2016 Papers and Publications

ID #: IAC-16.B5.2.12x34515

Published on September 28th, 2016

Enhancing Productivity and Creativity: Applying Space Science to Improve the Workplace Environment on Earth and Preparing our Workforce for Life in Outer Space

67th International Astronautical Congress 2016 (IAC)

SYMPOSIUM ON INTEGRATED APPLICATIONS (B5)

Integrated Applications End-to-End Solutions (2)

Author: Ms. Nancy C. Wolfson

Collaborator: Prof. Edythe Weeks

Abstract

In the 21st century, corporations understand that workplace strategies are changing due to advances in space technology. Those advances are showing us that living and working in outer space is closer to becoming a reality than previously thought. In this paper we argue the need for actively making space science technology more accessible to corporations and their workforces. This proposal seeks to bring to the scientific community tangible examples of companies that have achieved success through alternative and more flexible workplace design and management styles. We believe that these improvements can be further enhanced by implementing outer space technology. The study of these improvements on Earth will serve as a testing ground for their implementation in outer space. We will examine the benefits to productivity, growth and revenue and how we can take current alternative workplaces examples to the next level, using space science technology, ergonomics and knowledge about human sensory science and utilize its integrated application to provide practical and effective alternative solutions to critical phenomena affecting many work environments and enhance workforce creativity on Earth.

This paper brings in studies indicating how a number of advances related to space systems offer a unique lens for inspiring cutting edge ideas, strategies and the application of these concepts aimed at heightening creativity. The insights discussed will utilize these synergies to assist employers in providing safer, more effective, productive and inspiring workplaces for employees at all levels. This includes enhancing workplace health, problem solving, creativity, stress reduction and productivity issues for management and how we can ground these strategies as we implement these ideas in the corporate world on earth, to help us prepare better for the workplace in outer space colonies.

©Copyright 2016 by Nancy C. Wolfson, patent pending on specific aspects of intellectual

property referenced herein. Published by the IAF, with permission and released to the IAF to

publish in all forms”

Published and Presented at the IAC on September 29th, 2016

ENABLING INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL: THE NEED FOR A DIVERSE MIX OF ADVANCED ENERGY CONCEPTS: SAFE TRACKING LASER POWER TRANSMISSION, HARVESTING PROBES & FUTURE PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Authors

Bastian Paetzold

Dr. Edythe Weeks

Cameron Ashkar

Tracy S. Harris

Jeffrey Jacobs

James Essig

Nancy C. Wolfson

Myron Fendall

Marshall Barnes

Chioma Semanas

Abstract

"This paper represents a joint effort of various scholars, independent scientists and a student operating through the Interstellar Travel Group, based in Washington, D.C. in the United States of America. The paper was presented during the 68 th International Astronautical Federation Congress, which took place in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2016. "

Our paper provides a systematic evaluation of power systems in terms of their power generation capacity, size, risks and availability led to the finding that no current one single power system can be relied upon for interstellar travel. Our contribution offers considerations on topics such as space resupply stations, wireless power transmission to spaceships (while at high velocity, using tracking/tethering with lasers), as well as harvesting drones.

Futuristic propulsion technologies like the ionic levitation, laser, warp and solar concentrator are considered as alternatives for current propulsion systems. In addition to placing an emphasis on fundamental physics and propulsion research, the authors propose two novel initiatives that will advance interstellar technology while producing already-valuable technologies for terrestrial and orbital use: 1) An educational development initiative – The ‘Nicola Energy City Kit’is based on existing wireless power transmission technology and existing CanSat technology – to advance wireless power and data transmission for terrestrial and interstellar use. These technologies can affordably be tested on Earth first, and then in space. We propose a broad-based open education program that also motivates students to engage in STEM-related jobs. 2) A mobile save testing bed (‘sandbox’) for radical energy concepts – The UMPH lab is an unmanned outpost that accumulates large quantities of matter in save distance from Earth and conducts autonomous experiments, while harvesting energy or matter for the science and in-orbit resupplies.

Keywords: high technology; common technologies to space systems; space power; space propulsion; the International Astronautical Federation Congress.