Pluto's Ghost- Encounter Edition

by B. C. CHASE

  The SPHERES do exist on the International Space Station, although they do not have arms and their method of propulsion is a little different from how I explain it (they use cartridges). However, the European robot on the station named CIMON (powered by IBM’s Watson and using facial recognition software) is powered by a method similar to the one I applied to the SPHERES.

  In everything fictional, I stayed within the realm of what’s theoretically possible given current technology and scientific understanding with the exception of Lexi. That isn’t to say I don’t take some artistic license where necessary to move the narrative (for example, I provide limited information on how the ISS could be shielded from the extreme heat of a perihelion maneuver within four solar radii). On the whole, however, I have done my utmost to ensure this text is extremely rigorous in its accuracy. The extant modules of the ISS are exactly as described in this book. The procedures are all accurate and based upon NASA’s extensive documentation library, first-hand accounts, and other reliable sources. Nonfictional equipment exists exactly as I describe it, and if I name a component (for example, the J1 connector of a gyroscope), rest assured that if you went to the International Space Station you could find it there.

  For additional information on Pluto’s status as a planet, I highly recommend Chasing Pluto by New Horizons’ mission leader Alan Stern and coauthor David Grinspoon.

  One final caveat I should note about the accuracy of this novel is that unfortunately when the shuttles were assigned to their respective museums, they were gutted for parts. This means that, while I find it to be a cool idea, the actual practicality of pressing them back into service is dubious, at best. Every detail of Shuttle Atlantis’s equipment, operations, and all historical anecdotes are accurate to the best of my knowledge, however.

  While I do cite some of the references I utilized, please understand that all errors are my own.

  -B.C.

  Glossary of Abbreviations and Technical Terms

  Aft: The back direction of a spaceship

  APU: Auxiliary power unit

  BNNT: Hydrogenated boron nitride nanotubes

  DARPA: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

  CAM: Centrifuge Accommodation Module

  CDRA: Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly

  CQ: Crew quarters

  CMG: Control moment gyroscope (a gyroscope that rotates at 6,600 rpm to maintain the space station’s attitude—it has four of them).

  ECI: Existent Communicating Intelligence

  EMU: Extravehicular Mobility Unit (a spacewalk space suit)

  ESP1: External Stowage Platform One

  EVA: Extravehicular Activity

  Forward: the front direction of a spaceship

  FRAM: Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism

  GMT: Greenwich Mean Time (the standard time zone the International Space Station and the Mission Control Center use)

  Heliocentric gravity: the gravity of the sun

  Hohmann transfer: an orbital maneuver in which a spacecraft shifts its orbit to join another spacecraft for a rendezvous

  ISS: International Space Station

  JPL: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

  LEO: Low Earth orbit

  MAG: Maximum absorbency garment (an astronaut diaper)

  MCC: Mission control center. Also referred to as Houston

  MLI: Multi-layered Insulation

  Oberth maneuver: A sling-shot maneuver that takes advantage of the gravity well of a planet (or other body) in order to gain velocity

  OMS: Orbital maneuvering system. The shuttle’s OMS engines provided the thrust needed for orbital injection and other orbital maneuvers during flight.

  ORLAN-MK: Russian space suit

  Penitentes: Blades of ice formed by snow over time. On Earth they are found only in the Andes Mountains above 13,120 feet. The thin atmosphere is thought to contribute to their formation. On Pluto, they are found in the Tartarus Dorsa region and reach heights of 1,600 feet.

  Perihelion: the point of any object’s orbit at which it is closest to the sun

  Perjove: The closest point to Jupiter of an object’s orbit

  PGT: Pistol-grip tool (a space drill)

  Port: Facing towards the front, port is the left side of a spaceship

  RCS: Reaction control system. A system on a spacecraft which uses thrusters to provide thrust in any direction as well as control rotation (yaw, pitch, and roll).

  RPM: Rendezvous pitch maneuver, a backflip the shuttle performs in order for the space station crew to take pictures of the heat tiles. This maneuver was instituted after the Columbia disaster.

  SAFER: Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue. A “jetpack” worn by astronauts as they spacewalk that can be used to return to safety should they become untethered. The SAFER has never been demonstrated to be effective in simulations and practice runs. Astronauts are always tethered to two places when performing an EVA in order to decrease the chance of drifting from the station.

  SPHERES: Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellite

  SRB: Solid rocket booster

  Starboard: Facing towards the front, starboard is the right side of a spaceship

  STS: Space Transportation System. The space shuttle program

  Further Reading

  Kross, D. A., & Kirkland, B. (1997). Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Standard Interface Control Document. Houston, Texas: NASA International Space Station Program Johnson Space Center.

  Agnew, J. W., Fibuch, E. E., & Hubbard, J. D. (2004). Anesthesia during and after exposure to microgravity. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 571-580.

  Anderson, C. C. (2015). The Ordinary Spaceman: from Boyhood Dreams to Astronaut. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press.

  Anderson, C. C. (2018). It's a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut's Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press.

  Barras, P., McMasters, J., Grathwohl, K., & Blackbourne, L. H. (2005). Total Intravenous Anesthesia on the Battlefield. The Army Medical Department Journal. Retrieved from THE ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT JOURNAL: http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a522810.pdf

  Berke, J. (2018, July 28). Scientists revived tiny Siberian worms that had been frozen in permafrost for 42,000 years — and they started moving and eating. Retrieved from Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/frozen-siberian-worms-revived-after-42000-years-2018-7

  Berner, J., Pham, T., Bhanji, A. M., & Scott, C. (2015). Deep Space Network Services Catalog DSN No. 820-100, Rev. F. Retrieved from Jet Propulsion Laboratory: https://deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov/files/dsn/820-100%20F.pdf

  Braeunig , R. A. (2013, Dec). Saturn V Launch Simulation. Retrieved from Rocket & Space Technology: http://www.braeunig.us/apollo/saturnV.htm

  Brown, M. (2012). How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming. New York: Spiegel & Grau.

  Campbell, M. R., Billica, R. D., & Johnston, S. L. (1993, Jul 22). Animal surgery in microgravity. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 64.1, 58-62.

  Carey, B. (2010, Oct 27). FYI: Could We Use Retired Space Shuttles as Space Stations? Retrieved from Popular Science: http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-10/fyi-could-we-use-soon-be-retired-space-shuttles-space-stations

  Cartlidge, E. (2008, Nov 6). Magnetic Shield Could Protect Spacecraft. Retrieved from Physics World: http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2008/nov/06/magnetic-shield-could-protect-spacecraft

  Cass, S. (2005, Apr 1). Apollo 13, We Have a Solution. Retrieved from IEEE Spectrum: https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-history/space-age/apollo-13-we-have-a-solution

  Dent, S. (2016, Jan 19). Scientists reanimate tiny frozen animals after 30 years. Retrieved from Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2016/01/19/scientists-reanimate-tardigrades-30-years/

  Estevez, J. E., Ghazizadeh, M., Ryan, J. G., & Kelkar, A. D. (2014). Simulation of Hydrogenated Boron Nitride. International Journal of Chemical, Molecular, Nuclear, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Vol:8, N
o:1.

  Farand, A. (Feb, 2001). The Code of Conduct for International Space Station Crews. Paris, France: European Space Agency Legal Affairs.

  Feder, B. (1981, Jun 25). LUBRICATION IN SPACE AGE. Retrieved from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/25/business/technology-lubrication-in-space-age.html

  Ferl, R. J. (2017, Apr 19). Transgenic Arabidopsis Gene Expression System - Intracellular Signaling Architecture. Retrieved from NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1059.html

  Fleeter, R. (2000). The Logic of Microspace (The Space Technology Library, Vol. 9). El Segundo, California: Microcosm Press.

  Fletcher, K. (2009). Assessment of Cold Welding between Separable Contact Surfaces due to Impact and Fretting under Vacuum. Noordwijk, The Netherlands: European Space Agency.

  Garner, R., & Frazier, S. (2015, Sept 30). Real Martians: How to Protect Astronauts from Space Radiation on Mars. Retrieved from NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/real-martians-how-to-protect-astronauts-from-space-radiation-on-mars

  Gordon, M. R. (1997, Jul 15). Mir Commander's Heart Ills Cast Doubt on Repair Effort. Retrieved from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/15/world/mir-commander-s-heart-ills-cast-doubt-on-repair-effort.html

  Gurrisi, C., Seidel, R., Dickerson, S., Didziulis, S., Frantz, P., & Ferguson, K. (2010). Space Station Control Moment Gyroscope Lessons Learned. NASA. Retrieved from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20100021932 2018-01-24T18:42:04+00:00Z

  Hansen, C. P. (2013). International Space Station (ISS) EVA Suit High Visibility Close Call. Washington, D.C.: NASA.

  Hersee, E., Hurt, M. T., & Pruzin, S. J. (2000). International Space Station Malfunction Checklist. Houston, Texas: NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

  Jarvis, A. M., McDaniel, R. S., Fitts, M. A., Payne, L. P., & Hurt, M. T. (2001). International Space Station EVA Checklist. Houston, Texas: NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

  Jones, B., & Bryukhanov, N. (2000). Non-Recoverable Cargo (Trash/Waste). Houston, Texas: NASA International Space Station Program Johnson Space Center.

  Knapton, S. (2014, Oct 26). Space may make astronauts infertile, scientists fear. Retrieved from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/space/11188562/Space-may-make-astronauts-infertile-scientists-fear.html

  Knapton, S. (2015, May 1). Mars astronauts could develop dementia on journey to Red Planet. Retrieved from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/space/11576788/Mars-astronauts-could-develop-dementia-on-journey-to-Red-Planet.html

  LeClaire, S. (2015, Jan 13). How Do Astronauts Weigh Themselves in Space? Retrieved from Air and Space Magazine-Smithsonian Institution: http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/how-do-astronauts-weigh-themselves-space-180953884/

  Loff, S. (2017, Aug 4). Solar Arrays on the International Space Station. Retrieved from NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/content/solar-arrays-on-the-international-space-station

  Margolis, J. (2015, Mar 15). 40 years and counting: the team behind Voyager’s space odyssey. Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/15/voyager-1-and-2-space-journey-nasa#img-3

  Matty, C. M. (2008, Jun 29). Overview of Long-Term Lithium Hydroxide Storage aboard the International Space Station. SAE International, 2008-01-1969. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.4271/2008-01-1969

  McCuaig, K. E., & Houtchens, B. A. (1992). Management of trauma and emergency surgery in space. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 610-626.

  McNutt Jr, R. L., Andrews, G. B., James, M. V., Gold, R. E., Santo, A. G., Ousler, D. A., . . . Williams, B. D. (2000). A Realistic Interstellar Explorer. Laurel, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

  Millis PhD, J. P. (2017, Jun 18). Matter-Antimatter Power on Star Trek. Retrieved from Thoughtco.: https://www.thoughtco.com/matter-antimatter-power-on-star-trek-3072119

  Mission Operations Directorate, Systems Division. (n.d.). International Space Station Maintenance & Repair Group (MRG) In-Flight Maintenance Book Expedition 1 Flights. Houston, Texas: NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

  NASA. (2000). Inflight Maintenance Intravehicuar Activity Installation/Deinstallation. NASA.

  NASA. (2000). International Space Station Emergency Operations. NASA.

  NASA. (2001, Nov 2). Good Vibrations. Retrieved from NASA Science Beta: https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast02nov_1/

  NASA. (2007, Feb 26). Grand Theft Pluto: New Horizons Gets a Boost From Jupiter Flyby. Retrieved from www.NASA.gov: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/news/jupiter_flyby.html

  NASA (Director). (8 July 2011 15.29 UTC). Full Cockpit Launch + Crew audio Last Space Shuttle ♦ STS-135 [Motion Picture].

  Okutsu, M., & Longuski, J. M. (2000). Mars Free Retruns Via Gravity Assist. American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautic.

  Pultarova, T. (2012, Dec 25). It’s All about People: NASA Psychiatrist Explains Why Space Itself Is Not Detrimental. Retrieved from Space Safety Magazine: http://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/spaceflight/commercial-spaceflight/its-people-nasas-shrink-explains-space-detrimental-human-mind/

  Rahn , D., & Brown , D. (2000). ZVezda: Cornerstone for Early Human Habitation of the International Space Station. Washington, D.C.: NASA.

  Rogers, W. P. (1986, Jun 9). Report of the PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident.

  Russell, C. (2009). New Horizons: Reconnaissance of the Pluto-Charon System and the Kuiper Belt. Los Angeles: Springer.

  Sivolella, D. (2016). Life Support Systems of the International Space Station. Handbook of Life Support Systems for Spacecraft and Extraterrestrial Habitats, 1-13.

  Steigerwald , B. (2006, Apr 14). New and Improved Antimatter Spaceship for Mars Missions. Retrieved from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/antimatter_spaceship.html

  Stern, A., & Grinspoon, D. (2018). Chasing New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto. New York: Picador.

  Tomayko, J. E. (Mar 1988). Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience. Wichita, Kansas: Wichita State University.

  Van Hooser, K., & Bradley, D. P. (2011). Space Shuttle Main Engine — The Relentless Pursuit of Improvement. Long Beach, CA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

  Wells, N., Schlesinger, J., & Chemi, E. (2017, Jul 27). These AI bots are so believable, they get asked out on dates. Retrieved from CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/27/these-ai-bots-are-so-believable-they-get-asked-out-on-dates.html

  Wierks, K. (2017, Feb 17). Indiana University researcher sending mice to space to study bone healing, help wounded soldiers. Retrieved from CBS4Indy.com: http://cbs4indy.com/2017/02/17/indiana-university-researcher-sending-mice-to-space-to-study-bone-healing-help-wounded-soldiers/

  Williams, D. E. (2007). International Space Station Temperature and Humidity Control Subsystem Verification for Node 1. Houston, Texas: NASA, Johnson Space Center. Retrieved from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20070018272.pdf

  Wolverton, M. (2007, May). The G Machine: Riding an Atlas into space was a piece of cake compared to pulling 32 Gs on the Johnsville centrifuge. Retrieved from AIR & SPACE MAGAZINE: http://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/the-g-machine-16799374/?page=2

  Epilogue

  The mice in the habitat are going about their business. They do not know that they are on the surface of Pluto in a canyon before the Hillary Mountains. They don’t know that their habitat has been sealed and supplied with oxygen and heat. They scurry about in ignorance as lights shine down on them. Warmth causes the nitrogen ice on the floor of the canyon to billow up as steam. As the smoke dissipates, a figure approaches and the mice sniff up to peer through the transparent ceiling of their little home.

  Footnotes

  Footnotes

  * * *

  [1] Astronaut Chris Hadfield cited this as the chance of death while flying the shuttle in the early days of the program.

  [2] The International
Space Station has only one 3-D printer.

  [3] With a radius of 180 feet and an angular velocity of 8 rotations per minute, the g-force on Jim is now 3.92. This is about one g higher than the maximum g-force experienced during a shuttle launch.

  [4] This manual title is fictional, however the manual contents are based on various actual ISS manuals, including Inflight Maintenance Intravehicular Activity Installation/Deinstallation 2A/2B.

  [5] This is a running joke among the crew of the ISS.

  [6] The Canadarm 2 has controls in the Cupola and the U.S. Lab (Destiny). Typically, the Destiny controls are used as backup.

  [7] The Canadarm 2 has an attachment which accommodates one astronaut. Here, I conceive that an attachment for two has been added as part of the retrofit.

  [8] The SAFERS are equipped with an automatic attitude feature.

  [9] “Pluto’s Heart,” as it was dubbed by NASA, is a large heart-shaped expanse of which Sputnik Planitia is a part. It is officially named Tombaugh Regio after the discoverer of Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh.