but that is not a very reliable or

efficient way of providing oxygen as it is expensive and time consuming.

4.1.4 | Water

Water is one of the most essential factors in human survival, the abundance of water is what makes

earth so survivable, however production of water is not an easy task in space, it is a more complex

process than producing air.

The process of electrolysis is used to make oxygen and hydrogen from water, the oxygen is used by

humans and hydrogen is discarded into space. Carbon dioxide is exhaled out as the result of

respiration. Sabatier reaction can be used to produce water and methane from carbon dioxide and

hydrogen. The reaction occurs at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of a nickel

catalyst. Sabatier reaction is highly effective as it is a recycling system, reclaiming water from

hydrogen and carbon dioxide from its conversion system.


CO 2

+

4H 2

→ CH 4

+ 2H 2

0

The conditions and concentration of gases in the spacecraft create a nearly closed cycle between

water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, only a moderate amount of imported hydrogen is needed.

Equation of this cycle:

2H 2

O (electrolysis) ⇒ O 2

+ 2H 2

(respiration) ⇒ CO 2

+ 2H 2

+ 2H 2

⇒ 2H 2

0 + CH 4

Filters and temperature and pH level checks must be checked to ensure that the water is safe and free

of any contaminants. Biological treatments can also be used to make the water safer to drink and use,

small microorganisms can be introduced into the water to destroy the contaminants and purify it. The

water produced is then used by humans and plants, the plants require it for the process of

photosynthesis.

4.1.4.1 | Sewage Treatment

The solid material is first shredded into smaller pieces to increase the surface area and speed up the

breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms. The smaller shredded parts of the organic matter

must then be transferred to the digester. The digester contains microorganisms in anaerobic

conditions which isolates the pathogens. The solid residue from the digester is rich in nutrients, some

of these nutrients are soluble and are extracted along with water and then filtered out to be used in

fertilizers.

Urine processor assembly is another process that makes that water safe for use, by using the process

of distillation and removing all the volatile components, and heat is used to prevent growth of

microorganisms, once all the volatile components are removed the urine is sent to water processor

which then works with gas processors and filters to remove any other contaminants and make the

water potable and safe for human use.

4.1.5 | Carbon Dioxide

The amount of carbon dioxide released in the earth’s atmosphere is 0.04%. However, the

concentration of carbon dioxide can get even greater in enclosed spacecraft cabins, such as the space

shuttle or space stations, which presents a concern because carbon dioxide is poisonous. This can be

used to produce water. In a spacecraft, by chemical procedures such as the removal of carbon dioxide

by canisters containing powdered lithium hydroxide, carbon dioxide must be eliminated from the

cabin air. It mixes with lithium hydroxide to form lithium carbonate (Li 2

CO 3

) and water as air

containing carbon dioxide (CO 2

) passes through the canister (H 2

O).

CO 2

(g) + 2LiOH (s) → Li 2

CO 3

(s) + 3H 2

O (l)

The amount of carbon dioxide needs to be abundant in order for us to produce water by the process of

electrolysis or using canisters, so the carbon dioxide produced by human respiration isn’t enough.

Bacteria can be used to produce that abundant amount of carbon dioxide, there are two types of

bacteria that may help us in the production are aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria.


To survive, aerobically respiring types of bacteria require oxygen. To help burn energy,

they use oxygen as fuel to supply them with the energy required for survival. Carbon dioxide is the

primary byproduct of aerobic respiration from bacteria.

C 6

H 12

O 6

+ O 2

→ 4H 2

O + 2CO 2

(+ 118kJ of energy)

Many forms of bacteria include anaerobic respiration. In other words, without oxygen available, they

will go through the mechanism of respiration. These forms of bacteria use other naturally occurring

chemicals to cause chemical reactions to release the energy they need instead of using oxygen to help

them burn the energy in their food.

C 6

H 12

O 6

→ 2CH 3

CH 2

OH + 2CO 2

(+ 118kJ of Energy)

The ethanol produced by anaerobic respiration of bacteria could also be combusted to produce carbon

dioxide and water both.

CH 3

CH 2

OH + 3 O 2

→ 2 CO 2

+ 3 H 2

O ( + Heat Energy)

4.1.6 | Waste Management

Bleach must not be used as a disinfectant as excessive use could lead to build up of toxicants as the

exhausted chemical reactants need to be changed frequently. Physicochemical reactions like

filtration, condensation and freezing must be used. The excessive production of oxygen during

photosynthesis must be stored using the process of air liquefaction, the liquid oxygen can be then

used for recycling of biomass. Solid waste must be screened before undergoing the process of

filtration. One way of disposing waste for every resident is to manually take out their trash by putting

it in bags and then loading it into designated spacecraft which can then burn the waste in the

atmosphere or return it back to earth.

4.2 | Artificial Seasoning

In the agriculture torus, we plan to develop artificial seasoning.

These are mandated to induce the feel of naturality and calamity

that must reside within the module. In this case, we plan to

make use of digital art, to ensure the possibility of creating a

variety of landscaping features, from clouds and waterfalls, to

rainfalls, lightning and thunder features. This is currently in

work to produce attractions generated for the purpose of global

tourism. Japan has notably remarked to produce its first own

digital art museum, more than 10,000 square feet of

experiential exhibits.


Apeiron’s agriculture module (as well as developing the same in RT1 and RT2) we plan on

prospecting the concept of digital art, turning into life.

Holograms and Projections

The concept of digital art is deeply exaggerated with

the workplay of holograms and projects enacting

hand-in-hand to ensure the possibility. However,

the only drawback to this seems to be the required

presence of darkness for the methodology to be

adopted to allow the best results. Hence, the team of

Apeiron predisposed a day-and-night cycle within

the three tori, to allow the display of these

holograms.

There will be 3 changes to the weather conditions:

Sunny, Cloudy and Rainy days.

Sunny days Cloudy days Rainy days

This is seemingly what is the most

easiest to adopt. The roof of the torus

will be projected with light blue hue,

replicating the pale shade of blue of our

Earth’s skies. The Module will be

brightened enough to duplicate the

views expected to be seen on a sunny

day on Earth .

Cloudy days will also have the

projection of the pale blue lights along

the roof of the tori. The only change to

be made to differentiate itself from the

sunny days is the participation of the

hologram projected to produce clouds.

The mechanism behind this is to

construct the holographic fan that

allows this to happen. An advantage of

that is the ability to produce light

winds, that may be experienced as a

breeze.

To adopt a rainy day weather condition,

probably requires more mechanical

approaches to allow the physical

experience to happen. To enable this,

the Module will enter into a subtle

darkness, with grey lights projecting

onto the roof of the tori. Holographic

fans will be participating at its max to

replicate the clouds that are viewed

amid a thunderous weather. Projections

of lightning are also adapted to induce

the effect of this weather condition. One

unique aspect to this would be the

installation of sprinklers - acting as

both precautionary and the participant

to enable the experience of rainfall.

Participants to the mechanism

Holographic fans

Holographic fans are types of displays that produce a three-dimensional object that is viewed

seemingly floating in the air. This effect is enabled by RGB LEDs attached to the blades of the

fast-moving fan no longer visible by naked eye, and a control-unit lighting up the pixels as the fan

rapidly spins, eventually producing a floating image. This effect tricks the observer’s brain to view it

accordingly.


Projectors

Light projectors are to be installed at the either ends of each tori, distanced by 1 m only. There will be

a total of 10,000+ participating light projectors to allow the effect to be fully attained.

Sprinklers

As a safety precautionary - if fires are to be detected by sensor attached exceeding the predetermined

temperature, and security procedures are set in - and as a participant, it is essential to have the

sprinklers that are remotely controlled in order to enable the effect of a rainy day. Around 5000+

sprinklers will be participating in order to achieve the effect

4.3 | Agriculture

As a general rule of thumb, a person can survive without food for only about a few weeks. Evidently,

food being one of the most dire requirements for survival, it needs to be present in abundance for the

residents in the settlement. Apeiron is equipped with a two-floored agricultural module, 30% of

which will be occupied by livestock. The rest of the 70% will be split between the different agricultural

processes we intend on using in our settlement.

4.3.1 | Aeroponics

The produce will be grown using aeroponics, a method in which plants are not grown in soil, rather

hanging tower frames are suspended from rods, with plants hanging out of them. Nutrient-laden

mist is sprayed throughout, to provide the plants with minerals timely. The mist comes from the

water recycling unit. Research has found that aeroponic systems grow plants three times faster and

produce 30% greater yields on average. It is more favorable than other water-based farming such as

hydroponics as it uses less water and uses as little as 2% the water use of soil based methods.

Moreover, it only takes around 20 days for a full growth cycle. 30% of the agricultural torus will

include aeroponics farming.

4.3.2 | Bio intensive farming

Biointensive farming is a sustainable organic farming system which achieves maximum yield,

biodiversity and soil fertility in minimal space compared to other soil based farming. Since relying

solely on aeroponics can stand as a limiting factor, we want to integrate bio intensive farming. It is

based upon a few methods. Firstly, companion farming is a method in which similar plants are

planted in proximity which aids in increased asexual reproduction. A second method is the double

digging method in which beds are double dug and raised (two layers of soil is mixed) which results in

better exchange of air and nutrients.

The two mentions will take up 40% of space each in the agricultural torus. Since plants are planted

intensively, it results in more efficient growth of plants as well as higher yield using about only 50%

of fertilizers. Not to mention the very minimal usage of water, cutting about 67% to 88% of water


consumption. Overall, bio intensive farming is a very promising method that we will

incorporate in our settlement.

We also plan on integrating livestock into the bio extensive farming area. The day-to-day care,

selective breeding and the raising of cows, goats and sheep will take place alongside the crops. The

advantages of this integrated system are plenty. The manure produced by the livestock enterprise will

not only improve the flow of nutrients but the biological activity and disease suppression too. This

system will aid in increased water infiltration and provide resistance to soil erosion. Overall, we are

aiming for the maximized yield, with minimized cost.

4.3.3 | Regulating movement

Full-spectrum bulbs on the ceiling produce a balance of cool and warm light similar to that of the

natural solar spectrum. In microgravity, gases sometimes merge into bubbles, and on the sides at

intervals, ventilators are present to push the air around in order to keep the carbon dioxide and

oxygen constantly moving. The system is regulated with precise sensors that monitor the

temperature, pH, moisture, levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, etc., and if fluctuations occur, the

agriculture control room is notified.

4.4 | Livestock

For life to sustainably exist on Apeiron, residents must be provided with a continuous supply of food

and water. Furthermore, a vital source of nutrients and other resources for humans is through

livestock. Thus, immense importance is given to the survival of livestock on Apeiron via careful

considerations and measures that aim to protect the animals from harm, increasing their benefits to

the settlement.

4.4.1 | Survival of Livestock

Livestock will be accommodated in specialized pens equipped with biogas scrubbers and oxygen

generators, for the controlled regulation of oxygen, carbon dioxide and methane gas. Types of

animals will be segregated according to their sizes and respiratory rates in separate pens, consisting

of adequate spacing and supply of essential nutrients (such as plants grown on Apeiron as feed) for

their growth and nourishment. The animals will also have regular veterinary check-ups and

scheduled breeding dates. Special waste containment systems have been established for the cleaning

of these pens.

Now, for animals to be introduced into an alien environment there runs a highly probable risk of

infections and diseases that the animals might encounter. To tackle this issue, we plan to use In Vitro

Fertilization (IVF) for the preservation of livestock species and to minimize the impact of diseases to

the animals. IVF is the name given to the process of producing embryos by the fertilization of mature

oocytes with sperm outside of the uterus.


For effective procedures and results we plan to establish a state of the art In Vitro

Fertilization laboratory consisting of laminar flow hoods, incubators, centrifuges, stereo

microscopes, refrigerators and most importantly embryo transfer facilities; with professionals

putting in their efforts to find successful solutions. After in-depth discussion and exploration, the

most effective IVF procedure is as follows:

1. Using an ultrasound guided needle, oocytes of those animals with superior genetics are collected.

2. The collected oocytes are left for 24 hours in the IVF laboratory for maturation.

3. After maturation, oocytes are introduced to sperms in a dish and are then incubated for around

20 hours, for fertilization to take place.

4. The formed embryos are then cultured for around 1 week.

5. The embryos can now be transferred to recipient animals or they can be frozen to be used later.

In conclusion, we truly believe that the animals surviving on Apeiron is our survival, and alongside

fulfilling their basic needs of food, drink, shelter and care; with the use of advanced IVF technologies

and procedures, animals will be able to combat infections that prove to be a threat to their lives and

hence prosper.

4.4.2 | Suitability of Livestock

The concept of animals, and especially livestock, living in space is a fairly unfamiliar yet fascinating

concept; and could prove to be a strenuous process in practice, however, Apeiron cares – and we

ensure having ethical practices for the transportation of the animals to space and their life on

Apeiron.

Due to the relatively unknown nature and reaction of livestock in space, tests could be run in a

controlled environment and results of selected prospect animal species evaluated to document their

reactions. However, we are hopeful to see many positive reactions, as some experiments have already

been documented on other animals in space, for example, in a NASA article published in 2004, Laura

Lewis, a member of NASA Ames Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, explained,

“amazingly, they adapt very quickly, within 5 minutes, mice are floating in their living spaces,

grooming themselves, and eating, just as they would on Earth," when talking about the reaction and


adaptation of animals in space. Generally, large-sized animals would prove difficult to

cater to due to their heavy mass when transporting and the huge amount of methane gas they would

produce. On the other hand, very small-sized animals run the risk of potentially getting diseases and

damaging their fragile body. Thus, we would need to find that perfect balance between too-big and

too-small for our livestock in Apeiron, so that we may prosper as a settlement. Additionally, aquatic

animals, though, could prove difficult to maintain, but with proper resources and care would

definitely act as an extremely beneficial factor in the long term as far as supply of food is concerned.

Now for a further decision on the suitability of animals for livestock on Apeiron, let us assess the

features of potential livestock animals, so that we can shortlist better candidates.

Table 3.1 - Features of Livestock Animals - Candidates for Apeiron’s Livestock

Animal Height Life

Expectancy

Estimate

(Years)

Respiratory

Rate

(Breaths per

minute)

Food

Resources

Provided

Cow 160-180 20 30-50 Hay, grass Beef

Mutton

Leather

Goat 50-70 15 10-25 Grass. Grains,

hay

Sheep 90-120 10 20-40 Grass,

legumes,

plants, forb

Mutton

Milk

Leather and

hair

Lamb and

mutton

Milk

Wool

Chicken 25-40 8 10-30 Grains, seeds Chicken

Eggs

Feather

Mackerel 35-45 (length) 25 30-50 Krill, shrimp,

other fish

Salmon 70-75 (length) 10 25-40 Plankton,

Algae, worms

Fish meat

Fish oil

Fish meat

Fish oil

After a proper analysis of our options, exploring the above mentioned factors and many others, we

have decided that goats, chicken and salmon are our best livestock candidates - our hope of survival.

Despite the benefit of resources such as beef, milk and leather, cows could provide us with; their large

size and high respiration rate means difficulty in transporting and maintaining them in the

settlement, as well as a dangerously high amount of methane gas released. Similar reasons for sheep

apply, as well as their shorter life expectancy, when compared to the life expectancy of cows and

goats. Therefore, the better choices in this regard were goats due to their moderate size, life

expectancy and respiration rate.


As for chickens, even though they have a low expected lifespan, due to their size, this can

be compensated by the number of chicken. Additionally, they have a low respiration rate and a basic

feed that would be easily provided for in the settlement. Chickens also lay eggs which are extremely

beneficial as a source of nutrients for inhabitants as well as to maintain the number of chickens in the

settlement. Poultry animals, such as turkey and geese, were not considered due to their larger sizes

and irregular and inefficient egg-laying patterns.

Considering aquatic animals, we believe that salmon is the strongest candidate due to its fair

respiratory rate and simpler feed as compared to the feed of mackerels that – which would have been

difficult to provide on the settlement. In addition, complexities in preserving mackerels as food led to

it being dropped as a hopeful candidate.

All in all, Apeiron understands the importance of livestock and has prepared for the ethical

maintenance and care of animals in space, so that both, the animals and the humans of Apeiron may

prosper and survive.

4.5 | Medicine

“[Anaximander] considered that from warmed up water and earth emerged either fish or fishlike

animals. Inside these animals, men took form, and embryos were held prisoners until puberty; only

then after these animals burst open, could men and women come out, now able to feed themselves.”

- Censorinus, De Die Natali, IV, 7

Figs. 4.2a and 4.2b - Anaximander’s ideals behind human evolution

Credit: https://thispublicaddress.com/2016/03/13/tempora-mutantur

Philosophical Analysis

Anaximander was a pupil of Thales of Miletus, who taught him the origins of life are from the basic

elemental aspect: water. Anaximander theorized then, building up on the idea of mankind’s origin,

and cited the theory that was explained by the Roman writer, Censorinus. Arguably, it was admired

that Anaximander developed a proto-evolutionary idea of human anthropology, at around 500 BC.


Medical Approach on Apeiron

Fig. 4.3 - Surgical Facilitation on Apeiron

Credits: Turbosquid.com, morihuela

For every civilization, services like medicine provided became a vital necessity to maintain the health

and wellbeing of the people that reside. Looking deep into that aspect, the medical approach should

be under the palm of all who are on board for the interstellar based society, shedding light on to the

fact that they are introduced to a foreign circumstance, and require immense support to maintain

(both, with respects to mental and physical health) to ensure the high quality health assistance,

securing individuals' healthy and happy lives that contributes to make the journey successful.

In light of the profitable outcome of the project’s success, proportion of funds are to be utilized in the

medical sector, supporting the health of the individual.

When sending mankind to the moon, we took control of exposure to the hazards that may cause

jeopardy to their lives. Evidently with experience, just merely 100 kilometers above the mean sea level

of earth is a quite harsh and extreme environment that humans have exploited. We notice the minor

adversities; for instance, where metabolism rates spike up, greater than normal levels, where the

necessity of being provided with constant nutrition becomes more and more in need, as well as the

major adversities - the saturation of oxygen with haemoglobin in blood decrease rapidly due increase

in altitudes, reducing the oxygen content in blood and causing breathing instabilities - are namely

just a few out of several adversities. In addition to considering behavioral changes and many other

adversities may make it seem that survival is not probable, however, the very following research we

collectively undertook may perhaps be the solution.


Astronauts, in their past expeditions, namely face the following symptoms - when

planning to create a civilization in space likewise, we need to focus on aspects that are required to

battle to secure the health of the individual.

4.5.1 | Internal Medicine

4.5.1.1 | The effects on cardiac rhythms, and its alternatives

Arrhythmia is a health condition in which the heartbeat becomes irregular, either being too fast

(above 100 beats per minute in adults termed tachycardia) or too slow (below 60 beats per minute,

termed as bradycardia.) Some types of arrhythmias have no symptoms, whilst if they seem to show

symptoms, they may include sudden palpitations or an individual would feel a pause between

heartbeats. In which as a result, there may be the following: lightheadedness, passing out, shortness

of breath or chest pain. While most types of arrhythmia are not serious, some predispose a person to

complications i.e. stroke or a heart failure.

Astronauts have reportedly faced the problem. But there are two views to the addressed problem -

arrhythmia caused in most cases was related to the cardiovascular diseases, but it remains unclear

whether the condition has developed overtime after departure, or if it was a pre-existing condition of

the individual.

A solution to the problem stated would be the use of advance screening of coronary heart disease. The

use of a new noninvasive test for the detection of coronary heart disease is electron beam

computerized tomography (EBCT), or calcium scoring methodology 2 , unlike the stress tests that

measure the heart's physiology, EBCT is designed to measure calcium deposits in the coronary

arteries. Pre-analysing data using calcium scoring on interstellar citizens would prevent the early

development of coronary heart diseases, arrhythmia, or atrial flutter 3 and atrial fibrillation 4 to

prevent potential risks as they board on for the space flight.

Circumstances are however not clearly identified - it is still not confirmed whether these conditions

were pre-existing or developed by time. However, suggested conclusions to the development of

arrhythmia is due to the prolonged exposure of microgravity that result in rhythmic disturbances.

There are number of ways to approach this problem:

1. Antiarrhythmic drugs

There are many classes of antiarrhythmic medications, with different mechanisms of action,

classified as individual drugs dependent on these mechanisms. Although the goal of the drug

2

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) for Calcium Scoring uses special x-ray equipment to produce pictures of the coronary

arteries in order to determine whether if they are blocked or narrowed by the buildup of plaque – an indicator for atherosclerosis

of coronary artery disease - and is a necessary practice for diagnostic purposes.

3

A form of arrhythmia that affects the atria, causing the atria to contract quickly causing a ‘flutter’, than a full normal contraction

that squeezes the blood into the ventricles.

4

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a form of arrhythmia that causes a quivering or an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots,

stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.


is to prevent arrhythmia, mainly most of the antiarrhythmic drugs may act as a

pro-arrhythmic; therefore drugs before usage must be carefully selected and used under

medical supervision, to avoid potential risks of increased arrhythmia, resulting into severe

cases of the abnormality.

A group of drugs have a mechanism to cause a slow conduction through the heart, without

actually preventing an arrhythmia. These essential drugs that could be taken for temporary

arrhythmia, to maintain the regular cardiac rhythm can be used to "rate control" a fast

rhythm whilst also making it physically tolerable in terms of pain for the patient. Some

arrhythmias promote blood clotting within the heart, and increase risk of stroke.

Anticoagulant medications such as warfarin ( 5 ) and heparins ( 6 ) and anti-platelet drugs such

as aspirin can reduce the risk of clotting, as a result of tachycardias.

2. Electroshock therapy

The alternative treatment besides drug therapy is the use of cardioversion, a form of

electroshock therapy. Arrhythmias may also be treated electrically, by applying a shock

across the heart — either externally to the chest wall, or internally by implantation of

electrodes. Cardioversion is either achieved pharmacologically or via the application of a

shock which could be synchronised to the underlying heartbeat, restoring the normality. It is

used for treatment of supraventricular tachycardias - one type of arrhythmia. In some cases

for cardioversion, the recipient is usually sedated with a drug, or lightly anesthetized for the

procedure. Defibrillation - the alternative for cardioversion - differs in that the shock is not

synchronised with the underlying heartbeat. It is needed for the chaotic rhythms of

ventricular fibrillation and is also used for pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Often, more

electricity would be required for defibrillation than for cardioversion, thereby requiring no

sedation as the recipient would have lost its consciousness.

Defibrillation or cardioversion may be accomplished by an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

(ICD). In Aperion, we plan to use an ICD for a recipient suffering from tachycardia arrhythmia, to

normalise the heart rhythm disturbance within the individual on board. This is a substantial form of

technology, as it allows instant recovery from an arrhythmia of a sort.

The final form of an electrical treatment of arrhythmia includes cardiac pacing. This is essential for

patients who suffer from bradycardia. Temporary pacing may be essential for reversible causes of

very slow heartbeats (for example, the recipient may have attained a drug overdose or myocardial

infarction (a minor heart attack). A permanent pacemaker may only be attempted to use when the

bradycardia is not expected to recover - situation, hence, becoming permanent.

5

a water-soluble compound with anticoagulant properties, used as the treatment of thrombosis.

6

a compound occurring in the liver and other tissues which inhibits blood coagulation. Whilst being also produced artificially, the

sulphur-containing polysaccharide is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis.


4.5.1.2 | Microgravity

As we incited earlier, microgravity may pose as one of the health threats to people as they travel to

space, causing a disruption in normal cardiac movements. Microgravity (known better as Micro-G

environment) refers to the zero-G- near negligible gravity force environment. In relation to the space

vehicle, it emerges as a consequence of the free fall motion - at this point, it ultimately causes all

objects to fall at the same rate - in a nutshell, mass is out of the equation. Despite this environment

being renowned for having its own adversities, the science and the medical research are at an

advantage to advance significantly, for an instance, in such a medium, the processing of various

metabolic reactions down to the fluid sciences are altered.

This effect likewise, is described as acclimatization - an adaptation of the body’s metabolism in high

altitudes. Constant nutrition received from Apeiron’s agricultural resources will attain to normalize

the rate of metabolism, despite it being largely increased.

4.5.1.3 | The effects on imbalance, stability disturbance, metabolism rates, and the methodology to

overcome

Considering the fact that the inhabitants of this ship won't be constantly exposed to the micro-G

environment (as our artificial gravity approximating nearly to 9.8 m/s² will be constantly

maintained) modification of the distribution of bodily fluids and perturbation of sensorial systems in

relation to the vestibular system would remain slightly altered.

One major effect of microgravity would be the effect on the vestibular systems causing an instability

of balance. The vestibular system includes the strongest sense provided by the system: the vestibular

sense. In general, it is the natural ability given to sense body movement, in combination with our

intention to maintain a balance - the center of mass, simply - essentially restoring the required

equilibrium of the body. An example; a body having that kind of responsive ability is essential, as for

instance, may help to determine the velocity - thereby maintain the required balance - postural

equilibrium (involving the coordination of movement to stabilise the centre of body mass during both

self-initiated and externally triggered disturbances of stability.)

The vestibular system includes all the sensory end organs located in the temporal bone -

encompassing five end organs located either side, inclusive of three semicircular canals responsible

for the perception of rotational movements, in addition to two otolith organs that are used to perceive

gravity and linear acceleration. The otolith organs 7 are significant for analyzing the consequence of

microgravity on the behavioral aspect of participants of space travel. What is peculiar about these

organs is the effect on the coordination and response of the participants of space travel - their

structures include a gelatinous matrix embedded with crystals of calcium carbonate.

7

Called as statoconium or otoconium or statolith, is a calcium carbonate structure in the saccule or utricle of the inner ear,

specifically in the vestibular system of vertebrates.


When gravity is applied, the weight of the calcium carbonate crystals pulls on the

gelatinous matrix and underlying hair cells, and the resultant movement causes the otolith organs to

relay the information concerning the gravity and linear acceleration of the environment. The balance

system incorporates sensory information from the vestibular, visual and proprioceptive systems 8 to

interpret the stimuli and allow us to perceive motion and maintain balance hence the spatial

orientation accordingly.

On the entry into microgravity, the otolith organs as a result lose the ability of their sense - due to the

negligible effect of gravity - causing space travelers to mismanage their spatial orientation, and

judgement of motion. The body therefore adapts itself to the changes in stimuli - commonly referred

to as space adaptation syndrome. Some of the following symptoms suffered as a consequence

microgravity can include the following: vomiting, nausea, disorientation and visual illusions. Space

adaptation mechanism durates to about 2-4 days, being resolved as the vestibular system adapts to

the loss of the otolith data and whereby as a result, the space travelers report difficulty with

diminished coordination and knowledge of limb positions, and rely instead on visual, tactile and

internal indication as substitutes for vestibular information.

Stability disturbance poses as one of the great disabilities amongst space travelers. The solution to

the problem is the avoided exposure to microgravity - and hence our artificial induced gravity will

play the role to sustain the normality. However, if there would be a minor circumstance, the solution

to the posed problem of exposure to microgravity would be drug therapy, under medical supervision

and approval.

The roles of the vestibular system are often altered by blood pressure. A drug therapy that would

propagate the increase in blood pressure to reduce the symptoms of dizziness and motion sickness

may substantially contribute to ease of space adaptation syndrome of our Apeiron passengers. One

drug effectively used to increase the blood pressure, whilst reducing the symptoms, is Midodrine.

However, there are numerous side effects that would promote the negative impact to the patient’s

wellbeing, when prioritizing health.

Taking this into account, to battle the adversities, we need to take additional tests prior to flight of

individuals, and analyze their mechanisms of feedback with response to exposure to microgravity.

The name given to the feedback mechanism is ‘fixation reflex’. Therefore, experts at the vestibular

physiology laboratory in the Institute of Biomedical Problems developed a “computerized method of

preventing and correcting unfavorable perception and sensorimotor reactions” (Russian Federation patent

#2301622 dated 06/27/2007, Kornilova L. N. et al.). This technology installed prior to the expedition is

efficient compared to most therapies being developed.

The technological method applied is used in introducing a unique approach to the training of patients

depending on the type of vestibulopathy. It enables a selection of the most effective means of training

of senses, creating a biofeedback. During patient training, depending on the nature of their vertigo, or

8

senses the position, location, orientation, and movement of the body muscles and joints.


instability, several training sessions can be likewise conducted, provided by the

technology, to rely on a type of fixation reflex to help them with the future syndrome developed.

This methodology adapted is efficient, as passengers of Aperion will board on prepared, reducing

health risks and hence the medical approach in these aspects, as well as the minor adversities that

would be proposed due microgravity exposure.

4.5.1.4 | Orthostatic intolerance and solutions

Under the influence of the earth's gravity, body fluids are usually pulled towards the lower body.

However as a consequence of microgravity, the blood tends to collect in the upper body instead,

resulting in unwelcoming side effects, including facial edema. In space, space travelers lose fluid

volume by up to 22% of their volume of blood. Because it has less blood to pump, the heart will begin

to atrophy. Consequently, this causes a decrease in blood pressure and can produce a problem with

“orthostatic tolerance,” or the transport of oxygen gradually diminishing when delivering to vital

organs, without becoming dizzy.

The solution to attain an adequate blood pressure is a normal approach to hypotension. Intake of

nutritious meals with high proportions of carbohydrate, and mineral salts (practice of a diet that

consists of potassium chloride or sodium chloride) would bring a substantial increase in blood

pressure without the use of drug therapy. However, in extreme cases of hypotension - if any are put

forth due to orthostatic intolerance amongst the passengers of Apeiron - drug therapy will be then

offered. An example is likewise, Midodrine. In addition to the following, another drug is used for

postural hypotension, Fludrocortisone 9 . However, the doses are strictly to be minimal, and must be

taken into quantified levels under medical supervision, to avoid undesirable side-effects, or risks, to

any circumstance.

4.5.1.5 | Pathophysiology

Exposure to multiple adversities during space travel, for instance microgravity, radiation, and a

change in psychological health that stimulate alterations posed to the human immunoregulatory

system, presents a major impact in sustaining a good health, from natural accession of infectious

agents to the risk of reactivation of infections that remain dormant until subjected to the foreign

environment.

Under the influence of microgravity, potential pathogens are fortified and initiate virulence factors

that enter into rapid growth phase - the log phase - whilst the human immune system is subjected to

a sudden unfavored dysregulation; this mainly includes the effect of the foreign circumstance

impacting T-cell intracellular signaling, leukocytic distribution, slow-healing process, and

alterations in the monocyte and granulocyte functions. Microbial infections, namely the proportional

9

Fludrocortisone, is a corticosteroid used to treat adrenogenital syndrome, and postural hypotension.


increase in aerobic bacteria such as Pseudomonas 10 (likely to increase when exposed to

moist surfaces being contaminated, and rapid transmission gradually occurs. Often treated with the

utility of antibiotics, Pseudomonas develop resistance overtime, therefore it meets the necessity of

the bacteria to be cultured to enhance medications is required by the faculty of medical researches to

be conducted on Apeiron’s medical sector to produce antibiotics to inhibit floral growth) and

Staphylococcus aureus 11 - as well as Enterobacteriaceae - on the skin and the respiratory tract. Staph

infections may initially begin with minor problems easily treated, displaying symptoms, i.e.: skin

infections, where boils, rashes, or display redness of skin. Other staph infections may impose

diarrhea resulting in dehydration, nausea and vomiting, and low blood pressure.

Staph infections may foist major complications. Bacteremia - infections in the bloodstream - result

in bacteria harvested and gathered within the internal organs i.e.: the heart, lungs, or brain, or affect

bones and muscle. Bacteria of such are capable of surviving dry, acidic and extreme temperatures.

Other factors that may promote illnesses is the irregular change in the intestinal region as a result of

stress associated with confinement scenarios imposed, that dysregulates the immune system.

Conditions as such are developed under confinement situations. This effect is likely promised to

facilitators and labor of Apeiron, and are at a higher risk due to exposure to abnormal circumstances.

Apeiron’s labor and control will acquire utmost attention, and careful procedures may be taken into

account to eliminate all threatening factors. Transmission of microbial flora on the other hand, is

highly achievable, as microbes survive in-air condensate; immediate treatment must be present to

omit the transmission possibilities. Based on postflight medical debriefs analysed from past space

expeditions, there were 29 reported cases of symptoms that conclusively led to the analogy of

space-conditions induced infections i.e. fever and chills, fungal infections, flu-like illnesses, urinary

tract infections, viral gastroenteritis, other viral diseases amongst reported 742 individuals who had

boarded 106 space flights.

Overcoming Trans-communicable Diseases

It is notable, and worth mentioning, that the common saying: ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is ideally

one of the logical ways to eliminate maximum trans-communicable infections. Vaccination will be

one if the methodologies performed pre-flight to every individual board Apeiron.

Apeiron’s vaccination program will include vaccines pre-flight, the following:

●

●

●

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (TDAP)

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)

Influenza

10

Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that can cause lung infections. It mainly affects people who already have a lung condition or

who have a problem with their immune system. It doesn't respond to commonly-used antibiotics, which means infections can be

hard to treat.

11

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive, round-shaped bacterium and it is a usual member of the microbiota of the body,

frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin.


●

●

●

●

Pneumococcal

Meningococcal

Hepatitis A & B

Typhoid - to enhance immunity

Because of increased reactivation of herpesviruses, indicated by reported spaceflights, varicella

zoster virus vaccine should be given. But to counteract and minimize potential possibilities of

transmission or attainment in illness/diseases certain measures must be taken. NASA practices these

countermeasures during space flights.

Surgical mask and cough etiquette

Fit-tested N95 respirator for others - members of faculty (i.e. labor) who are involved in the environment - if

respiratory illness caused by a pathogen that can be spread by small aerosol particle

Vitamin C and D supplementation

Waterless hand-hygiene product

Germicidal wipes for cleaning high-touch, inanimate objects (i.e. toileting device)

Gloves and gown for contact with potentially infectious material

Antimicrobial agents (topical [skin and ocular], oral, intravenous)

Intravenous catheter insertion equipment

Cutaneous antiseptic for minor surgery

Regular exercise program

And recommended procedures:

Source control (i.e. surgical mask worn) by astronauts with upper respiratory infection

Diagnostic testing capabilities for common viral and bacterial pathogens

Glove use handling animals or if potential contact with animal waste

Intravenous catheter infection prevention engineering controls (eg, chlorhexidine sponge dressing)

Electric toothbrush use

Safety cabinet for sterile preparation of intravenous medications

Sensor in bathroom; visual/audio cues if no hand hygiene performed

Currently under practice by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)


Continuous medical and dental scans will be frequently conducted to ensure a sustained

health, whilst screening for infectious diseases, i.e.: tuberculosis with an IGRAs, and more time

screening for moreso infection detection. Education on infection control that enlists hand hygiene

and cough etiquettes and a review of the modes of microbial transmission should be provided

pre-flight, to reside substantially well on Apeiron. This includes handed manuals, multiple

presentations and animation displays that emphasizes on the mannerism of maintained hygiene and

actions taken when encountered with illnesses. Whilst instructions regarding symptom-based

isolation precautions must be highly attentive - reflecting the Covid-19 situation - to avoid

transmission to its maximum. Animals - livestock boarded onto the settlement - which imposing

zoonotic infections should undergo screening before they board to omit transmission possibility,

becoming pathogen-free animals. Veterinarians on Apeiron will be capable in ensuring the health of

the animals, whilst securing the transmission below the bands of minimum.

However, if a case reports on Apeiron, the medical team will collaborate and treat the patient in

accordance with required procedures attained to achieve the stable health of the patient. Surgeries, if

so to be practiced, will be preceded with caution, to assure its success that lies in the healthy

individual after cure.

4.5.2 | External Medicine

4.5.2.1 | The effect of loss of muscles mass and bone density

Due to the exposure of microgravity, it is common amongst humans to suffer from loss of muscle

mass and bone density. Approximately, 1.5% of their bone mass during each month is lost. This loss is

greatest in the upper thighs and pelvis. Despite the ability of the bones to regrow, it might leave

injuries and fractures behind. The reason for such disintegration is the lack of ability for the body to

combat the force of gravity; with gravity applying a force close to zero, the organs that stand for

mechanical support and strength against the pull diminish in function by time.

Muscle mass

A simple practice already undertaken by most astronauts of NASA in attempts to maintain their

muscle mass would be exercise. A minimum of 2 hours for each individual allocated to build muscle

mass would be essential in maintenance.

In addition to most muscle building processes, intake of hGH (Human Growth Hormone)

supplements would be crucial. These supplements stimulate the natural growth signals in the body to

become more enhanced during the voyage. Whilst, several protein medications comprising calcium,

biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D and selenium, would also propagate into enhancing the

signals of building muscle. Therefore, we would encourage Apeiron’s passengers to maintain their

intake on supplements, to secure a healthy muscle mass.


Bone Density

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones gradually become fragile and brittle, due to

their slow disintegration and loss of tissue consequently reducing the bone density to a large degree.

Lack of intake of nutrients, namely calcium and vitamin D, contribute to the drastic effects of

osteoporosis. A solution to the following would be diet and exercise maintenance, as listed likewise

for muscle mass, as well as supplements that stimulate bone growth.

4.5.2.2 | Biological ageing process and effects of Nanoceria

A human organism tends to experience an accelerated biological ageing process while confronting

microgravity. Aging process is not merely constrained to wrinkle formation or physical appearance

alteration, but is related to the progressive muscle and bone mass loss, or high blood pressure.

Apeiron’s mission is not only to suspend a large population in an abyss; but to maintain the health of

it’s people in order to further exploit and expand the horizons of what the settlement is potentially

capable of.

A novice idea that was proposed by a group of brilliant scientists from the Italian institute of

Technology may be an ultimate solution to the above side-effects of space settlement. Ageing is an

inevitable oxidative process of the organism, however, Nanoceria , a rare earth-nanoparticle, that has

the completely opposite effect of oxidation - an antioxidant- that is capable of acting as tiny

protectors of cells. Scientists are still hoping to tailor these experiments - paving the way to cure

Parkinson's disease, prevent tumor formation, and much more.

These high-flying ceramic particles imitate the biological behaviour of enzymes from living

organisms. “These nanomaterials chemically designed in our lab are very promising for their

antioxidant activity. The particles can protect organisms from the damage caused by oxidative

stress,” explains lead scientist Gianni Ciofani from the Italian Institute of Technology.

Samples were sent to outer space inorder to alter the environment close to what the astronauts would

experience - ex. Experiencing microgravity and cosmic radiations- in hopes of witnessing the effects

of these factors on the nanoparticles effectiveness as it will aid in creating supplements for future

missions and long stays in outer space.

4.5.3 | Psychology

It is required to develop a health care sector responsible approach and cater the needs of people who

have developed psychological-related illnesses. People are also vulnerable, due to the experience they

undergo being distant away from home, which negatively impacts their wellbeing and mental-health.

This is likely, in the initial years of launch and expected, as the body and mind cooperates and takes

its time to adapt to the foreign environment it has been introduced to. Therefore the Medical team of

Apeiron has analyzed thoroughly the problems associated with psychological health, and defined the

procedures taken that are deemed necessary.


1. Sleep deprivation

Getting a great deal of rest encourages our bodies to rest and reestablish from the activity and

keeps our cerebrum thinking obviously when we are alert. Eight hours is the proposed

number of rest each day for everybody, especially space explorers. Space explorers are

integrated with their beds on the grounds that in microgravity space voyagers drift and their

developments should be diminished so they do not find undesired spots. Daylight is also an

issue; because the Space Station is rotating around Earth at high speeds, the Sun rises each 1

hour and 30 minutes. This example of dimness and sunlight can be dangerous to rest; space

explorers will be given dozing veils. Actual changes that the space voyagers' bodies insight in

space are the protracting of their spines and moving of their fluids which can cause burden

that confines rest too. Ultimately, a portion of the time the exercises and occupations require

the gathering to work shifts.

Permitting the body time to plan for circumstances where circadian misalignment may

happen is the best countermeasure against rest issues like a sleeping disorder and

exhaustion. Building up a timetable that considers human circadian beats and a person's

regular dozing propensities is the primary apparatus in guaranteeing ideal execution,

readiness, and rest quality. Notwithstanding noticing rest and wake times, timetables ought

to incorporate lighting directions, diet, exercise, and tranquilizer data to guarantee

appropriate variation. Team individuals follow a severe rest and wake plan for at any rate two

days paving the way to a dispatch or training that require global travel and keep on after a

rest plan during spaceflight.

Sleep environment development also plays a major role; each exertion is made to give space

station group individuals a dozing climate that empowers solid, undisrupted rest times.

Private dozing quarters like those right now found on board the station limit the open door

for disturbance from other team individuals and consider differing rest plans. Other

ecological components that influence rest for group individuals on board the station is

temperature, lighting, wind stream, commotion, carbon dioxide and unique limitations used

to keep team individuals from gliding around while dozing.

2. Transient anxiety and depression

Because of detachment, space explorers experience the ill effects of melancholy alongside

various other very harming mental issues including contemplations of self-hurt, and at last a

total break with the real world. This is on the grounds that they are kept in a restricted zone

and there is not generally a lot to do in quite a contracted zone. They may likewise feel eager

and awkward now and again. This makes the space explorers disappointed which prompts

pressure. Also, the space travelers are segregated from their loved ones which prompts

melancholy.


Space explorers should complete extended periods of mental screening all through the choice

technique. Apeiron enlists gatherings of mental prosperity suppliers, including psychiatry

subject matter experts and expert analysts, to help and support the labor force during space

missions. They are also facilitated through the means of fun leisure activities to entice the

feeling of home.

Space adventurers likewise have an alternative to intake medication after acquiring

prescriptions to adjust to the burdens of room flight.

4.5.4 | Ethics while dealing with Death

Death is an inevitable consequence of every being - no matter how despondent this may sound, the

Apeiron has considered various fields in this matter , such as ethics, optimalism - with regards to the

settlement and it’s residents , and religious aspects; hence, we arrived to a conclusion where the

residents are going to be provided with a choice on their residency contracts where they can register

their preferences - so that everyone involved in their care will be aware of their choices. The

following methods would be up to the individual preferences,

1. The Body Back

This method comprises having a body placed in a sealed, airtight bag and disclosed to the

freezing temperatures of space - based on the fundamentals of physics, it is known to us at

low atmospheric pressures (in this case relatively negligible) the boiling point decreases.

Within approximately 2 hours, the now-frozen body is brought back into the cabin from the

airlock and “vibrated at a high frequency, effectively shattering it and reducing it to a fine

powder.” Thereupon the powder is dehydrated, resulting in roughly 50 pounds of body

dust(varies from a body to a body). This dust is then placed and contained in a repository

outside the settlement until it is time to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, where it’ll descend in a

matter of minutes. This eco-friendly method was introduced by biologist, Susanne

Wiigh-Mäsak.

2. Interment

Residents that opted for having a natural method of interment are given a choice of location -

either at Mars or Earth. The cost is mainly affected by the distance, the shipping method you

choose, and weight of the shipping container associated with transporting human remains.

In addition to the cost of the travel, you'll have to purchase a container as well as other

services. The overall cost can range from $1,500 to as much as $15,000 for a

settlement-to-Earth/Mars shipment.


4.6 | Diet

4.6.1 | Harvesting and food distribution

Harvesting will be carried out by humans and agrobots as well, which will reduce manual labor and

save time. The produce will be sent to the following units:

a) Packaging unit: The produce will be carefully packed in recyclable paper bags, received from

the industrial module.

b) Storage unit: the surplus food will be stored in sealed vacuum containers in order to stop the

growth of bacteria on the food.

The packaged food will be ready for distribution in compartmentalized vehicles, to the supermarkets

in the residential module, from where the residents can collect their edibles. A limitation will be set

on how much food can be purchased per head, as to ensure that all the residents receive the food in a

fair amount.

4.6.2 | Seed banks

In the agricultural section, we plan on building a seed bank where we are going to store seeds to

preserve them for later use. Since, at the beginning of the settlement we will not be able to plant off

many crops, we will store the seeds taken from Earth in the seed bank. As the conditions progress, we

will include other plants and crops. Seeds will be dried to optimum moisture content, evaluated for

quality and genetic purity and sealed in moisture-proof containers. For short term storage, the seeds

will be dried and placed in vacuum containers at 5°C. For long term preservation we will store them in

conditions below freezing point -20°C. This way, we can rely on our preserved seeds to start anew, if

in any case we lose our produce and plants, or if any unsuccessful plantation occurs.


4.6.3 | Summarized Diet Plan

S.No. Food Group Quantity per

person /day

Total quantity

per person per

day /kg

Examples

Rationale

All in all, we are affirmative that our agricultural unit is fully equipped for the provision of one of the

most important necessities required for the survival of our people on Apeiron; i.e, food.



5 Economic Prospects

Space is a boundless realm of impossibility, but that was the thought process then. Due to the

constant development and advancements, the impossible has become possible. A settlement can now

orbit the Earth and operate in various aspects. But in order for a particular settlement to thrive, it is

important to take into consideration the numerous ways civilization has managed to progress, and

use those characteristics in order to assure the emergence of an authentic space community, that uses

the worlds’ culture as inspiration, and cultivates its own, in the realm of space.

Apeiron is a life-sustaining settlement.

The unique thoughts and efforts of the intellectuals of our team have helped develop it into a

settlement that treats all inhabitants equally and satisfactorily - providing equal job opportunities

and sources of income for all - in a diverse spectrum of professions.

The thought of a flourishing economy in an expanse of unknown - that mankind is barely familiar

with, is ethereal. However, Apeiron is designed to defy boundaries and stretch the limits of what we

understand about the future of humans in space.

The idea of a space-based economy has been in the vision of numerous scientists and researchers for

several years, who work rigorously to enhance our concept of an extraterrestrial economy.

Undoubtedly, their efforts do not go in vain as we have been introduced to various forms of economic

activities in space, including asteroid mining, space manufacturing, construction performance in

space, such as the building of space stations, space burial, and more recently, space trade, advertising

and tourism.

An important aspect of a society, especially in today’s day and age, is the economy, and the ability of a

particular community to earn, and survive by its own, especially in a dilute space industry. The

economic structure of the settlement can be divided into four different sectors, all of which have their

own specialization.

5.1 | Primary Sector

5.1.1 | The Mining Industry

This sector focuses on the extraction of natural resources from a particular source. The sunrise

industry of Apeiron is going to be the industry of lunar mining and mining in Mars - an industry that

will sprout an economic revolution in space and potentially, give birth to abundant forms of economic

sustenance. As soon as the settlers have been transported to their new, unworldly life, space mining

will have a major significance in Apeiron. All individuals above the age of 21 will be eligible to work in

the mining industry, which is to be situated on the outskirts of the settlement, to avoid any disruption

to the coherent society in central Apeiron.


Fig. 5.1 - ISRU Unit established on Moon and Mars

The question that arises from this simulation is how the mining will be enacted. Apeiron will use the

ISRU units that are to be implanted on the Moon and Mars. These units are meant to extract and

process materials that are deracinated from the surface of both the Moon and Mars. The elements

extracted are units of refinery resources, which can be used in Apeiron, as a means of sustained living

in the settlement and not depending on the expensive resupply missions that need to be carried out in

order to assure the prolonged continuation of living in the settlement. Resupply missions are quite

expensive and more often than not, can lead to the question of practicality of the settlement project.

However with the ISRU, the practicality problem is easily tackled with advanced technology that

allows essentials to be extracted and processed, and therefore be used in the settlement.

Besides the essentials to be used by the settlement, the other extracted resources that are in surplus,

and simultaneously, beneficial on earth, through their various uses, are to be exported, after mining,

and therefore be the main source of income for the primary sector, and quite possibly the early years

of the existence of the settlement. The elements Fe, Ti are the significant exports that Apeiron is

expected to prioritized during its existence.

The mining industry will consist of 5 factions:

1. Research and development

2. Exploration and prospecting

3. Operational and engineering

4. Environmental

Faction 1 - Research and Development:

The Research and Development faction of this vital industry focuses on the introduction and

innovation of new products and services that supplement the process of lunar mining and mining in

Mars, efficiently. These innovations include: developing equipment that reduces cost of mining,


enhancing machines to increase the rate of mining and processing, investigating and

researching the existence of alternative ores that can be used to extract other forms of elements,

researching on the potential socio-cultural and environmental impacts of mining lunar and Mars

surfaces, and lastly, establishing feasible methods of transporting extracted ore/metal from the

settlement to Earth to be sold for a profit. This sector highly focuses on the research, advancements

and developments in order to assure the progress of the space mining industry, while also being

cautious of its negative impacts towards its environment, and the different alternatives that can be

done in order to assure that the negative impacts are minimized. This sector of the industry is highly

important, as it not only implores the creation of an efficient mining system, but also provides

broader job opportunities to those who are interested.

Faction 2 - Exploration and Prospecting:

Exploration and Prospecting is a more practical faction of the mining industry, as it aims to probe and

analyse various locations, evaluate them and finally, select the best location(s) on the lunar surface,

as well as the surface of Mars, for which mining can safely and efficiently take place. Pinpointing

appropriate locations for mining is very important as failure to do so would result in

disruption/destruction of the environment surrounding Apeiron due to over-mining.

Faction 3 - Operational and Engineering:

This faction is possibly the lifeblood of the whole mining industry. For this faction, we plan to hire

qualified specialists in various fields to fulfil the targets that this sector sets to achieve. This faction

aims to extract various resources that have varying uses. The settlement will take advantage of the

extracted elements and use it to further develop the settlement as a whole and use the essential

processed units as a supply form for present-to-future purposes.

This faction also overlooks the engineering and functioning of the numerous sorts of machines and

equipment, their improvements and maintenance. Also, this branch will supervise the engineering

behind the transport of ores from Apeiron to Earth - giving this faction an extremely distinct and

significant role to play in the development and prosperity of the mining industry in Apeiron.

Faction 4 - Environmental:

For us at Apeiron, this is one of the most important factions of the mining industry. We truly believe

in a green and healthy environment; we believe in living in an ideal, eco-friendly society, even in a yet

to be exploited environment.

Hence, we will hire professionals to ensure that the mining done does not harm the environment

more than necessary - and that all mining sites are then rehabilitated and restored.


5.2 | Secondary Sector

Highly focuses on the manufacturing ability of an economy. The settlement is not expected to be

manufacturing a great deal. Though this aspect is still possible, through the in-house design and

construction of aircraft parts, and other technological instruments that will be used by the

settlement.

5.3 | Tertiary Sector

The Tertiary Sector focuses on the provision of non-tangible services to customers.

5.3.1 | Tourism Industry

The possibility of traveling to the same place that had been seen unreachable, sprouted by the quote,

“The sky's the limit,” was delusional. The common man’s dream of traveling to the surreal place

previously, exclusively explored by astronomers, astronauts, and physicists - and to enjoy and bask

in the different sights - is a dream no more.

Space tourism will unlock a variety of employment opportunities requiring the skills and labor of

many engineers, researchers, technicians, mechanics, and other professionals. Space tourism would

help reduce financial problems due to the immense multiplier effect of this industry and thus

improve the living conditions of Apeiron residents, especially those whose livelihoods are directly

linked to space tourism.

Herman Kahn and William Brown stated in a 1977 NASA study, named "Long Term Prospects for

Developments in Space", that "Space tourism will become the single largest industry in space within

the next century," [Herman, William 1977]. Hence, concluding that virtually every psychologically

and physically able human being will indeed travel to space at least once in their lifetime in the next

century. Although the initial investment for Space tourism as an industry is significantly high, the

return of profit, years after its establishment is extremely high.

Space tourism has various sub-levels to it, therefore Apeiron would be involved in all aspects

possible. There is "Orbital Tourism”, in which the spacecraft needs to reach orbital velocity, in which

it can then circulate the Earth’s orbit for at least one turn. There is also the “Sub-Orbital Space

flight”, in which the speed the spacecraft needs to reach is far lower than the orbital velocity, as it just

takes a quick trip into the edge of space, and quickly comes back to Earth. However, the primary field

of space tourism for Aperion would be the provision of services through Space Hotels, in which people

can visit the settlement, and live amongst the crew for a restricted period of time, and later on, quite

possible “Lunar Tourism'', though that pursuit, would take a bit more time, but the idea is very

considered.

Besides the obvious Space Tourism, another aspect of the Tertiary Sector that we can bring to outer

space is the retailing business. This aspect is directed towards the crew that will be settled in Apeiron

for a prolonged period of time. The concept is to use 3D printing technology to duplicate goods that

are made on Earth, to be used and sold in Apeiron, not only does it provide jobs in the tertiary sector


of Apeiron, but it also can give the crew a

sense of remembrance of tangible things in

Earth, and can therefore be a motivational

factor, that can help psychological aspect,

which can then be translated to the physical

and mental aspect, which is highly important.

Space tourism on Apeiron is bound to

stimulate space growth, which, in turn, could

be the single largest contributor to space

development and commercialization over the

next century. We can be confident of Space

tourism's boundless potential and how it

plays a significant role in the economic and

industrial sector of Apeiron, with its multiple

revenues and a rising space tourism market.

Space tourism in Apeiron seeks to find peace

and prosperity for its people, putting aside

differences in language, religion, and

ethnicity and, in turn, improving their living

standards, all for a better tomorrow.

5.3.2 | Retailing Businesses

The reason for this idea is because during the

official launch, the crew would not be

recommended to bring along any unnecessary

materials, and as life goes on in the Apeiron,

so will the situation on Earth. Connection is

very important in human nature, therefore in

order to adapt the crew to the changes in Earth,

and still give them a chance to connect to the

materialistic aspect on Earth.

Through the use of 3D printing technology, with the right materials Apeiron can manage to bring

quite a few of Earth’s materialistic things to the settlement. This situation will be handled in a

retailing business as stated earlier, materializing to be the bazaar of the Apeiron. With the idea that

the materializing of particular goods will require different materials, Apeiron will have different

stores for different goods, specifically basing them off their requirements. For example, a store that

will sell musical instruments will not be selling articles of clothing.


The feasibility of this idea is high simply with how the world is developing at the moment.

Although to some, the idea may not seem necessary, it will intensify and motivate the population of

Apeiron as it gives them a chance to not only connect with people on Earth through communication

factors, but through similar merchandise and products.

5.4 | Quaternary Sector

This sector is research-based. In Apeiron, there are innumerable things that can be done and

experimented on, that cannot be done in the Earth due to contradicting variables in the form of

gravity, and other such. Being in space allows a wider expanse for research.

With abled human bodies living in space, research in regards to body changes and tissues of the

human body can take place. Prior, research has already been conducted in regards to the subject, thus

the identification of the negative effects of the lack of gravity on the human body, such effects

include: “long-term weightlessness”, “deterioration of the skeleton”, and the “decline of the

cardiovascular system functions”. Furthermore, it was also identified that there are issues in regards

to the digestive system of an individual. Therefore, with all the issues in mind, the long term settling

in an environment that lacks the necessary features for a human to properly survive is still a figment

of a person’s imagination, but through progress, there have been instances where a group of people

has survived space travel for a limited amount of time. With Apeiron, further research can be done in

that aspect of space living, in order to minimize the damage that can be done to the human body

whenever settling in beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, and that can be done in this particular sector.

Moreover, living in space allows abled bodies to be challenged similarly, though not exactly the same,

to the disabled people living on Earth. For Example: People with asthma struggle with inflammation

in the lungs, and a similar can occur with a person living in space, when a situation makes it difficult

for an astronaut to breath properly, and therefore makes them more vulnerable to particles that can

enter their respiratory system. Research for the cure for cancer is also conducted as the conduction of

the research in space eliminates the aspect of gravity, and therefore allows scientists to focus highly

on the cancer cells itself.

Besides the biology aspect, research in regards to astronomy can be conducted. From “Airborne

Astronomy”, to “Astrochemistry”, to “Terrestrial Analogs”. Moreover, living in a particular

settlement for a prolonged period of time will probably lead to the erosion of the primary energy

source, therefore research on renewable energy is also possible.

5.5 | Financial Prospects

Since Apeiron can be considered a collaborative international project, investment can come from a lot

of space agencies and governments all over the world. The reason for this is because of the extensive

indirect positives it can provide in the long run for all those involved. For the 2020 financial year, 22.8


Billion, was the estimated government spending on space exploration. Since Apeiron can

be considered a major project, we can assume that 50% of the budget can be allocated to the

settlement project. Now that’s just the direct amount from government spending, at least in the USA,

if we can engage at least 10-15 other countries to invest at least 5 billion to the project, then the

amount increases greatly, and can cater to the extra costs that the project will incur.

A question that will be posed would be: “Why? Why will governments around the world be interested

in investing in such a project?” The answer to that is simple, the settlement is a massive international

project that is expecting to move space exploration forward. Moreover, the return in investment that

is expected from the implementation of the settlement is equally high. With this in mind,

governments are well aware that it can improve their balance of payment balances as it assures the

credit entries in the form of income in the future.

In addition to that, private space agencies would also want to contribute to the project, as it is an

international collaborative effort, so we can count on a few millions from them to stimulate the

finances of the project.

5.5.1 | Construction Finances

Artemis Project is the base project of Apeiron, therefore the processes and approach to this

circumstance is quite similar. NASA stated, at least for the Artemis Project, that it will need 20-30

billion on top of the budget for the program to flourish, however this is not a yearly amount, but

rather spread over 4-5 years. With this in mind, the construction of the base structure would most

likely cost at a range of 30 billion to 50 billion. But then again, the building of this structure would

most likely expand for more than a year, therefore the overall costs of structuring the settlement will

be spread out over the building period.

The costs for the construction of the settlement may seem high at first, but generally whenever an

entity is being established, costs are expected to be at an all time, however, the return in investment,

as stated earlier in the document, is expected to be high moving forward. This idea can be emphasized

further in the next subsection.

5.5.2 | Industry Finances

As the Apeiron has various sectors in which it can earn direct income from. The primary sector is

expected to be the main source of income in the short run. Apeiron aims to start exporting the same

year it is established, and from that income is expected to be earned.

In terms of the secondary sector, it’s primary objective is to reduce the importing costs of the

settlement. Manufacturing the aircraft parts, and other technological instruments within the

settlement, reduces the need for Apeiron to spend on transporting goods from and to the Earth. This

can limit the costs exponentially and assures the contribution to betterment of the future of the

settlement, and in turn contributing to situations on the Earth. Research can be monetized through

bidding processes with concerned firms in the Earth, or directly provided to the countries’ that have

invested in the Apeiron project.


Similarly, as stated earlier, in the establishment year, expenditure is expected to be

higher, because the direct income that is derived from the construction and the implementation

would not be very high in early stages. Furthermore, expenditure is expected to be high, because of

the direct costs, indirect costs, plus finance costs. Costs of which can decrease in the long run in ratio

to the revenue earned by the Apeiron. After the extensive expenditure during the establishment year,

recovery is bound to happen. The basis of recovery will be the initial establishment costs would have

already been paid by this time, and the economic activity of the settlement would have already been

stabilized, and therefore possibly leading to the profit to revenue ratio of the settlement to improve.

In turn with all of this in mind, it will serve as the shift which shows that the settlement is in a stable

economic and financial position.



6 Human Factors

Apeiron, serving its purpose not only voyage beyond the finite blue skies, but inhabiting 990 people

also takes into account replicating a human system to be established, to induce all that is equally

unique, and equally mundane. During an exploration, it is not that we restart and rebuild the human

civilization once constructing its colony, but the expansion necessary to ensure the continuity of

human civilization. Apeiron will strive to continue the human race across the stars, and exceed the

borderlines of the finite with its space colony.

It is ideal to consider the factors that would make people feel not entirely foreign to this idea.

However, to ensure a stabilized colony, inclusion of some factors are necessary.

6.1 | Government System

Apeiron is an international and cooperation agreement between participating countries and

partaking space agencies. Despite being directly related to entities on Earth, Apeiron is expected to

operate like an own foreign entity. This means that the settlement will have its own government

system, sovereign from the rulings on Earth unless necessary, and at the same time, it will also set its

own rules and regulations to be followed.

The settlement will have an appointed set of leaders that specialize in their own fields. The leaders

would be for the following sectors:

Apeiron - Acts as the Chief Officer that gathers and leads all official positions in the settlement.

Therefore, all other positions work under the ‘Apeiron’, and every other circumstance and situation is

reported to the said officer.

Operations - This position watches over the operation of the whole settlement in regards to the

technological aspect, finances, through service provision, and other aspects.

Communications - This position highly focuses on the communicating from the settlement to

mission control, other interest entities, and communication within the settlement internally.

Structural - This position focuses on the preservation and maintenance of the settlement.

With these circumstances at hand, the administration is set to govern similar to an oligarchy. An

oligarchy is a form of governing in which the power rests on a limited number of people in regards to

decision-making, and enforcing of sanctioned laws and other aspects. However, the governing

system would not be a strict form of an oligarchy, but rather simply taking it as the main fundamental

in regards to how decisions are to be made for the benefit of the settlement as a structure.

Besides specialized positions, the people within the settlement will also have their own

representatives. This system on the other hand would be based on the democratic system. A

Democratic system, which gets from the Greek word demos, or individuals, is characterized,


basically, as a government in which the incomparable force is vested in the individuals. In

certain structures, the majority rules system can be practiced straightforwardly by the individuals; in

huge social orders, it is by the individuals through their chosen specialists.

A democratic system comprises of four key components: a political framework for picking and

supplanting the public authority through free and reasonable races; the dynamic interest of the

individuals, as residents, in governmental issues and community life; security of the common

liberties, all things considered; and a standard of law, wherein the laws and methodology apply

similarly to all residents.

Moreover, the democratic system will have 3 main positions to which the people will be voting for.

The positions are as follows:

President - The main representative of the people of the settlement. This position serves as the

bridge between the people and the specialized leaders. Moreover, this position is also the main

enforcer of the laws declared in the settlement, and serves as the highest position in the democratic

sector of the settlement.

Vice President - Another representative of the people of the settlement. This position serves as the

next governor, if ever there was a situation in which the President will be

Speaker - This representative’s main job is to communicate with the people and in turn convey their

issues to the President and the Vice President to be conveyed to the higher hierarchy of the

settlement.

It is essential for both parties to communicate with each other in order to exist peacefully in outer

space, in the settlement, for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, the representatives of the people

of the settlement, constantly communicate with the appointed set of leaders in order to efficiently

govern the people living in the settlement.

The Apeiron government system will assure to follow the basic functions of a government. The

system is expected to prioritize the well-being of the people living in the settlement, and the entire

structure as a whole. Public goods such as ‘Security’ is to be provided, in the belief that a proper

security system will help preserve order in the settlement, and therefore fulfilling one of the main

functions of the government. “Healthcare’ is also to be provided in order to assure that people are

being well-taken care of, not just through the housing, but also through health aspects. Moreover,

the system is also expected to handle and manage the economic conditions of the settlement,

whether it involves the import/export aspects, or the reshuffling and establishing of economic

sectors in the settlement.


6.2 | Education

Education is perhaps the most indispensable part in molding effective human advancements thus

there will be no trade off on training in Apeiron. We try to furnish the individuals of Apeiron with a

top-notch training that will improve their insight, aptitudes and above all, their methodology

towards life. Through appropriate learning, we can shape splendid people with extraordinary

characters and ranges of abilities that will positively affect society overall.

Our schooling framework will begin from establishment stage learning and will go as far as possible

up to college level. We will give present day offices to best oblige the schooling we give. At the

secondary school level, understudies will have the alternative to pick subjects that best oblige their

profession decisions. Be that as it may, certain subjects will be obligatory for all understudies. This

cycle will permit understudies to investigate their inclinations and discover what they are genuinely

enthusiastic about. We will not utilize the idea of board tests as that doesn't give a precise portrayal of

an understudy’s fitness. All things being equal, we will get our understudies through tests

consistently and their last grade will be subject to the scores they get in those tests just as their

investment in exercises, accommodation of schoolwork and by and large disposition towards

learning. To get into any of the colleges, the understudies need to finish at least 12 years of

instruction. The base age at which they can begin will be 5. At the college level, understudies will be

furnished with a wide scope of courses to look over. These courses will be explicitly intended to best

fuse the basics that the understudies will require for whatever field they have decided on.

We will likewise take a distinct fascination for learning outside the study hall. There will be month to

month, sans cost, instructive excursions for younger students. This is with the goal that they get a

brief look at this present reality and how things really work. Physical training will be mandatory as it

assembles solid good convictions and reinforces the personality of people. It permits understudies to

learn significant fundamental abilities, for example, collaboration, diligence, and the will to never

surrender.

6.3 | Population demographics

The population size of Apeiron involves 990 human beings with 120 animals, all of which are

different kinds of species.

From the launch, the sex ratio is balanced as Apeiron aims for the equality, first and foremost, as well

as the provision jobs based on the capabilities of the crew members. The age structure on the other

hand, can be seen that the denser section of the population will be the abled individuals. During the

launch, Apeiron aims to reduce the dependent population to a minimum, therefore all abled bodies

will be significant and contribute to the operations of the settlement, and the years that follow.

However, there will be a specific amount of the population that will involve toddlers and teenagers,

and the reason for that is to make sure that the population will not be stalemate, and as the abled

bodies retire in the settlement, there will be individuals that can take over their positions.


Both birth rate and mortality rates of Apeiron can be strictly handled. With a minimal population,

such rates can easily be managed. With advanced technology, and further development in the field of

medicine, safer births, and prolonged lifespans are expected, these aspects are also expected to

improve with further research to be conducted in the settlement itself.

Fig. 6.1 - Population demographics on Apeiron - graphical

6.4 | General Issues

6.4.1 | Law Creation

Law creation is quite a long process within the Apeiron. The reason for that is because it needs to be

passed by two different sections. Laws can be drawn up by every citizen, however the administrative

party needs to admit the law, and then only it can be passed to the court of representatives that

consists of the “President”, “Vice President” and the “Speaker”. Once the court has determined and

discussed the practicality of the law, and in turn passes it, then it will pass over to the oligarchs for

confirmation, and later on, declaration.

One-Child Policy

Since Apeiron is a restricted area, there is an established rule that states that each family living in

Apeiron is required to follow the “One-Child Policy”. This policy requires families to only stick to

having one child during their stay in the settlement, as a means of controlling the growth population

of the settlement.

Judicial System

The judicial system on the other hand is not expected to be used aggressively as a means of enforcing


the laws, as the people who are selected to live in the settlement are checked and competent people.

However in the case that a law is broken untimely, or a crime is unceremoniously committed, the

individual involved shall be trialled in court. The Court of Justice involves the leaders and

representatives serving as the ‘Justices’ of the trial, and therefore with the provision of evidence,

shall decide the penalty for the crime committed of the individual.

6.5 | Entertainment

Life can be stressful and hectic and a break from the mundane life is vital for one’s well being.

Entertainment serves us as a breather from the never-ending work, it can assist you with unwinding

and evade the nerves as you escape from the worries constantly of everyday exercises. Building a

sustainable environment for the people must also include ways a person can relax.

There are various ways of entertainment:

1. Cinemas

Cinemas are one of the most visited places in today’s industry, regardless of movies widely

being available online people still prefer going to them. Having cinemas is essential for

people to have a healthier and relaxed lifestyle. As they provide people with great experiences

and escape options, what attracts people the most is the environment of the place, the

enormous screens, loudspeakers, the silence, and the focus.

2. Holograms

Holograms are not just a science fiction dream anymore. The realistic uses of holograms have

outshone the entire film and entertainment industries. And they have become a common part

of our everyday lives.

As fascinating as life is in space one would still run out of fun things to do or easily become

tedious of the lifestyle presented. Living in a community built in space also means that the

sights you come across are quite limited which could again make life monotonous and

sometimes result in mental health complications but thanks to the awe-inspiring

holographic visuals, this problem could be easily tackled.

The engrossing technology of holograms works by splitting a laser beam into two separate

beams, using an angled mirror, these holograms are produced. This then forms a beam of an

entity and a beam of reflection. Heading in various directions, from other angled mirrors,

both are mirrored. The beam of the object is then reflected off the object that will form the

image of the hologram, and eventually on the end surface, while the beam of reflection is

directly directed to the plate. The Hologram is formed as these two beams come together.

Holographic nets are one of the latest technologies that create an almost invisible curtain to

LED lights to form different images of buildings or places in a 3D holographic effect in

different varieties of colors. This could help the audience experience an extensive range of


sights found on earth. The pepper ghost effect could also be used to help people encounter the

wonders of nature as it uses old holographic techniques that make wild animals look alive.

The "Pepper's Ghost" effect will display large-scale projections, making it one of the most

flexible types of holographic projection. It produces a genuinely remarkable impact, which

has the potential to make international headlines when paired with the celebrity aspect. This

is a well-established method for several years that has been tried and tested.

The day it became a realistic practice, artists started experimenting with holography. The

three-dimensional holograms are used by artists to bend and cut space, blend sets of still

images or videos to create animated 3D works, and to sculpt pure light. So, the people who

take an interest in creating art can use this technology to pursue their dreams.

3. Gaming

Gaming is another popular source of entertainment. As gamers think of it as more than just a

hobby, the industry seems to excel in today’s world. Building a gaming center will not just be

good news for the gamers but can also be an excellent source of income. To your mind,

gaming is truly a workout disguised as enjoyable. Studies have shown that regularly playing

video games can improve gray matter in the brain and increase brain connectivity. (The

regulation of muscles, memories, vision, and spatial navigation is correlated with gray

matter.) There are video games for almost all. Developers early on discovered that video

games could be used to boost the ability to read and math. There are games today that

integrate world history, cooking, politics, science, design, and other subjects to which you

might not have been exposed in school.

Since the idea is to create a relaxing environment where people could come pay to have fun

playing the video games of their choice, it would be nice to make the gaming center cozy and

relaxing. Between 5 to 20 computers, Xbox stations, comfortable chairs, tables, Air

Conditions, shelves for stocking video games amongst others are required for the gaming

center.

4. Nature Reserves - the visit to Apeiron’s Agri Module

Living in a space settlement with an artificial environment can be highly frustrating and

sickening especially for older people and nature lovers as they prefer to stay in places that

help them experience the beauty of nature. Establishing nature reserves can help us tackle the

issues faced by these people. Being in nature, or even watching nature's scenes, decreases

frustration, anxiety, and tension and increases good feelings. Not only does exposure to

nature make you feel emotionally healthier, but it also contributes to your physical

well-being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and stress hormone output.

Nature, however, helps us cope with pain. Since we are genetically conditioned to find trees,

plants, water, and other engrossing elements of nature, we are overwhelmed by scenes of

nature and diverted from our pain and discomfort.


For us, a nature reserve offers biological opportunities. It gives us our intake of food and

natural medicinal resources that allow us to restore our body to the pink of health. They also

provide industries with raw materials to produce the goods we use. Nature reserves also

permit the collection and preservation of a large gene pool so that it can act as an invaluable

resource for future use.

Cultural services are provided. With a healthy biodiversity, for science and education,

humans should study them so that we can better understand our natural heritage. It also

encourages many individuals to participate in leisure and tourism.

5. Libraries

Some people prefer going out and having fun around peers while others find their peace

within silence and a good book. Building libraries is as important as having any other source

of entertainment, as they are important cornerstones of a healthy community. Libraries do

not only personally support their users. They also act as community centers, bringing

individuals together and linking them outside their communities to worlds. Libraries provide

more than just books; they are community hubs where programs and resources that fuel

lifelong learning are open to all.

Although libraries play an essential role in providing accessible and free sources of

education, having physical copies of these resources is just not a viable option as it would

increase the waste on the spacecraft and limit the number of resources because storing them

would take up a lot of extra space. So instead, an online platform can be introduced by the

library which can be accessible to all the members of the community, it would provide the

users with an unlimited amount of data and storing them would not be an issue.


Afterword

The Apeiron Space Settlement Project was inspired by the concept of Anaximander’s theory of the

Universe, and its origins - Apeiron. This led to inaugurate this perspective and make it alive in the

sense that the ‘origins’ of this space colony is an ‘interstellar’ world of ours re-created, our

universe re-birthed, and bringing all and infinite possibilities to life, once more. Anaximander’s

admirable theories on the positioning of the Earth and its structure, his Celestial sphere, his

commendable efforts to explain Nature and the origins of mankind spawn the ideals of basing our

principles onto these aspects, had it indeed expand our approach to correlate the discussion in the

interlinking facets of philosophical, scientific, theological and innovative deliberation.

When it came to architectural aspects and designing means, after encountering various challenges

and going through endless trials of designing the Apeiron, we finally succeeded in delivering the

most suitable structure that will sustain life on Apeiron, equipped with exceptional facilities, solely

to provide the best of accommodations and services for our residents. When considering multiple

adversities in space posing a threat to the space settlement, the processes utilized are sophisticated

and precise and they are used often in satellites thus probability of success is very high.

When referring to the operation of Apeiron, we know that the energy sector of our settlement is very

promising as it is neither too advanced for our times or too simple to be successful. The chances of

our energy systems working are satisfactory and it is unlikely that we will be unprepared for any

energy shortages if they were to happen.

Apeiron’s effective transport systems will shed light to limitless possibilities to inaugurate the

concept of space transport that will encourage many to achieve. This includes a breakthrough to

introducing a ‘trade with space’, the established space tourism industry, and many more projects

that will rise, as we learnt the success behind what bridges Apeiron not internally, but succeed in

external transportation; to Mars, Earth and Moon, and back.

For the survival of the settlement, we came to realize the survival and care of livestock is imperative.

And, with effective planning and use of available resources; the idea of livestock in space - no

matter how challenging - is definitely a certain possibility. With this idea embedded, our team

prepared the required ethical measures taken to nurture livestock, so that animals as well as

humans of Apeiron will prosper.

One of the most significant substances on Earth now refined on board, and maintenance of a stable

and controlled atmosphere is highly significant, and our systems sustain life processes established

to continue on succeeding.


To combat the afflictions due to the remote environment that is posed to the inhabitants of Apeiron,

the medical sector of Apeiron adopts practices that will ensure the internal and external health is

stable for an individual. This is to be exercised continuously and expertly to sustain the healthy

environment Apeiron's residents are living in, to narrow and eliminate the development of multiple

vulnerabilities of fatalistic conditions, or minor threats predisposed to health - ensuring the

success of the medical sector.

The economic sector is highly based on the ability of the rest of Apeiron to function. Once the

fundamentals are handled flawlessly, the economic sector will be able to flourish.

The monotonous life on Apeiron no longer would cause worry for rising psychological concerns, as

Apeiron’s entertainment sector plays an important role in creating a welcoming and less stressful

environment for its residents.

The handling of the government will in turn be a delicate manner. Enforcing laws and regulations

would be much easier than implementing such in a newly established on Earth, however ensuring

that the population trusts and believes whatever the government stands for will be the test of time.

Everyone will be approaching the project with a similar mindset, but it will only flourish when the

government reinforces its goals to its people, in the long run.

And finally to close this report, Apeiron’s main motif of inspiration is not only to ‘find’ solutions to

find survival above in the unlimited skies. It is to take on new actions, alternatives and

methodologies combined, and perceive meaning with ‘new eyes’ - to truly voyage and to discover

what lies beyond the lines of what can be made possible.

Thus, this project revitalizes the unique comprehension behind:

“The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but

in having new eyes”


Bibliography

To conduct this research, below mentioned are the sources that have been used. All sites that have

been referred to are entered into this section of the report. However, it is significant to point out

that the unintentional missing of citations are deeply regretted, and we apologize in advance for the

circumstance. If so, the case arises (which we are sure this is most unlikely) we would like to extend

our credits to the rightful owners of the material(s), and ensure that the material made in use was

solely for research purposes, substantially for appropriate uses ONLY.

I Apeiron

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anaximander

https://www.artificial-gravity.com/sw/SpinCalc/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226552214_Physics_of_Artificial_Gravity

https://interestingengineering.com/create-artificial-gravity-space

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060325232140.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_gravity

https://www.nasa.gov/ames/ocs/summerseries/2017/patricia-cowings

https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/754/what-is-a-lagrange-point/

https://space.nss.org/wp-content/uploads/NSS-JOURNAL-Space-Settlement-Population-Rotation-Tolerance.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrange_point

II Structural Analysis

Structure analysis and design

https://space.nss.org/settlement/nasa/ONeill1975Testimony.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/584733main_Wings-ch4g-pgs270-285.pdf

https://space.nss.org/orbital-space-settlements/

https://space.nss.org/settlement/nasa/Contest/Results/96/winner/tres.html

https://placesjournal.org/article/the-shape-of-space/?cn-reloaded=1

http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2016/ph240/martelaro2/docs/nasa-sp-413.pdf

https://www.onlineconversion.com/object_surfacearea_torus.htm

Solar Energy

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/what-powers-a-spacecraft/en/#:~:text=Energy%20from%20the%20Sun%20(solar%20power)&te

xt=These%20spacecraft%20have%20solar%20panels,electricity%20that%20powers%20the%20spacecraft.&text=The%20elec

tricity%20from%20the%20solar,moves%20out%20of%20direct%20sunlight


https://www.powerhome.com/how-solar-panels-work/#:~:text=Sunlight%20hits%20the%20layers%20of,to%20create%20a

n%20electrical%20current.&text=The%20electrical%20current%20flows%20from,for%20your%20home%20(AC)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/junction-solar-cell

http://www.brainkart.com/article/Czochralski-technique_6844/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/czochralski-process#:~:text=The%20Czochralski%20(CZ)%20method%20is

,who%20developed%20it%20in%201916.

https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/solar-panel-components-construction#:~:text=Most%20solar%20panels%20are

%20still,of%20their%2025%2B%20year%20life

https://space.nss.org/space-solar-power/#:~:text=Space%20Solar%20Power%20gathers%20energy,the%20right%20directio

n%2C%20but%20solve.&text=Solar%20energy%20is%20routinely%20used%20on%20nearly%20all%20spacecraft%20today.

http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph241/kadribasic2/

https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainstokamaks#:~:text=A%20tokamak%20is%20a%20machine,that%20scientists%

20call%20a%20torus.&text=The%20two%20field%20components%20result,shapes%20and%20positions%20the%20plasma

https://www.maxforums.org/forum/thread/torus_solar_panels/1

https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/station-solar-arrays

https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/station-solar-arrays

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/solar_arrays-about.html

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/solar_arrays.htm

Nuclear Fusion

https://phoenixwi.com/nuclear-fusion/how-does-nuclear-fusion-work/

http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph241/kadribasic2/

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/10/bizarre-reactor-might-save-nuclear-fusion

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a27961/mit-nuclear-fusion-experiment-increases-efficiency/

https://inhabitat.com/groundbreaking-magnet-technology-from-mit-could-catalyze-renewable-nuclear-fusion-industry-w

ithin-10-years/

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a27961/mit-nuclear-fusion-experiment-increases-efficiency/

https://cen.acs.org/energy/nuclear-power/NASA-thinks-nuclear-reactors-supply/98/i19#:~:text=Nuclear%20fission%20hold

s%20the%20potential,to%20last%20for%20several%20years.&text=But%20the%20development%20of%20new,design%20p

roblems%20and%20ballooning%20budgets

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511181356.htm#:~:text=Deuterium%20%E2%80%93%20brief%20facts&t

ext=The%20isotope%20is%20denoted%20%E2%80%9C2H,fusion%20reactors%20in%20the%20future.

http://somethingsurprising.blogspot.com/2012/10/fusion-fuels-part-2-mining-deuterium.html

https://sci.esa.int/web/rosetta/-/55118-deuterium-to-hydrogen-ratio-in-the-solar-system

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/1/23

https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-deuterium-607910

http://www.crossfirefusion.com/nuclear-fusion-reactor/crossfire-fusion-reactor.html

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/nuclear-engineering/22-012-seminar-fusion-and-plasma-physics-spring-2006/assignments/h

elium3_fusion.pdf

https://mdcampbell.com/Helium-3version2.pdf


https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/101016/how-does-protium-fusion-produce-helium

https://www.cbrnetechindex.com/Radiological-Nuclear-Detection/Technology-RD/Helium-3-Detector-RD-T

http://www.asi.org/adb/02/09/³He-intro.html#:~:text=1%20kg%20of%20helium%2D3,so)%20reactor%20looks%20about%2

0optimum

http://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Space_for_Earth/Energy/Helium-3_mining_on_the_luna

r_surface

https://www.explainingthefuture.com/helium3.html

Transportation

https://chlorine.americanchemistry.com/Science-Center/Chlorine-Compound-of-the-Month-Library/Ammonium-Perchlorat

e-Helping-to-Launch-the-Space-Shuttle-Discovery/

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1057

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-the-space-shuttle-k4.html

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/launching-into-space/en/

https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train.htm

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/images/156337-june-2012-pre-released-material-2.pdf

https://www.electrical4u.com/linear-induction-motor/

http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/212_spring2011.web.dir/Chan_Jeon/physics-of-maglve-train.html

III Infrastructure

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber-optic_communication

https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/fibre-optics/optical-fibre-telecommunications-basics.php

IV Life Support

Atmosphere, Regulation, Water, O2 and CO2

https://space.nss.org/national-space-society-space-settlement-journal/

https://space.nss.org/wp-content/uploads/NSS-JOURNAL-ECLSS-for-Large-Orbital-Habitats-Ventilation-and-Heat-Transpo

rt.pdf

https://space.nss.org/settlement/nasa/Contest/Results/2019/ASM-Corporis.pdf

https://science.howstuffworks.com/oxygen-made-aboard-spacecraft.htm

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/146558main_RecyclingEDA(final)%204_10_06.pdf

https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/Water_in_space

https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2000/ast13nov_1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISS_ECLSS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabatier_reaction

Agriculture and Diet

https://www.nasa.gov/content/growing-plants-in-space

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-shape-of-watering-plants-in-space

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/01/plants-flowers-international-space-station-moon-mars/581491/

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/biointensive-farming-importance-examples-principles.php


https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/extreme-survival-seeds-space-earth

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2012/

Livestock

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/9-12/features/F_Animals_in_Space_9-12.html

https://ivfbioscience.com/whyivf

https://history.nasa.gov/animals.html

Medicine

https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/56/1/123/419033

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/staph-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20356221

https://www.space.com/getting-sick-in-space-coronavirus-astronaut-health.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898180/

V Economic Prospects

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_spaceflight_on_the_human_body

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191126140354.htm

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/b4h-3rd/hh-understanding-asthma-from-space

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/cancer_research_in_space

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/iss-20-years-20-breakthroughs

https://www.nasa.gov/science-and-technology-research

https://www.space.com/suborbital-orbital-flight.html

https://theconversation.com/first-space-tourists-will-face-big-risks-as-private-companies-gear-up-for-paid-suborbital-fl

ights-138766 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898180/

VI Human Factors

Government System

https://dlc.dcccd.edu/usgov1-1/functions-of-government

https://www.nasa.gov/isru/overview

Entertainment

https://nasa.tumblr.com/post/138886145114/7-sports-astronauts-love-without-gravity

https://www.space.com/1855-space-sports-closer-reality.html

https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2012/05000/exercise_equipment_used_in_microgravity__.10.aspx

http://holocenter.org/what-is-holography

https://interestingengineering.com/10-best-real-world-applications-of-hologram-technology

https://www.lamasatech.com/blog/hologram-technology-becoming-vital/

https://hypervsn.com/blog/How-Does-Holographic-Projection-Work.html


We would also like to extend our credits to the mentioned winning reports of the NASA AMES

Research contest that served a great help when constructing this report.

The Freyr Project, Grand Prize Winner, 2015

Goldi, First Prize Winner, 2018

Cicada, Grand Prize Winner, 2018


“THE LIMITLESS

HAS NO PRINCIPLE

BECAUSE, IN SUCH

A CASE, IT WOULD

BE LIMITED”

- Anaximander, pre-Socratic Greek philosopher

© 2021 Apeiron

Apeiron 2021[Final]

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