Space Canopy and Greenbubbles
A space-adapted
variant of the Canopy Plant
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Space Canopy and GreenbubblesA space-adapted
variant of the Canopy Plant |
The Space Canopy is a space-adapted variant of the Canopy Plant, and was
developed by Soft
Cathedral refugees who had emigrated to the Zoeific
Biopolity after the eighth Sagittarius Periphery War. The Space
Canopy can be grown on carbonaceous asteroids, inner system dead comet
cores or even on an airless moon that has volatiles enough in its
crust. It can be directed to cover individual craters or an entire
planetary body. Its growth process is roughly the same as that of the
original Canopy Plant but the canopy consists of a tougher, more
radiation resistant double-walled membrane. A reservoir of water
between the walls of the membrane provides the majority of the
interior's radiation protection.
The Greenbubble is a popular version of the Space Canopy that is
designed to utilize smaller bodies such as comets or asteroids. A
double-walled canopy membrane grows out to approximately 100 metres in
diameter and then pumps gases into the space between the walls.
This begins to inflate the canopy into a great bubble. Customization of
the interior space can begin at this point. As it continues to grow,
the canopy envelope becomes double-walled yet again to create space for
the water reservoir. This reservoir serves as the majority of the
habitat's water supply, and also protects the contents against
radiation and moderates temperature extremes. Strong vines in the
interior space and over the canopy provide structural support and are
conduits for the circulation of nutrients and bionano. Processed
elements and chemical compounds are deposited within storage bladders.
Curtain membranes subdivide the interior as desired. The final habitat
is anywhere from 100 to 1000 metres in diameter, and can be further
outfitted with non-biological components as well. Once full growth and
customization are complete, the bubble separates from its root system.
The established roots may then proceed to grow more bubbles for as long
as the asteroid or cometary body can continue to supply feedstock.
Depending on distance from the star it orbits and on the amount of
power the inhabitants require, solar power collecting leaves can
be grown or drytech solar energy collectors/generators may be attached
to the basic Greenbubble.
If waste heat disposal is necessary, the Greenbubble can grow organic
radiators.
Greenbubbles can orbit their stars alone or in clusters. Clusters may
be connected by direct attachment, or may be tied together by great
umbilical vines and transit tubes.
The Space Canopy and Greenbubbles have been adapted for use as a tool
for mining asteroids and comets as well as for habitation. For mining,
the Space Canopy is directed to simply blanket the area being worked in
order to prevent the escape of any volatiles while simplified
Greenbubble envelopes are used to store the processed material until
they are picked up.
Related Pages:
Canopy Plant - Canopy Plants are neogen plants used in terraforming, paraterraforming, or habitat creation
