DESIGN OF A DEVICE CAPABLE OF REPLICATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF MARS FOR TESTING MARTIAN REGOLITH SIMULANTS.
- Paper number
IAC-24,D4,IP,10,x90003
- Author
Mr. Heillery Enríquez Ramírez, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Ms. Alana Chaves Montero, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mr. Jorge José Torres Meza, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mr. Jorge Luis Matus Robles, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Ms. Paula Forero Garfia, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Prof. Sergio Ferreto, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mr. Francisco Rojas Valerio, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Ms. María Fernanda Chaves, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Ms. María José Zamora Vargas, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mr. Derian Benavides Venegas, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Ms. María José Fonseca Madrigal, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mr. Luis Santiago Brenes Ruiz, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mr. Andrés Calderón Quesada, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Coauthor
Mrs. Maripaz Velásquez, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Year
2024
- Abstract
Over the past decades, the exploration of Mars has become a distinguished area in space research on account of its potential to provide insights into habitability and human adaptability on the exploration of the planet. Nevertheless, the extreme climate conditions of the red planet, such as solar radiation, pressure, gravity, humidity, and temperature poses significant challenges to human survival, making its exploration efforts more complex. The following study emerges in response to these challenges, aimed at calculating and designing a mechanical device capable of simulating those environmental conditions. This mechanism simulates Martian gravity via a centrifuge equipped with a platform at an inclination of 43.48 degrees and a constant rotation speed of 4.313 rad/s. By counteracting the centripetal force, this approach diminishes the horizontal component of local gravity within the system, while the vertical component is mitigated by the normal force reaction resulting from the platform’s inclination. Additionally, the device incorporates ultraviolet light emissions to emulate radiation, HVAC to regulate temperature and humidity, and a vacuum pump to control pressure; all enclosed hermetically through insulating materials. Such a method allows for the simulation of Martian regolith surface conditions while enabling the design of the mechanical systems at a reduced cost, due to its simplicity when compared to more complex counterparts in the market. This will establish the groundwork for innovative and equitable space exploration, thus promoting its replication in a way that democratizes space research accessibility in developing countries, for instance, Costa Rica.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-24,D4,IP,10,x90003.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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