Abstract
This paper proposes and elaborates in detail a novel space infrastructure concept for future deep-space exploration—the"Space Wheel"system.Built upon the coupling of classical orbital mechanics and rotational dynamics,this concept employs ultra-long flexible tethers connecting a momentum station to one or more docking stations,thereby creating a platform capable of high-performance momentum exchange with spacecraft.The core mechanism operates as follows:a spacecraft briefly docks with a rapidly rotating grapple station(docking station),co-rotates through a segment of circular motion,and is then released at an optimal phase—gaining or losing significant velocity.Theoretically,the maximum achievable Δv can approach twice the docking station rotational velocity.This principle offers a transformative pathway toward drastically reducing propellant consumption and enhancing transportation efficiency in deep-space missions.Besides rotating space ladder,Moon space wheel,the paper also systematically outlines Space Wheel applications across four representative scenarios.First,on small bodies—such as Phobos,Deimos,or near-Earth asteroids—a momentum anchor can be firmly affixed to the surface(e.g.,at the poles)to construct a"Martian Moon/Small-Body Space Wheel".Due to sufficient total mass to absorb repeated momentum exchanges without significant orbital perturbation,such systems could operate stably for decades.They would enable low-cost insertion into or escape from Martian orbit,as well as support in-situ resource utilization(ISRU)operations on asteroids.Second,a"Lunar Ferry"is envisioned in a highly eccentric Earth orbit,with its perigee within low Earth orbit(LEO)and apogee extending to the vicinity of the Moon.With an orbital period of approximately half a month,this ferry could encounter Earth once every one revolutions while also approaching the Moon periodically.Equipped with multiple rotating docking stations,it could provide scheduled,point-to-point cargo or crew transfer between Earth and the Moon.Third,the concept is extended to heliocentric orbits via the"Interplanetary Ferry":Its perihelion could be placed near Earth's orbit—or even Venus's—while its aphelion reaches Mars,Jupiter,or the asteroid belt.By selecting resonant orbital periods(e.g.,1.5,2,3-12 Earth years)and strategically distributing aphelion longitudes,a network of such ferries could form an"interplanetary bus system"spanning from Mercury to the asteroid belt and beyond,accommodating diverse mission launch windows and trajectory requirements.Fourth,all these configurations can be adapted for human spaceflight.Thanks to tether lengths of tens of kilometers and controllable angular velocities,the Space Wheel can generate artificial gravity ranging from 0.1g to 1g—effectively mitigating physiological degradation caused by prolonged weightlessness,such as muscle atrophy,bone loss,and cardiovascular deconditioning.Moreover,the system's projected multi-decade service life justifies higher initial construction costs,enabling the integration of thick radiation shielding layers around crewed docking modules to significantly enhance protection against galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events during deep-space transits.
Despite its compelling potential,the realization of the Space Wheel faces several critical engineering challenges:The development of ultra-lightweight tether materials capable of spanning tens of kilometers while exhibiting exceptional specific strength,resistance to atomic oxygen erosion,and resilience against micrometeoroid impacts;Autonomous rendezvous,rapid capture,and safe release mechanisms for spacecraft interfacing with high-speed rotating grapple stations under dynamic conditions;Attitude stabilization,vibration suppression,and orbital maintenance for extremely large,flexible multi-body systems;Future challenges in space traffic management,collision avoidance,and international coordination should large constellations of such systems be deployed.Nevertheless,ongoing advances in carbon nanotube fibers,graphene-reinforced composites,AI-driven autonomous operations,and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing capabilities are steadily rendering these challenges tractable.
The paper concludes by proposing a phased,incremental development roadmap:Near-term:Conduct sub-kilometer to kilometer-scale technology demonstration missions in LEO to validate rotational dynamics,artificial gravity generation,and docking reliability;Mid-term:Deploy the first-generation Lunar Ferry prototype to support logistics for lunar gateways and crewed lunar landings;Long-term:Integrate Space Wheels into Mars exploration and asteroid mining campaigns,ultimately establishing an interplanetary momentum-exchange network that synergizes with orbital propellant depots,deep-space relay stations,and in-orbit assembly platforms—forming a sustainable,high-efficiency infrastructure for solar system transportation and resource utilization.
In summary,while the Space Wheel remains a conceptual proposal,its unique advantages in reducing mission cost,enhancing operational flexibility,and enabling long-duration human presence in deep space position it as a compelling and forward-looking architecture—one that could play a pivotal role in humanity's sustained expansion into the solar system in the latter half of the 21st century.This English version maintains fidelity to the original Chinese extended abstract,uses precise aerospace terminology,and adopts a formal academic style suitable for conference proceedings,white papers,or high-level concept publications in journals such as Acta Astronautica,Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets,or Space Policy.Let me know if you'd like a shorter abstract,keyword list,or adaptation for a specific publication format.关键词
太空轮/动量交换/空间运输系统/行星际公交/人造重力/小天体开发/深空基础设施Key words
space wheel/momentum exchange/space transportation system/interplanetary bus/artificial gravity/small body utilization/deep space infrastructure分类
航空航天
