A Systems Design for a Prototype Space Colony

8.44 the finished section out. The cab of the hoist then moves toward the center of the mast and stops in a position such that a crane can take the section from it. The cab of the crane extends its manipulator arms and takes hold of the section. The crane then moves along the frame, and the cab moves around the crane until it is in a position above the point where the section is to be installed. The manipulator arms then position it, while workers fasten it into place. The first part of the colony to be assembled is the inner hull of the cylindrical mid-section. Once several sections of the inner hull are together, the bulkheads are attached. Then the bags containing the shielding, as described in Section VIII.4.5.3, are installed in the bays formed by the inner hull and bulkheads. Finally, the bay is sealed by the installation of the outer hull section. There is an access door on each inner hull s.ection to allow inspection and repair of the bulkheads and outer walls, and through which the assembly crew can get out. After a small region of inner and outer hull is completed, the outer hull is connected semipermanently to the frame, as described in Section VIII.7.2.1. Thus for the rest of the assembly process the hull is fixed to the frame. The cylindrical section of the colony is finished and the hemispherical endcaps are then assembled, in the same fashion. At this point, it is necessary to use a second crane, as mentioned in Section VIII.7.2.1. The 2000 fasteners in a 20m x 20m section must be installed in 16.9 hours or at a rate of one fastener every 30 seconds. A team of two men is assumed to be able to install one fastener every minute using a zero-torque hand held power wrench. Therefore, two or three teams of two men are needed for assembly. Automation would probably speed this process somewhat. Using this procedure, it is possible to assemble the 1020 hull sections and 1050 bulkhead sections which comprise the main colony hull in the course of five years. VIII.7.3.3: Final Assembly: As the hull is being assembled as outlined above, several other operations are also taking place. Before

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