Kalpana One design (was Rotating space colonies)

This is an old thread, but it seems worthwhile to revisit it in order to
discuss some aspects if its design and purpose.

One of the first things that comes to mind are the complimentary
concepts - borrowed from the maritime industry (and the ISS) - of
compartmentalization and redundancy. Kalpana One is envisioned as a
series of concentric cylinders - the outermost being the 1g main living
area. The inner cylinders would serve as agricultural,
industrial/manufacturing, and storage areas. The innermost cylinder
would possibly provide zero-g recreation.

I would first propose that these nested cylinders have the engineered
capacity to be quickly sealed off from one another in all respects
(atmospherically, electrically and hydrologically) in the event that
there is a fire or significant mechanical failure or hull puncture.
Likewise, I would suggest the each of these nested cylinders be
segmented with the same capability to isolated individulal segments for
the same reasons. The number of isolating segments employed in each
nested cylinder would be dictated by the potential impact of the various
failure modes or emergency conditions anticipated. Due to its enclosed
atmosphere, an uncontrorled fire would probably be one of the major
concerns - as it is on ships and, especially, on submarines.

Rudundacy of critical systems is just common sense in any closed system.
In this regard redundancy means not only the ability to switch to
alternate pieces of equipment, but also the ability to reroute systems
around failed or isolated portions of the station. This would include
communications, computers, electrical power transmission and switching,
water supplies and piping, air supplies and ductwork, drainage systems
and pumps, cooling systens and waste heat radiator systems, etc. Due to
the potential for serious consequences of multiple (individual
component) failures, I would recommend double redundancy (two back-up
systems) for anything that might significantly effect the operation of
the station. To my mind this includes just about every system.

Any thoughts on this?

Chris

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