TOVA – Trans Orbital VoyAger - The Interior Design of a Space Capsule
- Paper number
IAC-07-E5.4.08
- Author
Ms. Katarina Eriksson, Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden
- Coauthor
Ms. Johanna Håkansson, Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden
- Coauthor
Ms. Sandra Kopljar, Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The design of the overall interior layout of a lunar capsule, as well as design criteria and ideas for specific parts of the interior, are the cornerstones of a collaboration project between Lund University, Sweden, and NASA, Johnson Space Center, Houston. The design is made from a human factors perspective which in this case means that the starting point is the human interface with the vehicle interior. The TOVA project deals with issues of how to relate the included entities to each other within the specified space, and how to make the perceived and usable space as large as possible. The design is made in coherence with defined prerequisites regarding the outer dimensions of the capsule, the mission profile and technical aspects. It was found that orientation is crucial for the usability of the space in microgravity and the stowage was used to create the desired interior shape with a defined direction. The design has two modes, one for launch and landing with the seats in position, and one microgravity mode with the seats stowed and the control panel flipped along the wall for use in the “up” direction. Other issues dealt with are placement of windows for psychological well being and practical uses, the design of the toilet to make it as unnoticed as possible, and the concept of a “private mode” for individual activities to compensate for the lack of physical privacy. All features were oriented in coherence with the interior direction and located where they should be used. The new NASA vehicle CEV/Orion was used as inspiration and framework when it comes to mission profile and prerequisites. Information in detail on the CEV project could not be obtained at the time because of the ongoing procurement, and it must be noted that the TOVA suggestion is not the CEV. Supervisor has been Marcus von Euler, Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden, assistant supervisor Larry Toups, NASA, JSC, USA, and examiner has been Maria Nyström, Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E5.4.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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