S.P.A.C.E
Self Propagating Autonomous Colonization and Exploration
Abstract:
A self replicating robotic system for exploration and construction to allow mankind to colonize the universe.
System will mine, process matter, produce elements and compounds, fabricate parts for reproduction and construction of human structures, assemble new families of robot systems, and launch to other planets and moons in the universe.
Project Theory:
A family of robots is the complete system required to reproduce and construct human structures as listed below. Each family will reproduce 26 times to launch in separate directions for other planets and moons.
A robot can be programmed to excavate soils from a planet. It is as simple as knowing the location of the excavator and telling it to go forward at its current elevation and excavate the soil. At a predetermined distance the robot will turn 90°, travel the width of the robot, turn 90° again and proceed excavating until reaching the starting point.
To locate the excavator, the triangulation method will be used. Three triangulation robots will travel a set distance from the landing site and start operating. The excavator robot, and all other robots in the family, will send a signal via radio waves with its information: Robot #, Current Activity, Problem Code, etc. The triangulation robot will interpret the direction that the signal came from and transmit the angle back to the central processing robot. The central processing robot will combine the 3 directions and pinpoint the location of the excavator. It will then transmit back to the excavator and tell it what to do. Triangulation works by using a dual radio receiver that measures the time difference between receiving a single signal between 2 antennas. Through mathematics, the direction of the source can be determined. Using 3 directions, the central processing robot can locate the position of the excavator. This process is similar to locating earthquakes.
Once the excavator is working, it will load the dump truck robot. The dump truck robot will transport the soil back to the processing plant. At the plant, a spectrograph robot will analyze the soil and determine which processing line the current soil stockpile will go to.
Aluminum production will require about 20 different robots. After aluminum is produced, it will either be extruded or cast into various products. The extruded aluminum will be sent to the parts production line. This line consists of a drill, saw, tap and die, grinder, lathe, CNC, and various other tool robots. After the parts are produced, they will be sent to the assembly line to be assembled into new families of robots.
After producing 26 families, the system will produce materials for construction of human structures. Also, it will produce materials for export to other family locations that do not have enough products for reproduction and construction. The system will be ultimately controlled by one person, although the system will operate autonomously. This person will gather data from all the family central processing robots and direct them, at his discretion, to perform other tasks.
Each central processing robot can communicate with other central processing robots and request materials and goods or advertise the availability of extra materials and goods. Information regarding the activities about the system, data about materials, supplies and elements at each location will be sent to the human operator.
Project Funding:
This project will require approximately 3000 robots for the first family. This family will be the testing family that will remain on Earth. It will produce the second family for launch to the Moon. The cost per robot will be averaged at $5000.00. Each robot will be produced with 90% off the shelf parts, and 10% fabricated parts in our shop. Equipment for our shop includes drill press, CNC machine, lathe, grinder, band saw, and various other pieces of equipment.
Office equipment includes: 4 computers, 4 desks and chairs, and various other office items. A shop with a minimum of 10,000 sq. ft. will be required. Employees will include:
Director $ 52,000/yr
Secretary $ 26,000/yr
Engineers:
Electronics $ 52,000/yr
Mechanical $ 52,000/yr
Rockets $ 52,000/yr
Programmer $ 52,000/yr
Chemist $ 52,000/yr
Total $ 338,000/yr
The total cost to fund start up costs, operating expenses, and initial production will be $17,000,000.00.
Time Lines:
The project will be completed and sent to the Moon within 2 years.
0-6 months: Set up shop, design and build excavation and processing subsystems.
6-12 months: Design and build parts production and assembly subsystems.
12-18 months: Design and build construction subsystems.
18-23 months: Design and build launch vehicle.
24th month: Launch system to moon.