The Struts: Building the Foundation of Future Space Travel
How a simple idea from a cult sci-fi movie could pave the way for our journey into the cosmos
From horse carriages to spaceships, the history of transportation has been defined by the infrastructure upon which it is built. As we venture into the future of space travel, a simple yet groundbreaking idea may hold the key to unlocking our cosmic journey — The Struts.
The Evolution of Roads and Transportation
The very existence of roads has had a significant impact on the way we travel. In fact, the dimensions of modern cars can be traced back to the days when roads were first designed for horse carriages. As automobiles replaced these carriages, the size of our vehicles became inherently tied to the width of the roads we inherited.
This transition from horse carriages to automobiles serves as a prime example of how the foundational infrastructure of transportation has shaped human progress. With our sights set on space, the need for a new type of infrastructure becomes evident — one that can support the demands of space travel and drive the development of spacecraft.
A Spaceport for the Future
In the vast expanse of space, there are no roads. However, the freedom of 3D navigation presents a unique challenge in designing a new transportation system that can accommodate spacecraft of various sizes and capabilities. In the absence of roads, our journey to the stars will begin at spaceports, where spacecraft are constructed, stationed, and launched into the depths of the universe.
The Struts, a concept inspired by the space station featured in the 1997 cult classic, Event Horizon, offers a minimalist yet effective approach to the design of such spaceports. Boasting benefits such as low cost, easy transport, and simple assembly and maintenance, the Struts could become the defining factor that shapes the scale and design of the spaceships of tomorrow.
The Power of Simple Ideas
Just as the dimensions of our terrestrial vehicles were determined by the characteristics of our roads, which in turn evolved from the days of horse carriages, the Struts could be the starting point for the next great leap in transportation infrastructure. Visionaries like Elon Musk, if focused on developing such simple yet transformative ideas, could become the pioneers of the space age.
By investing in Struts, a scalable and practical infrastructure for generations to come, history could be made by putting the first proverbial stone in place. After all, it is not always the grand innovations that shape society, but the humble foundations upon which greatness is built.
In Conclusion
The Struts, inspired by a thought-provoking sci-fi movie, could be the key to unlocking our future in space. By laying down a simple, practical, and scalable infrastructure that can accommodate the demands of space travel, visionaries can pave the way for generations to follow. As we stand on the brink of a new frontier, let’s remember the lessons of the past — that the smallest, simplest ideas have the power to change the world and propel us towards a cosmic destiny.
