One of the key challenges of long term human presence for exploration and research in low earth orbit is the microgravity environment. This environment is a key enabler for research on today's International Space Station, but is also a major factor contributing to negative effects on the human body and mind.

In order to expand the capabilities of a future orbiting station the element of artificial gravity will need to be added. This team project will look into the design challenges of a large orbiting facility in low earth orbit. This orbiting facility should not only support microgravity and other space-based research, but also be a place to live, work and visit for much larger numbers of people than current space stations.

The Artificial Gravity Conceptual Vehicle Design includes key engineering and design considerations for a crewed low earth orbit space station, which uses rotation to provide artificial gravity. It will have a center section which will provide a microgravity environment for research and manufacturing, and will also serve as the docking location for the station. This vehicle will be a grand complex. It is designed to be orbited in the 2035 to 2040 timeframe, and it will make living and working in space commonplace. The station will be very large and provide an environment compatible with work and tourism. It is expected that up to 200 people may reside on the complex at any one time. Workers and their families will live on board. A hotel to house tourists will be part of the complex. There will be schools, stores, green areas
with ponds or streams, a cinema, restaurants etc.


This proposed TP has been proposed by a commercial entity that is not currently associated with ISU. The proposal asks for ISU to study an artificial gravity LEO facility for the commercial customer, but authorizes open release of the study results.


Conceptual design and associated analyses of a commercial artificial gravity (AG) LEO space station.


  1. An overall technical description of the operational AG Space Station. 
  2. An overall description of the trades and recommended technical solutions involving major AG Space Station systems.
  3. Resupply strategy for the AG Space Station. The resupply needs should be traded against system design (e.g., life support closure level vs. consumable needs)
  4. Launch and assembly strategy of the AG Space Station should attempt to minimize launch costs while remaining consistent with the ground rules and constraints.
  5. Suggest an appropriate name for this facility.
  6. Business case analysis for an AG LEO facility, including identification of commercial and other customers
  7. Analysis of the legal framework for a commercial LEO facility


This proposed TP examines a commercial space project, without consideration to nation of development, launch, operation or servicing. Unlike team projects that address specific issues of national space agencies or geographic regions, a commercial project of this type can be implemented by any a broad range of international or commercial interests, and offer services to a broad international customer base.

ISU is being asked to perform this TP for the unique international and intercultural perspective that the ISU participants bring to this task.


  • ISU requirements (TPP, TP Report, Executive Summary, Final Presentation)
  • IAC Paper and Presentation (Sep 2016)
  • UN-COPUOS STSC/GA Conference Paper and Presentation (Feb/Jun 2017)
  • Stakeholder presentation and academic poster template for local participant use

Suggested References


  1. Management
  2. Chairs
  3. Academics
  4. TAs
  5. Logistics
  6. Public Relations
  7. IT
  8. SEAC & TP Editors
  9. Participant Liaison & Library

SSP16 Host Institution

Technion Logo Eng Ver White

Technion City, Haifa, Israel





More about the SSP16 host institution:
Welcome to Technion
Technion Map in English (PDF)
SSP16 Campus map




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Host Institution


Local Sponsors


MoSTS Logo

Ilan Ramon Foundation

Haifa Municipality Israel ADELIS logo 10ans
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Major Sponsors

ADELIS logo 10ans Axiom SPACE
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Program Supported By

China Space Foundation   ESA

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Ilan Ramon Foundation

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