SMF Construction Process

> > First, decide how many sections we want. Externally each
> > section is a straight cylinder, the external appearance of
> > the "torus" is a string of straight sausages arranged in a
> > polygon.
>
> This sounds amazingly similar to at least one proposal I've seen
for
> using the Shuttle's Main Tank as the habitation component of a
space
> station. (Was it a space hotel?) Don't remember the reference,
> however. Someone probably does.
>
> > Each sausage section is connected together by
> > spherical nodes (nodal airlocks).
>
> This addresses a safety feature mentioned earlier in this thread.
If
> the airlocks remain closed (pessimistic safety), the integrity of
one
> sausage can be compromised without harming the rest of the
station.
> Otherwise, the airlocks could remain open (optimistic safety) and
> close only when there's a pressure breach -- similar to a ship or
> submarine. All a very comforting feeling. (As long as I'm not in
> the breached sausage when it happens!)
>
> Chris.

First, to access the pictures, go to the Photos section on the
website. That's where they are.

The website that details the shuttle tank station plans is

http://www.spaceislandgroup.com/projects.html

They have also prepared a 9 minute video presentation. I enjoyed it.

http://www.spaceislandgroup.com/media.html