The scientists' new idea sounds like the plot of a science fiction film. Yes, mathematicians are indeed considering the possibility of building a space base inside an asteroid!
Why would anyone need to perform a titanic feat in the field of astroengineering and erect something inside a rock floating in space? First, it's convenient. The force of rotation of the astroid creates an attraction sufficient for the efficient use of mining equipment, although it will have to be modified for such an aggressive environment. Secondly, it is beneficial. Rich mineral and ore deposits are often hidden inside the "heavenly" rock, and drilling space debris is much more beneficial for the environment than tearing up the seabed and destroying thousands of its inhabitants.
In addition, the researchers believe that the stone "casing" will help avoid the dangers of being in outer space - from stellar radiation to micrometeorites and the like. Yes, from the outside now such a project may seem like something crazy, but scientists are sure of the opposite. A group of astrophysicists from the University of Vienna in Austria, using advanced algorithms that simulate the gravity of small celestial bodies, simulated the hypothetical conditions of an astroid 500 by 390 meters in size. They believe that even inside such a tiny (by the standards of space) piece of stone, a working environment can be created - although, of course, a number of unknown factors remain. So, the exact size and composition of the asteroid will play an important role - it must be strong enough so that the station inside it does not lead to structural disturbances.
"The practical application of such a technique will depend not so much on the composition as on the internal structure of each particular asteroid," the team explains. "Since such missions seem inevitable in the future, the decision to colonize such asteroids will only be possible if they can start mining."
Although the dimensions of the astroid that scientists used to simulate, roughly coincide with some of the celestial bodies already known - in particular, with 3757 Anagolay, 99942 Apophis and 3361 Orpheus - most of the composition of these asteroids is currently unknown. This means that the time has not yet come to bring the project to life. However, the authors of the study note that the problem can be solved simply - it will probably be enough to simply insert an aluminum cylinder with equipment into the body of a space rock. “And if we find a reasonably stable asteroid, then it won't be necessary - it will act as the walls of the space station itself,” explains one of the team members, astrophysicist Thomas Meindle.
The mathematical model that Maindel and team obtained as a result suggests that the asteroid will consist of solid rock and that its gravity will be 38% greater than Earth's. This will be enough to keep the station on the asteroid and prevent the equipment from flying into outer space. To achieve this effect, the asteroid must complete a revolution around its axis from 1 to 3 times per minute - then the centrifugal force will be sufficient.
Of course, there are still many calculations and engineering work to be done to implement this idea. For example, it is critically important to know that the asteroid will not fall apart while drilling. If it is stable enough, then (in theory) anything can be carved out of it, like from a piece of earth stone - from a small outpost to a full-fledged hive station.
Why is this so important? Resources on Earth are finite, and they may not be enough for mass space expansion - of course, if people are not going to turn their home planet into an industrial hell. In addition, in the case of colonization of other planets, the extraction of raw materials on nearby asteroids will be many times cheaper and easier than regular supplies from Earth. Of course, that is fraught with risk - the asteroid can fall apart, change the speed of rotation or slow down. So far, according to Meindl, "it will be at least 20 years before any asteroid becomes a source of materials - at best."
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Vasily Makarov