Design of a Mars Habitat by an Interdisciplinary Working Group - Basic Concepts for Structure and Life Support System
- Paper number
IAC-05-A1.6.09
- Author
Mr. Sebastian Heidrich, Space Research Group, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Daniel Noelke, RWTH Aachen - Institut fuer Leichtbau, Germany
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Since the beginning of 2004 students of the RWTH Aachen University are working on a project called "Mars Habitat". The project was initiated by students and is coordinated by the Department of Aerospace and Lightweight Structures of the RWTH Aachen University. Students of different faculties form a working group, which works closely together with experts of the different Departments of RWTH Aachen University and the German Aerospace Center. The aim of this working group is to create concepts for an autarkic habitat for extraterrestrial use, especially for the use on the actual most interesting planet for a manned mission, the mars. Within the Pre-Phase A study already existing habitats on earth and actual planned habitats have been analyzed. Based on the mission related objectives and the top-level requirements, a first scenario has been defined where several emergency habitat modules can be adapted together to a habitat complex. The basic conceptual design of single habitat modules as well as the complex itself has to be configured safe, light and modular extendable. These emergency habitat modules should be easily transportable and provide an environment for at least four humans. Fundamental concepts for the life support system of this habitat have been defined for the first scenario. Food generation, recycling systems for water, the life cycle system itself, the isolated structure and the energy generation make the habitat to an autarkic system in a hostile environment. The interdisciplinary project sets different technologies together in a complex way. The work done by the group can be easily transferred for use in hostile environments on earth as well.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-A1.6.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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