Claire Reid
Scientists have devised a lunar city - complete with artificial gravity - that would enable humans to live in outer space.
The 1,300ft tall cone-shaped structure - dubbed The Glass - is designed to complete a full 360-degree turn every 20 seconds, using centrifugal force to achieve Ig, or 'normal gravity'.
Project leader Professor Yosuke Yamashiki, of Kyoto University, Japan, plans to build a prototype on the Moon’s surface and reckons it will be ready for habitation by 2050.
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Prof Yamashiki said: “The day when humans will live in outer space, on the Moon, and on Mars is just around the corner.
"NASA has positioned low gravity as a key issue for human life in space."
The Glass would have its own eco-system complete with trees and plants as well as water.
The infrastructure would also establish 'Hexatrack', an artificial gravity transportation system for interplanetary travel, meaning other space ‘cities’ would be within reach.
The lunar city would also help with the problem of humans not being able to procreate in space.
Prof Yamashiki said: "Research on low gravity has been limited to maintaining adult bodies, and its effects on the birth and growth of children have not yet been studied.
"Without gravity, mammals may not be able to give birth successfully. Even if they were able to give birth, mammals would not be able to develop normally in low gravity.
"If a person grows up in low gravity, they would not be able to stand on the Earth.
"Therefore, we propose an 'artificial gravity habitat' that can generate gravity equivalent to Earth's environment by utilising centrifugal force caused by rotation in space, on the Moon or Mars, as the core technology for human space exploration.
"We believe people should live in the facility on a daily basis and enjoy the low gravity of the Moon and Mars and the weightlessness of space only when they are working, conducting research or enjoying leisure.
"By living in the facility, human beings will be able to have children without anxiety and maintain a physical condition that allows them to return to Earth at any time."
The professor added: "In a future space society where life on the Moon and Mars will become a reality, each colony will conduct economic activities, and many people will travel for business and tourism.
"The Hexatrack system is an artificial gravity transportation system based on a rotating train system to minimise the health effects of low gravity during long-term travel."
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