Method for Constructing Structural Bodies in a Zero Gravity Environment

摘要

A method for autonomously constructing structural bodies in a zero gravity environment utilizes an assembly line space structure to fabricate segments for constructing a modular space structure. An assembly housing provides an open ended structure through which materials are processed in order to construct a segment. The materials are loaded into a plurality of workstations positioned along the assembly housing through the use of a plurality of external manipulators adjacently connected to the assembly housing. Each of the plurality of workstations provides the equipment for sequentially loading materials into the assembly housing. An assembly line conveyor, positioned throughout the plurality of workstations, guides materials through the assembly housing as the materials are mated to form the segment. Upon completion of the segment, a plurality of segment transport units transports the segment to an orbital construction site, wherein the segment is mated with subsequent segments to form the space station.

主权项

1. A method for autonomously constructing structural bodies in a zero gravity environment, the method comprises the steps of:
receiving, by a communications assembly of an assembly line space structure, manufacturing instructions for constructing a segment; unloading a plurality of construction materials from a transport spacecraft, wherein the plurality of construction materials is correspondingly arranged within the transport spacecraft according to the manufacturing instructions; distributing the plurality of construction materials about a plurality of workstations of the assembly line space structure; sequentially loading each of the plurality of construction materials into the assembly line space structure according to the manufacturing instructions; erecting, by the assembly line space structure, the segment from the plurality of construction materials according to the manufacturing instructions; and discharging the segment from the assembly line space structure, wherein the segment is transported to a zero-gravity construction site.