Launch Ledger

Studying space architecture, habitats, off world manufacturing, space psychology & law. Following the commercial space race. Long $RKLB since 2022.

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

My Mars habitat concept: a ~350 m³ central sphere housing the crew and a closed-loop ECLSS, surrounded by six functional modules (crew quarters, science and work, medical, exercise, EVA prep and airlock), all linked to the hub by shielded corridors.

ISRU regolith shielding 3D-printed over Earth-delivered inflatable pressure cores, fully enclosed to shield against radiation, temperature extremes and dust. The soft quilted interiors are designed around human wellbeing for long-term isolation. Rough shell outside, warm and human within.

In theory, once on land they are built autonomously before anyone arrives. Deploy the inflatable cores, then 3D-print the regolith shielding over them using the local surface material. Establish a closed-loop ECLSS internally, recycling air and water for self-sufficiency, get the habitat pressurised, tested and ready.

Only once a site is built and proven do humans begin occupation, arriving to a base that already works. Theoretically, this holds up.

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@AJamesMcCarthy Very cool 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@russellbrunson Agree 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@EarthxGame Can i jump on?

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@csa_asc Likely end of September

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@jabe8 @BigelowSpace Yeah. Shame. 😖

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

I believe inflatable & ISRU still stands as best case for initial lunar surface. Have you seen the scale I drafted? Not suggesting ISRU could very much be the predominant focus, which in time, it likely will. That said they have paused the lunar gateway & all efforts focused onto surface so it very much could be a hab &/or module set up initially just to “establish” some form of dominance. I may come back to this comment to update…

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

Finally feels official 👍🏻

The global exploration roadmap and phases of space exploration timeframe for 2020/2040 as it stands.

Lunar Orbit & Surface missions late 2020’s: Surface exploration, science, development of testing technology and infrastructure needed for surface settlements. Orbit: Gateway. (Paused)

Mars surface missions 2035/2040+
Robotic, exploration, science, development & testing technologies + infrastructure for deep space exploration. Orbit: Mars transported capabilities, Mars orbital missions.

[NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman @NASAAdmin]

America is returning to the lunar surface, building the Moon Base, pioneering nuclear propulsion in space, and preparing to take that next giant leap and send astronauts to Mars, all while launching exciting missions of discovery to the outer solar system.

This, alongside a growing orbital and perhaps lunar economy, will require a new generation of exceptional talent. The NASA-led U.S. Space Academy is a commitment to that future and will help ensure continued American leadership in space.

Thank you, @POTUS.

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@BrightInsight6 Truth 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@charlesboyer Tickets sold out 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@alx Very cool 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@TaylorCSargent Very cool 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@DrPhiltill Interesting 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@_abbie_watson_ @kaiarhodes Awesome! 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@_abbie_watson_ @kaiarhodes Cool. Closed loop?

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@kaiarhodes Awesome 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@arshavsky Awesome

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@gru_space Only 2% of the budget in said article covered life support & construction. The report also cites as evidence of demand and inspiration; single tourism/inspiration reference - not as a construction or habitat.

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@_sun_yi Every expert was once a beginner 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@shirshakchavan Cool 👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@redbullfuturist 😅👍🏻

[Launch Ledger @TheLaunchLedger]

@bsilone Good. 👍🏻