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The Lacus Veris constructible habitat for the Moon or Mars, derived from the NASA 90-Day Study (NASA image, Design by Gary Kitmacher, Architect/Engineer John Ciccora).

The Lacus Veris constructible habitat for the Moon or Mars, derived from the NASA 90-Day Study (NASA image, Design by Gary Kitmacher, Architect/Engineer John Ciccora).

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Conference Paper
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This article presents a review of design concepts for Mars exploration habitats that display design reasoning during quarter century from the 90-Day Study in 1989 to the Evolvable Mars Campaign in 2015. During this period, NASA and its academic and industrial partners began to think seriously for the first time about a long-term strategy to expand...

Citations

... At the same time, a previous work [20], concludes if the plant can bear fruits in this stressful environment (Fig.1). [21] To simulate the effect of microgravity [22], a 3D clinostat is being designed by Center for Space Emerging Technologies. However, due to the constant movement and the occupied space by the plants, stakes or guides will be used to give the stem a spiral shape to reduce the height of the plant as well as its compaction, at the same time reducing the movement of its inertial resistance. ...
... New national long-term orbital stations in near-Earth space and in the orbit of the Moon, as well as the project for bases on the Moon and Mars are developed. Also, the technique of group space tourism has advanced significantly [17][18][19][20]. In Russia, the USA, China, India, work is underway to create a new generation CSs. ...
Conference Paper
This paper continues the series of publications on the history of overcoming “thermal barriers” in the space and rocket industry. “Thermal barrier” is an obstacle hampering the operation of individual assemblies, aggregates, or even the entire spacecraft in general due to off-the-scale thermal loads. First-generation crewed spaceships faced a serious danger from the “thermal barrier” caused by aerodynamic heating during atmospheric descent from a low-Earth orbit or during the return from the Moon with the velocity close to the second escape velocity. This paper briefly touches upon the history of choosing structural and layout solutions for the first-generation spaceships in the USSR and the USA. The most emphasis is given to specifics of creating thermal protection of reentry vehicles of spaceships. In the creation of thermal protection systems, the experience of creating warheads of long-range guided missiles played a very important part. The paper remarks on the efficiency of polymer composite materials as elements of ablative thermal protective coatings. Characteristics of descent vehicles of different generation spaceships are compared.
... Of the main characteristics is the emphasis on a scienceoriented mission, leading to the design of combined pressurized rovers with hybrid monolithic habitats, in which there is an inflatable module on top. Another feature is that there is no proximity in IPV and habitats as in previous designs Cohen, 2015. The Flash-line Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) was the first simulated Mars mission in the semi-analogous environment of the Arctic, developed by the Mars Society. ...
Article
We are living in a point in the history of science and technology, where space travel for research and settlement is inevitable. As the utmost crucial technology pieces for leaving Earth and travelling into the cosmos is being established one after another, it is just a matter of decades, until it all gets integrated together, solving the engineering problems ahead of the way and being able to step on the planets and moons of the solar system. In this quest, as has been the case for most of the technological advancements so far, there ought to be mind experiments, in which one skips one step, assumes the availability of responses to the skipped-over step, and searches for the solution to the questions of the next level. This way, by getting passed the first, i.e. current step, the solution to the next one is already available. The current manuscript is addressing this very ‘next step’, on the long path to eventually colonize Mars and inhabit it for long-term research-based missions; let it be for terraforming, or other agenda to be defined by the research strategists, then. And as mentioned earlier, the current step; being setting foot on Mars, is well-deservedly taken for granted, as is to come forth undoubtedly. Having that realized, we might find ourselves faced by the engineering complexities of surviving and thriving on Mars, which is the subject matter of the current research, from the aspect point of space technological and architectural design. The design procedure beginning from setting the philosophy of design upon the concerns of sustaining in the hostile environment of Mars, to the stepwise emergence of the final design of a cluster of Martian Habitat Units (MHUs) considering the high-criteria of the case, is the subject matter covered in this manuscript.
... As may be defined there are three types manmade of structures in space: habitats Fig.1a [1], space stations Fig. 1.b, and satellites Fig.1.c, and vehicles Fig. 1d.. Let us briefly enplane these structures from its various aspects. ...
Article
Full-text available
Mijuca D (2020) On the numerical structural calculation methods of the space structures as a reliable replacement for expensive testing, still a commodity and why. Abstract From the perspective of specific techniques and procedures for design, manufacturing, deployment, installation, service, and maintenance, there are three different types of space structures: satellites (structures that orbit the earth), habitats (the buildings erected on other planets or moons or geostationary orbits), and vehicles (structure made for transport of goods, equipment, and passengers). All these space structures are exposed to different sets of loadings, like extremely high temperatures range, high acceleration, space radiation, and others. Ultimately, as on Earth, we must take care that their structural integrity is maintained, while additionally, in habitats (space stations, Moon-habitats, geostationary space hotels, etc.) we must provide also the comfort for humans, plants or animals. To decrease the design and maintenance costs, and provide service away from Earth resources, the ultimate goal is the use of virtual reality in their life cycle management. Such a virtual reality should be based on 1) reliable numerical simulation tools for calculating the structural response under loadings, and 2) artificial intelligence decision making. So it is a future! But what about the present status of numerical methods in space engineering, as the Finite element method? Why FE software is still seen as a commodity, instead of a reliable tool for testing? How the energy needs to attain comfort is simulated. And finally, why the development of numerical simulation tools for calculation of the thermo-mechanical response of the space structures, are not favored and heavily supported by the space sector, as many other innovations? The present paper will try to answer some of these questions.
... We further assume predeployment cargo that includes in situ resource utilization (ISRU) hardware for Mars-ascent propellant production (Sanders, 2018), which is to be launched from Earth to a mission site. Additional supplies such as habitat assemblies (Hoffman and Kaplan, 1997;Cohen, 2015), photovoltaics (Landis, 2000;Landis et al., 2004), experimental equipment, and other non-living consumables (Benton, 2008) will be included. ...
Article
Full-text available
A crewed mission to and from Mars may include an exciting array of enabling biotechnologies that leverage inherent mass, power, and volume advantages over traditional abiotic approaches. In this perspective, we articulate the scientific and engineering goals and constraints, along with example systems, that guide the design of a surface biomanufactory. Extending past arguments for exploiting stand-alone elements of biology, we argue for an integrated biomanufacturing plant replete with modules for microbial in situ resource utilization, production, and recycling of food, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials required for sustaining future intrepid astronauts. We also discuss aspirational technology trends in each of these target areas in the context of human and robotic exploration missions.
... A special aspect and area of application of the results of the study is the design of habitable bases in remote areas of the Earth (in the Arctic and Antarctic, on the ocean floor, in mountainous areas), in space, on other planets, etc. Currently, the possibility and feasibility of creating long-term habitable scientific stations on the Moon and on Mars -and, potentially, on other bodies of the Solar system -is widely discussed (Cohen 2015); there is even futuristic concept design of floatable space stations for deploying in Venus atmosphere (Linaraki, Oungrinis 2013). Such stations will have to ensure the life of the teams for a long time and in conditions of complete isolation from the overseas bases. ...
Article
Full-text available
In the paper, the least resource base required to ensure isolated human habitat sustainability over a historically long period of time is discussed. Territory and energy are proposed as such basic resources. The analysis of isolated societies of Tasmania, the Chatham Islands, and North Sentinel Island concludes that habitat can exist long and sustainably in a local area of at least 30 square kilometres in a mode of inherent safety, without the use of artificial technologies. This conclusion demonstrates the possibility of sustainable development of human civilization as a sum of local communities in the context of the isolationism paradigm, an alternative to globalism's currently dominant concept. The significance of identifying the least resource base of sustainable development of isolated communities in the context of the establishment of scientific bases and settlements in remote areas of the globe, on the Moon and other planets of the solar system, and developing strategies to combat pandemics such as COVID-19, is highlighted.
... e structural design of the Columbus capsule is divided into two layers, namely, the upper and lower layers, which are arranged with the work and the life cabin, and the circular channel is designed between the two layers [6,7]. In December 2015, Austria, France, and Belgium jointly developed a self-expanding human survival cabin structure (SHEE) in an extreme natural environment [8]. e expanded SHEE has a maximum diameter of 6 m and a height of 2.8 m, which can support the life and work of two staff members [9]. ...
... erefore, the main mechanical characteristic parameters of the static stiffness and strength of the system should be analyzed and deduced, which mainly include the following: axial tension, lateral bending, and torsion around the optical axis. e deployable compartment mechanism is a quasistatic structure after being fully deployed, which has the 8 Mathematical Problems in Engineering characteristics of large flexibility and large size. ...
Article
Full-text available
With the in-depth study of the construction of space bases, the demand for super-large deployable manned cabins in space is becoming increasingly urgent. In this study, a brand-new large space modular expandable cabin mechanism is proposed, and equivalent mechanical modeling research is conducted based on its modular characteristics. First, the overall configuration and the deployment driving scheme of the cabin section with the best comprehensive performance are optimized. In addition, a detailed structural design of the cabin section mechanism is carried out. Second, the mechanical equivalent continuous model of the cabin mechanism is established. The static and dynamic characteristics of the cabin mechanism are studied based on finite element simulation and equivalent model calculation, respectively. The correctness of the equivalent mechanical model established in this study is verified through comparative analysis. Finally, a scaled prototype is developed to verify the feasibility of the configuration and the new drive proposed in this study.
... While we worked on our habitat design, we thoroughly investigated dozens of previous Martian habitat plans, as every design solves the problems arising in a different and instructive way. [1] [2] Although our classification of these designs is somewhat arbitrary, we finally grouped these habitats into three main categories. We did not deal with older designs that appeared earlier than the 21 st century, as those designs have either proved to be unsuitable or have already been developed further recently. ...
... Nevertheless, dust storms can have serious effects on the life of a human colony: as the floating dust reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the surface, a longlasting dust storm reduces the average temperature of the surface, reduces the output of the solar panels and can have a devastating effect on plant life in the greenhouses of the human colony. 1 The average pressure of the Martian atmosphere falls very near to the triple point pressure of water (0.611 kPa). This suggests the existence of a natural process that balances the pressure -but only if water occurs near the surface of the planet. ...
Article
Full-text available
Due to the recently growing interest regarding the future colonization of Mars, an increasing number of plans have appeared in the last few years to fulfil the need for a safe habitat for the first Martian colonists. Numerous fanciful design ideas have been presented at competitions held by NASA and other space research organizations. However, our thorough investigation reveals that most designs suffer from shortcomings, and are either difficult to realize or do not meet the safety requirements of the Martian missions, for example, shielding against radiation or impacting particles, protection against decompression and freezing temperatures. After analysing the problems of safety and feasibility, we tried to design a habitat that is realizable – taking into account the cargo capacity of the spacecraft of the near future and the use of materials locally available on Mars. A further requirement for our design was that the pioneers’ habitat should not be a tiny, prison-like lair, but a spacious, liveable and safe living area, which is suitable for continuous habitation. The frame of our design is an inflatable structure, which is supplied with the proper shielding and insulation by locally available materials. The special ventilation system and the large greenhouses of this habitat provide the colonists with food, oxygen and liveable space – and perhaps even rocket propellant materials.
... We further assume predeployment cargo consisting primarily of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) hardware for Mars-ascent propellant production, which is to be launched from Earth to a target landing location. Additional supplies such as habitat assemblies 20,21 , photovoltaics 22,23 , experimental equipment, and other ...
Preprint
Full-text available
A crewed mission to and from Mars may include an exciting array of enabling biotechnologies that leverage inherent mass, power, and volume advantages over traditional abiotic approaches. In this perspective, we articulate the scientific and engineering goals and constraints, along with example systems, that guide the design of a surface biomanufactory. Extending past arguments for exploiting stand-alone elements of biology, we argue for an integrated biomanufacturing plant replete with modules for microbial \textit{in situ} resource utilization, production, and recycling of food, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials required for sustaining future intrepid astronauts. We also discuss aspirational technology trends in each of these target areas in the context of human and robotic exploration missions in the coming century.
... As may be defined there are three types manmade of structures in space: habitats Fig.1a [1], space stations Fig. 1.b, and satellites Fig.1.c, and vehicles Fig. 1d.. Let us briefly enplane these structures from its various aspects. ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
Mijuca D (2020) On the numerical structural calculation methods of the space structures as a reliable replacement for expensive testing, still a commodity and why. Abstract From the perspective of specific techniques and procedures for design, manufacturing, deployment, installation, service, and maintenance, there are three different types of space structures: satellites (structures that orbit the earth), habitats (the buildings erected on other planets or moons or geostationary orbits), and vehicles (structure made for transport of goods, equipment, and passengers). All these space structures are exposed to different sets of loadings, like extremely high temperatures range, high acceleration, space radiation, and others. Ultimately, as on Earth, we must take care that their structural integrity is maintained, while additionally, in habitats (space stations, Moon-habitats, geostationary space hotels, etc.) we must provide also the comfort for humans, plants or animals. To decrease the design and maintenance costs, and provide service away from Earth resources, the ultimate goal is the use of virtual reality in their life cycle management. Such a virtual reality should be based on 1) reliable numerical simulation tools for calculating the structural response under loadings, and 2) artificial intelligence decision making. So it is a future! But what about the present status of numerical methods in space engineering, as the Finite element method? Why FE software is still seen as a commodity, instead of a reliable tool for testing? How the energy needs to attain comfort is simulated. And finally, why the development of numerical simulation tools for calculation of the thermo-mechanical response of the space structures, are not favored and heavily supported by the space sector, as many other innovations? The present paper will try to answer some of these questions.