Source: Photo by David Hofmann on Unsplash
By Lou Farrell, Senior Blog Writer
The future of space discovery is now, as experts are adamantly manufacturing for Mars exploration. Countless small contributions comprise these massive accomplishments of diving into the great unknown, but many go unrecognized. As humanity approaches setting foot on the Red Planet, now is the best time to appreciate everything going into viable orbital observational technologies and spacecraft operations.
Thermal Management Coatings
Orbital and space traversal technologies are exposed to extreme environmental conditions, including hot and cold temperatures. Some materials have the utility astronomers and space explorers want, such as strength or flexibility to form sturdy shapes. However, they may not have the corrosion- or heat-resistant qualities intense activity demands. Therefore, professionals apply thermal management coatings to enhance their capabilities.
The coatings for spacecraft and satellites are essential for longevity. They allow the machinery to receive immense ultraviolet exposure and radiation without degrading as quickly. They also prevent overheating, which is crucial for upkeep. Most space technologies are operated remotely, so they must have reliable uptimes to prevent expensive, excessive maintenance. Coatings are the key to stable temperatures and regulating performance for long missions.
Star Tracker Calibration
Gravity, temperature and radiation are only several factors that can distort orbital technology’s performance. Astronomers must know exactly where stars are, coordinates and specifications at all times because they impact the environment around them. To do this, professionals use star trackers, which often need recalibrating for accuracy.
Space phenomena can sometimes cause distortions, errors or misreadings in orbital tech. If workers want to route spacecraft accurately, calibrating star trackers is a must. Doing so ensures everything is in the right place so that when satellites start collecting data or taking photos, they are of the correct subjects.
Momentum Wheel Maintenance
In space flight, attitude determination describes the positioning of a spacecraft from all perspectives. Orientation on all axes matters for the trajectory, but also determines how well communications are transmitted and received.
Momentum wheels control a spacecraft’s attitude — if they are poorly maintained, they could be challenging to maneuver. They are responsible for handling orientation, thrust, momentum, and more. The wheels must be reliable and consistent, especially in long, intense mission planning, staying at the right dimension, resisting warping and never corroding.
This requires precision engineering during production to discourage extra maintenance while on the mission, so makers leverage tools like outside diameter grinders and additive manufacturing. It minimizes tolerances in stressful environments like high altitudes.
Radiation Hardening of Specific Components
Manufacturing for Mars and other space ventures needs to consider more than temperature during equipment construction and engineering. Many components require radiation hardening to resist its effects. Like coatings improve thermal management, hardening methods allow electronics to work consistently under these pressures.
Scientists focus on parts with a high total ionizing dose, or the pieces most susceptible to compounding damage that could threaten performance over time. Additionally, single-event effects — which are smaller radiation strikes — are another consideration. These still leave a mark on spacecraft because they can lead to downtime.
Source: Photo by Leandro Ruiz on Unsplash
Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Shielding Degradation
MMOD shielding is a physical barrier between satellites and spacecraft. It helps materials withstand objects moving at high velocities, such as small meteoroids. MMOD shielding also prevents denting and other damage to the exterior that would compromise structural integrity. The shield is necessary because some space debris is hard to see or invisible. Flying for extended periods without a hardy MMOD shield can leave small marks over time that reduce efficacy.
When the MMOD shield degrades, its thermal properties are also altered, cycling heat throughout the mechanisms until everything is exposed. The smallest micrometeoroids can lead to notable damage that changes the conditions of the internal structure, too. If objects or secondary debris penetrate the shield, everything else weakens until potential failure.
Cryogenic Propellant Management
Liquid oxygen and hydrogen are two cryogenic propellants. They are essential for powering rocket engines, though they are dangerous and fickle to maintain. Transporting them incorrectly causes boil-off, transforming the liquid into an unusable gas.
Minimizing boil-off is necessary during long missions to extend their lifespans. Zero boil-off storage and cooling technologies are available, but they require oversight since boil-off can happen quickly.
Orbital Perturbation Modeling
Orbital perturbations are unexpected forces from celestial objects — this happens often. Astronomers and scientists attempt to predict these occurrences with mathematical and computational modeling for influences like thermoelectric power, but surprises still happen.
Experts attempt to reduce the number of potential variables and discrepancies, such as anticipating radiation pressure or drag in high orbit. Incorporating next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins can help make these projections even more accurate because the system is constantly learning about each celestial subject. Over time, the determinations have less room for error, as it understands how each type of orbital spacecraft interacts with its characteristics, such as gravitational pull.
Software Glitch Mitigation
Every tool space experts use is prone to a glitch or hiccup. These can happen because of a programming error or a cybersecurity threat. Regardless of the issue’s origin, technologies that reach or surround Mars or other planetary bodies must connect flawlessly without pausing. A minor glitch can lead to massive problems, such as component failure, inaccurate readings or position displacement.
Error handling is one of the most important efforts these teams can make. Redundancy and security in spacecraft software keep systems online, astronauts safe, and information trustworthy.
Human Factors in Long-Duration Spaceflight
The human influence on spacecraft is inarguable. Everyone makes mistakes, including the brightest minds boarding or operating shuttles. These individuals — in space and on Earth — endure unique stressors with this line of work.
Some experience long periods of their career with minimal discovery, while others in space have to live in lengthy isolation. The impacts on their bodies are also notable — astronauts often have to undergo an intense reconditioning regimen to reacclimate their bodies.
Therefore, one of the best strategies for keeping Mars and space exploration efforts alive is to mitigate as many negative human factors as possible. This will motivate the next generation to pursue these goals and prove it is a safe and worthy endeavor. Fixing circadian rhythms and bone loss is possible, especially when the insights acquired from exploring space are so valuable.
Autonomous Navigation System Validation
Strong communication protocols and remote controls are critical for moving spacefaring vehicles autonomously. Experts must often review the navigational system’s health because a communications misfire could lead to equipment loss in deep space. These control technologies are some of the most important manufactured today because they make exploration possible.
Material Outgassing Measures
Sometimes, polymers, organic matter and other gases leave a spacecraft unintentionally. Outgassing is a problem because it can disrupt signals, contaminate surfaces and erode materials. The volatile compounds can make everything from solar panels to sensors misbehave, so engineers incorporate outgassing prevention tools to lower the risk.
Using components with fewer solvents and lubricants is part of the solution. Outgassing testing is another strategy, which uses vacuum chambers and heat lamps to discover problem areas.
Manufacturing for Mars and Beyond
An impossible amount of human collaboration and technologies empower space exploration. Many focus on the big-picture objects like satellites and spaceships, but they only function because of niche, often-overlooked innovations like debris shields or flexible control mechanisms. When humans finally reach Mars and beyond, these smaller contributions will make it possible.
Author’s Personal Note: I’m always looking for inspiration in my daily life that can reflect into my writings. Sometimes it’s an interaction with a certain person, and sometimes it’s random happenstance. Well, this time it was my car breaking down, and all over a single little piece (part of the brake pedal, and without it, the car refused to acknowledge the brake wasn’t being pressed, and thus it near-instantly drained the whole battery.)
In the spirit of that, I decided to pursue this article topic of examining the overlooked-but-critical parts of the manufacturing puzzle in pursuing future endeavors on Mars! Stay tuned for Part Two, which will cover more on-the-surface aspects!