8. 39 Two questions which bear some examination are those of static and dynamic charge accumulation by the colony site or the colony itself. Since any structure in space is in an environment filled with charged particles of the solar wind, it is likely that over time it would pick up a net static charge. The effect of this charge on instruments and the possibility of discharge at approaching vehicles must be examined. In addition, this large metal conducting structure is in orbit around the Earth and Sun and constantly cutting across magnetic field lines. The effect of (~ x ~) forces would cause a concentration of positive charge in one part of the colony structure, and negative charge in another, in effect north and south poles. Again, there is the possibility of discharge and instrument distortion due to the resulting electric field. VIII.7.2.4: Local Navigation System: Some system of local navigation is needed at the colony site to facilitate the approach and docking of arriving vehicles, and allow the exact positioning of the colony assembly relative to the colony site structure. For this it is suggested that a three transponder system be used with one transponder at each end of the colony along the colony axis of symmetry and a third transponder temporarily attached to one extreme end of the mast (see Figure 8.8). The third transponder would be moved to the colony hull after spin-up. Using a system such as the present Omega navigation system, a remote unit can pick up the three signals and calculate position by signal phase comparison. During construction exact position information is vital to precision assembly of the colony; after spin-up the knowledge of exact position relative to the spinning colony is essential for successful docking. VIII.7.2.5: Initial Deployment Sequence: We now consider how the construction site facilities themselves are built. Since most of the components of the site are larger than the size of the Shuttle cargo bay, they must be assembled either in low earth orbit or at the colony site. The choice of where to assemble these large components depends mostly on the existing facilities in low earth orbit and the transportation facilities used from low earth orbit to the colony location. Since this choice is not critical to the procedure, it is assumed that the components are assembled at LS.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==