Open invitation to all Steemians :
Project : Mankind to the stars.
As a group, a few friends and I have for some time been researching ways of building a real-life spacecraft. The basic idea is straightforward : to build on all the research and work already done by many space programs, and go beyond. We humbly aim to finalise a realistic spacecraft to transport people to other planets in the solar system.
( Beware of the Shadows 
:) )
(image from www.babylon5.fandom.com)
Imagined terrors like the above aside, we have used most public avenues of research in our reach and the power of the internet to ground our dream in the solid science of the US and USSR space programs, among others. So far we have achieved (effectively) a draft blueprints of a near-future achievable and practical craft - one which will ensure astronauts live well on the trip and can function for extended periods of several years if necessary. So far we compute that trip times would be 3 years round trip to Jupiters moons, near six years for Saturn.
With Space being so dangerous, it is only right that we worked on our design with the intention that we would be aboard - which ensured we put crew safety and system longevity as paramount considerations. Thus far we have the required sections blueprinted (of a sort), and most importantly all ship systems have been designed and checked. Most have been constructed as small earth proof-of-concept, and we believe those will work.
So now we ask for help from all artistic and imaginative people : looking for ideas of any sort for a practical arrangement and space frame : i.e. the design of the ship body which will carry all. There are some main restricting factors, mostly dictated by engineering:
1. Our own design rocket engines (LH2/LOx) at the rear of a space frame, tankage in middle, then the ship body.
2. The main thrust will require a thrust frame along the length of the craft.
3. For long-term living and other factors, the craft will carry a CELSS system to support the crew.
4. There needs to be a "habitat ring" rotating section - partly for the CELSS and also for G for the crew.
5. Due to the already clear size of the final craft, ship assembly will be on-orbit, from lifted modules.
We have already advanced systems design to the point where we have all the required modules and subcomponents for main ship systems, including the CELSS, the living Habitat, propulsion, power plant, emergency storm shelter. In addition, the systems for environmental control, engineering, engine control and RCS. The Bridge, command navigation and control, plus required computers and network are at plan stage.
Any assistance and suggestions for ship automation and sensors would be great input, too.
Image of £D of Discovery , from "2001: A Space Odyssey", A.Clarke / Kubrick (1968)
With appreciation and thanks to any who can help.