Browsing by Author "Case, Daniel"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item An Aerospace Engineering Guide to Space Radiation: Science and Strategies(47th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2017-07-16) Case, Daniel; Nabity, JamesIonizing particle radiation is one of the central concerns for the future of long-term, human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). That radiation is made up of a diverse group of particles, each with its own continuous energy spectrum, which makes the development of a catch-all passive radiation shield prohibitively massive. Furthermore, uncertainties in how the particles of interest affect the body over long periods of time, especially at the energies that they are found in space, obfuscate the degree to which astronauts must be protected in order to remain safe. Ultimately, the space radiation environment can potentially put astronauts at risk of several significant health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts, which not only jeopardize astronauts' quality of life, but can also potentially jeopardize the missions themselves. Put together, these factors pose a unique challenge for space habitat designers: developing a comprehensive, viable radiation protection strategy for astronauts during long-term missions beyond LEO. The purpose of this article is to discuss the science of space radiation exposure and the potential strategies for mitigating it. Special emphasis is placed on the advantages, disadvantages, and engineering feasibility of each solution. This analysis is intended to act as a starting point of reference for aerospace and systems engineers tasked with keeping astronauts alive and healthy in extraterrestrial environments that are characterized by space radiation.Item Mars X-House: Design Principles for an Autonomously 3D-Printed ISRU Surface Habitat(49th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2019-07-07) Yashar, Melodie; Ciardullo, Christina; Morris, Michael; Pailes-Friedman, Rebeccah; Moses, Robert; Case, DanielMARS X-HOUSE V.1 and MARS X-HOUSE V.2 demonstrate architectural principles applied through an evidence-based process supporting two concepts of operations for autonomous construction of a pioneering and durable habitat supporting future missions to Mars. The two habitat designs have evolved in parallel to research advancing the viability of cementitious 3D-Printing in off-world construction, and present a scheme to develop an ISRU-based concrete material for future Mars infrastructure and habitat development. SEArch+ and Apis Cor are participants within NASA’s Phase III Centennial Challenge for a 3D-Printed Habitat on Mars, winning first place in Construction Levels 1 and 2, fourth place in Virtual Design Level 1 (60% Design), and first place in Virtual Design Level 2 (100% Design). MARS X HOUSE celebrates innovations in radiation shielding while allowing natural light to penetrate the structure, supporting the astronauts’ physiological and psychological well-being in a long-duration mission. Our human-centered approach prioritizes safety, redundancy, and the wellbeing of the crew above the Martian surface. Rather than burying habitats underground, the designs of MARS X-HOUSE seek to exceed current radiation standards through a combination of thermoplastic, fibrous, and cementitious materials while safely connecting the crew to natural light and views to the Martian landscape. In conversation with ISRU, planetary, and radiation experts, new studies (Cucinotta et al.) indicate that the density of Mars atmosphere along the horizon can allow light transmission up to 30° above the horizon. This critical finding enables a relaxation of constraints and supports architectural concepts featuring windows and apertures allowing vistas to the Martian surface. Research indicating whether concrete structures may indeed contain an atmosphere in off-world conditions remains inconclusive. The evidence-based process of MARS X-HOUSE 1 and 2 advances research supporting the structural and material development of additively-manufactured airtight structures, essential for future surface habitats on the Moon and Mars.Item MarsOASIS: A predeployable miniature Martian greenhouse for crop production research(45th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2015-07-12) Darnell, Asa; Azad, Anurag; Borlaug, Brennan; Case, Daniel; Chamberlain, Christine; Fortier, Kier; Guerrie, Paul; Jethani, Henna; Marino, John; Soma, Chaitanya; Srivastava, Aastha; Wasswnberg, Alex; Holquist, Jordan; Nabity, James A.In order to enable long term habitation on planetary surfaces, a means of sustainable food production must be developed. The MarsOASIS greenhouse concept evolved to research crop production and serve as a proof of concept for larger scale food production facilities that would support manned missions to the surface of Mars. Utilizing in situ resources such as the Martian atmosphere, sunlight, and UV-C radiation, the greenhouse aims to provide a sustainable method of long-term food production requiring minimal consumable resources. The MarsOASIS system is capable of growing a full life cycle of Outredgeous lettuce with its autonomous control system designed for an unmanned environment and the option for teleoperation. A reduced-scope prototype of MarsOASIS is being developed to test technologies such as natural/artificial hybrid lighting, water recycling, remote teleoperation, and fully autonomous monitoring and control of the greenhouse. The prototype is currently in the final stages of design, with a full demonstration of plant life cycle testing set to occur in summer 2015. Results from this prototype demonstration will help quantify the feasibility of the innovative approaches incorporated in the MarsOASIS design.