The Aurelia Institute, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has developed a space habitat called “TESSERAE,” designed to self-assemble in orbit. As the number of space travelers increases, the capacity of the International Space Station (ISS) to house crews is limited, prompting Aurelia to come up with an innovative solution that could revolutionize space construction.
Self-assembly to protect astronauts
The TESSERAE habitat, short for Tessellated Electromagnetic Space Structures for the Exploration of Reconfigurable and Adaptive Environments, is a modular geometric structure that is launched into space in compact stacks of flat tiles. Once in orbit, the pieces unfold and, thanks to powerful magnets at their edges, automatically assemble into a habitable sphere. This approach reduces the risk associated with manual construction in space, which has traditionally required the direct intervention of astronauts in dangerous conditions.
According to Ariel Ekblaw, executive director of the Aurelia Institute, the goal is to improve the safety and efficiency of future space operations.
Self-assembly eliminates the need to risk human lives during on-orbit habitat construction.
Ekblaw stated at a recent demonstration of the TESSERAE model in Massachusetts.
Technical challenges overcome
Despite technical challenges, such as the need for the pieces to align correctly on their first attempt, the Aurelia team has made significant progress. In previous tests, small mosaics of the TESSERAE were successfully assembled in the spaceMore ambitious tests on the ISS with a larger number of modules are expected to take place next year.
The Aurelia Institute is not alone in the race to build space stations. space stations. Competitors such as Axiom Space and Sierra Space are also developing modular orbital stations, but rely on manual construction and multiple launches. TESSERAE’s self-assembling approach, along with its possible combination with inflatable habitats, could offer a safer and more flexible solution for space infrastructure expansion.
A spatial, functional and comfortable habitat for 2030
Ekblaw emphasizes that the future of life in life in space will be only functional, comfortable and accessible. Inspired by the needs of astronauts, the interior designs of the TESSERAE include innovations such as inflatable sofas and spaces adapted for microgravity, transforming the experience of living in space.
With the support of NASA and potential partnerships with organizations such as Axiom, the Aurelia Institute expects TESSERAE to be an integral part of the next generation of space habitats by the 2030s.
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Source: technologyreview
Photos: technologyreview | TESSERAE
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