Brent Sherwood

Out of This World: The New Field of Space Architecture: The New Field of Space Architecture

This collaborative book compiles thirty chapters on the theory and practice of designing and building inhabited environments in outer space. Given the highly visual nature of architecture, the book is rich in graphics including diagrams, design drawings, digital renderings, and photographs of models and of executed and operational designs. Written by the global network of practicing space architects, the book introduces a wealth of ideas and images explaining how humans live in space now, and how they may do so in the near and distant future. It describes the governing constraints of the hostile space environment, outlines key issues involved in designing orbital and planet-surface architecture, surveys the most advanced space architecture of today, and proposes far-ranging designs for an inspiring future. It also addresses earth-based space architecture: space analogue and mission support facilities, and terrestrial uses of space technology. In addition to surveying the range of space architecture design, from sleeping quarters to live-in rovers to moon bases and space cities, the book provides a valuable archival reference for professionals. Space enthusiasts, architects, aerospace engineers, and students will find it a fascinating read.

TRIGON Modular Robotic Construction System

Concept Overview The Transformable Robotic Infrastructure-generating Object Network (TRIGON) system has been conceived for use on the surface of the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies. The self-constructing / self-reconfiguring intelligent modular robotic construction system can be used to assemble a variety of planetary surface structure configurations, for both habitats and vehicles, and integrates mobility systems. The panels in the system can “tumble” across existing structure in order to relocate themselves at different locations in the structure. Trigon units can piggyback and carry away other units, allowing for self-repair and disposal of obsolete units. The system can be stored in a compact form for shipping, and deployed into self-leveling rigid structures.

Retrofitting the International Space Station

Crew quarters (CQ) design was key to the habitability design of Skylab, with a specific goal of providing a private space for each crewmember, who might spend 6-8 hours a day there. Despite the privacy afforded by a designated place for each crewmember, Skylab crews reported poor sleep due to noise, light leaks, or disturbances by fellow crewmembers. Adams (1998) noted that Skylab lacked attachment points for relocating sleep restraints, thereby effectively precluding crewmembers from sleeping elsewhere. Generally speaking, Skylabs interior outfitting was not designed for modularity or reconfigurability. In contrast, one of the principal design features of the International Space Station (ISS) is the basic structure of the modules and the rack volumes they accommodate, the International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR). The ISPR is intended to allow interchangeability and reconfiguration. Feedback from expedition crews who have lived onboard the ISS include requests for an improved living environment. Designers can improve the living environment, in part, by learning from the experiences of these crews. By developing solutions that can be retrofitted to the existing basic structures, designers could offer an environment that enriches a crewmembers experience. Crew feedback has cited flexibility of use as a desirable feature during long-duration missions. For such missions, flexibility allows objects or environments to be used in different ways, requiring fewer amenities and less room to house those amenities, thereby reducing transportation demands and costs. Flexibility offers numerous advantages for space applications where the living volume is limited and delivery and maintenance costs are major concerns. A mounting structure and kit of parts system could offer flexibility of use, a benefit for crewmembers who desire visual stimulation and variety in the space station environment. Moreover, this approach is durable; any part would be able to be detached and updated, improved, or replaced. This chapter presents a design solution for a flexible CQ system. The process behind the solution involved a series of self-directed empirical exercises that provided insight and spurred concept generation. Subsequently, a review of relevant ISS specifications served to guide design development. The resulting design is compatible with the basic elements of existing CQ equipment, offers adaptability over time using a proposed kit of parts, and thus an interior strategy that allows crewmembers to tailor the layout and use of their private environment at any time.