Olga Bannova

Autonomous Architecture: Summit Station in Greenland Design Proposal as a Test-Bed for Future Planetary Exploration

This paper reports results of collaboration between the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA), Houston, USA and the Applied Computing and Mechanics Laboratory (IMAC), Lausanne, Switzerland. A design project has been initiated in response to growing international scientific research interest at Summit Station in Greenland and a requirement for better accommodation and support. Research at IMAC involves the study of intelligent cable-strut structures that are adaptable and self repairing. An architectural and engineering development approach as well as conceptual proposals for the Summit Station in Greenland for science research and operational support is proposed. The proposed facility in Greenland supports 50 people during the summer season and 25 people during the wintertime. Primary elements of the modular configuration include a triangular platform with two upper floors that is supported by three jacking columns. This approach means that structure can be adjusted to accommodate differential settlement of supports. An adaptable apron structure around the primary platform is used to modify the form of the underside of the platform to maintain predetermined clearance criteria between the structure and level below, thereby avoiding excessive snow accumulating around the building and minimizing drifting and scour underneath it (on Mars, dust storms might be the difficulty). A separate structure for a mechanical shop and power support is added to complete the initial configuration. Important priorities are to provide a high quality environment and to minimize development, construction and operational costs while optimizing safety, versatility, autonomy and human factors. Testing of a plywood model of the primary facility that was installed in Summit in May 2005 and a wind tunnel model at EPFL confirmed that if the structure was not sufficiently elevated, drifting could bury it. Important parameters are the shape of the building, the form of the bottom of the platform, snow accumulation points, snow drift distribution, wind direction, wind speed and distance between the structure and the snow surface.

Lunar Surface Systems Concept Study: Minimum Functionality Habitation Element

The primary result of the Minimum Functionality Habitat Element study was a concept level lunar habitat that provided the minimum functionality required to support the NASA prescribed reference mission. The habitat configuration was derived using an iterative system engineering process. The habitat functions; from pre-launch to operational environments, in packed/deployed and manned/unmanned modes, and operational support functions of the habitat, were identified by analyzing the reference mission. Functions were identified for explicit requirements and needs. These functions were collected by categories without association to any particular method, configuration or design solution for providing that function. The categorization and grouping provided a general logic to ensure identifying and capturing all required functions. No functions were included unless traceable to an identified habitat need or stated requirement. The functions were then analyzed to find areas of commonality. These commonalities were then used to identify how the functions could be most effectively combined to minimize the habitat systems and resources. In this evaluation process, any valid constraints were considered in selecting acceptable implementation methods. For example, regolith piled around and on the habitat walls is a very effective thermal, MMSE and radiation environmental control resource. However, it is not a viable option because the lack of infrastructure to move the regolith, according to the reference mission. The final result of the study was a conceptual design and definition of a ‘bare bones’ or minimum habitat element that incorporates the benefits of flexible materials.

Can we test design for coming interplanetary expeditions in the Arctic? Arctic Research Stations as test bed for simulations of future long-term space environments.

New space exploration programs around the world show growing demand on research in human factors, interaction between crew members and their habitat environment, human and robotic relations. The year 2007-2008 is announced as an International Polar Year that presents an excellent opportunity to develop a project for extreme environment and to investigate design challenges and test bed opportunities for space applications. Proposed paper will discuss key space architectural aspects of designing for extreme environments and reciprocity between terrestrial and space architecture in a dialogue between space architecture and space psychology. Experiences from past polar expeditions and habitats can act as background information in the design process focused on: survivability, functionality and quality of life for the crew. The paper will discuss application of these principles to design study for a planned new research station on the centre icecap in Greenland.

Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Surface Facility Planning and Operations

This paper will draw parallels and define differences between factors that drive the planning and design of human surface facilities in space and in extreme environments on Earth. Primary emphases will highlight influences upon general habitat requirements, constraints upon delivery and construction, and special provisions for safety and hazard interventions. The overall intent is to identify important lessons that can be applied across different settings which present common priorities, issues and challenges. Such environments include future bases on the Moon and Mars, offshore surface and submersible facilities, polar research and oil/natural gas exploration stations, military desert operations, and natural and man-made emergency shelters. Important topics of emphasis include the following considerations: ▪ Design influences driven by transport to remote sites; ▪ Environmental influences upon facilities and construction; ▪ Influences of crew sizes, types of activities and occupancy durations; ▪ Influences of construction methods and support infrastructures; ▪ Special safety and emergency response requirements. This presentation will draw upon research and design activities at the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA). Information is also taken from a SICSA-sponsored conference “International Design for Extreme Environments One” (IDEEA-One) at the University of Houston which attracted more than 400 interdisciplinary participants from 12 countries representing diverse professions and environmental settings. Background and History Extreme environments on Earth provide analog experience to support planning of extraterrestrial facilities and operations. Each environment presents special lessons regarding habitat design, crew operations and training, and equipment and logistical requirements for space exploration. SICSA has extensive experience in research and design for extreme environments, including orbital and lunar planetary facilities, disaster shelters, polar stations and offshore surface and submersible habitats. Investigations have addressed such issues as hardships and challenges posed by harsh climate conditions, remoteness with restricted access and return opportunities, limitations on available equipment and support services, and ever-present safety risks. All of these environments share many kinds of technical and operational priorities. Key among these are needs for appropriate transportation and

Planetary Base Element Envelope, Layout and Configuration Interface Considerations

This paper addresses some key determinants that literally shape the external and internal forms of modular lunar/planetary structures. The presentation illustrates and compares commonly proposed types of habitat module design options in regard to implications of different envelope geometries, dimensions and site development patterns for planetary surface applications. Types of modules considered include vertically and horizontally-oriented cylindrical pressure vessels which are landed using overhead and bottom-mounted descent systems.

Autonomous architecture proposal for summit science station in Greenland

Note: CDROM Reference IMAC-CONF-2006-028 Record created on 2007-06-13, modified on 2016-08-08

Space Architecture Education for Engineers and Architects

This book considers two key educational tools for future generations of professionals with a space architecture background in the 21st century: (1) introducing the discipline of space architecture into the space system engineering curricula; and (2) developing space architecture as a distinct, complete training curriculum. Professionals educated this way will help shift focus from solely engineering-driven transportation systems and “sortie” missions towards permanent off-world human presence. The architectural training teaches young professionals to operate at all scales from the “overall picture” down to the smallest details, to provide directive intention–not just analysis–to design opportunities, to address the relationship between human behavior and the built environment, and to interact with many diverse fields and disciplines throughout the project lifecycle. This book will benefit individuals and organizations responsible for planning transportation and habitat systems in space, while also providing detailed information on work and design processes for architects and engineers.

Validation, Demonstration and Testing

The chapter describes verification and testing approaches and examples. Verification of accepted solutions and testing methods are related to the last five Technology Readiness Levels and Habitation Readiness Levels. The chapter introduces several existing and recently used analog facilities from NASA, RSA, ESA, and lists testbed facilities around the world. Descriptions of verification methods include their aims, requirements for selection of appropriate analogs and mock-ups, and gaps in human related risks.

Approaches and Methods

Space architecture as a discipline is relatively new, but it fills a gap between the engineering approach to design habitats and other space facilities for humans, and the complexity of human factors oriented design—including personal psychology, creativity, and non-work related activities. In order to successfully fill that gap, space architecture needs to be taught academically. This chapter talks about known and potential approaches and methods, drawing examples from current space architecture programs and classes, and representative projects. The authors consider that space architecture approaches to design and planning are important to be introduced to students who are coming from the diverse backgrounds of engineering and architecture. Other disciplines may benefit as well.

Habitation and Design Concepts

Scientific research is the foundation of design and concept development. The chapter addresses the next stage of design and planning; focusing and informing requirements for site selection with examples from Apollo and Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover programs; habitat structural systems, habitats and settlements concepts, and means to enable sustainable human presence beyond Earth.