Extreme Living Solutions: Self-sufficient habitat for extreme environments based on space technology

Paper number

IAC-12,D4,4,2,x15800

Author

Dr. Irene Lia Schlacht, Politecnico di Milano / Technische Universitaet Berlin, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Ayako Ono, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan

Coauthor

Mrs. Valentina Karga, University of Arts Berlin, Extreme-Design, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Alexandre Mangeot, University of Orléans, France

Coauthor

Prof. Melchiorre Masali, Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Bernard Foing, ESA/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Prof.Dr. Matthias Roetting, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Year

2012

Abstract

This paper present the first research on a system based on space technology that is capable of increasing habitability in extreme earth environments. In this scenario, this research aim to support the establishment of an autonomous and minimum habitat from consulting to construction based on minimum space, time and costs. 
Extreme environments are places for which human beings are not fully suitable, such as an environment where the water is contaminated because of a natural disaster. To support habitability in such conditions this paper approach the research on autonomous habitats based on space technology, such as the water recycling system used today on the International Space Station. But what happens in such isolated habitats from a psychological side? In an extreme situation, the habitability project needs to be approached from a multidisciplinary dimension, considering all the different aspects as part of holistic (Holos: all) research. Indeed, space research can again be applied both to technology transfer and to research transfer, including, for example, psychological research.
This paper would start by providing consultancy services for users who want to improve extreme habitability projects and later on develop towards building minimum habitats for extreme environments, to be used in isolated conditions, disaster situations or even in urban settings. The investigation (capturing space dimensions, volumes, people, traffic, and interaction flow) will serve users in terms of the quantitative assessment of habitability and ergonomics for habitats in extreme or stressed environments. The research will be validated using data from the Mars Desert Research Station and other cases.

Abstract document

IAC-12,D4,4,2,x15800.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,D4,4,2,x15800.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.