Innovative space technology
Keywords Automation, Cybernetics, Research, Technological developments
Abstract Reports and surveys are given of selected current research and development in systems and cybernetics. They include: Language interface, Automated automobile, Innovative space technology, Software reliability and safety, Automatic analysis of handwritten documents, High-tech musical instruments, Biological motors, Interplay between smell and the mind, Cybernetics and automation.
Innovative space technology
Roton space helicopter
There is little doubt that the new space technology that is being developed will open up space and herald cheap manned space travel with space tourism being a very viable prospect. Even countries that so far have avoided space research projects because of the enormous costs involved may be able to partake in space ventures. This is the claim made by those who recently launched what was originally described as a "revolutionary space helicopter" that looks like a pepperpot with rotors. This is the lightweight and reusable Roton which is built of carbon-fibre composites instead of aluminium. It is designed to blast off into space in a way that has been described "as a giant Catherine wheel and land like a giant metal sycamore seed" with the assistance of whirling retractable blades.
Flights of the Roton have yet, of course to prove these claims but testing trials are taking place and the results eagerly awaited by the space industry. Whatever the final verdict on Roton, it has to be appreciated that this is no NASA project but probably the first privately-developed spaceship built without government or military funding.
Design and performance
Once the Roton reaches the edge of the atmosphere its rotors are folded into the side of the body and rockets are used to blast it into orbit about 200 miles above the earth's surface. The rotors are then unfolded to slow its descent from three times the speed of sound to a safe speed of some two miles per hour. The developers say that the airflow will keep the rotors spinning but the pilot can adjust the angle of the blades and use thrusters at the tips of the rotors to fine-control the landing.
The Roton is designed by Gary Hudson, a US aerospace engineer, and the project is partly financed by Tom Clancy, the author. Gary Hudson has already made his views on space travel known to the Federal Aviation Administration Conference at Washington DC recently when he said that: "We intend to operate our prototypes initially but after a few years we intend to sell to any comers. That would include tourism firms".
NASA has praised the idea and support has come from many sources. The Rotary Rocket Company operating in California has indicated that the first planned flights would be manned by former US navy test pilots. Ten test flights are scheduled for this year. In the first flights of the Roton test programme the prototype, which is 63 feet high, would be taken to about 6,000 feet and be manned by two pilots.
Gary Hudson says that:
After the first few flights it will become essentially a one person vehicle. In the second seat we will be able to fly other people. Everybody in this company has their name on the waiting list to be the second person aboard.
He has spent some £10 million and a decade of development on the project.
Current progress
The early Rotons will not contain the spinning engine that rotates at 720 rpm. Initial tests will concentrate on the machine's take off and landing abilities. The Roton's motor consists, the company says, of:
96 beer-can sized combustion chambers, each mounted at a slight angle around the edge of a 23 foot rotating disc. Centrifugal force throws relatively cheap kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen into the chambers, removing the need for expensive turbopumps.
The take-off and landing is carried out in the sequence:
Take-off - rotary rocket blasts off.
In orbit - reaches earth orbit.
Releases satellite - from cargo bay, as required.
Re-entry - rotors are deployed ready for re-entry into atmosphere.
Powered landing - rotors are tipped with rockets to help descent to earth.
Earth landing - rotary rocket makes a fine controlled landing and can be reused for other missions.
The need for such a system in space is not only motivated by the needs of space travel but also because some 1,200 telecommunications satellites are scheduled to be launched into space before the year 2005. Project leaders say that if the Roton is successful these space launches of satellites could have their costs cut by some 90 per cent. This possibility, together with an estimate that cheap manned space travel and tourism could be available at £15,000 a seat, is already taking the space industry to new levels of excitement and anticipation.
