Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I would expect lots of double and triple hulls. Especially on the glassy parts. Micrometorite smashes through a pane and it only opens up the compartmentalized space between the walls. It doesn't even depressurize anything because the secondary hull can be left unpressurized. These can then be repaired by technicians.

A big emergency plug can be designed for large impacts, and as a last resort everybody can be trained in the use of emergency depressurization shelters. It's not without its risks, but at the same time it's not like the Earth is totally safe either. O'Neill colonies don't have to worry about natural disasters.




There are already proposals for resin-filled self-healing polymers and epoxies. This would provide a high amount of resilience to small impacts.


I've seen a clever concept with special has filled baloons covered with a sticky resin layer from the inside.

If there is a hull breach the baloons are automatically released, get sucked into the hole, break apart and seal it with the resin.


You cold definitely do a Whipple shield - basically a stand-of plate that vaporizws and fractures any projectiles, making it impact the next plate/hull on much bigger area but with much less localized force. This is basically the main defense ISS has agains micro meteorites and orbital debris.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: