Browsing by Author "Zuniga, David"
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Item Contingency operations on the Deep Space Gateway: Approaches, and Considerations to Orbiting Platforms for Deep Space Exploration(2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2020-07-31) Zuniga, David; Sturtz, Rachel; Sargusingh, Miriam; Casper, Stephanie; Tressler, ChadDeep space architectures present several challenges for mission planners that range from orbital trajectories, to logistics resupply. Given the maturity and knowledge gained in the development of space systems up to the present, mission planning for nominal scenarios is almost a given. However, planning for contingencies allows mission designers, and programs to assess stress in system design early. With Deep Space Gateway (DSG) having undergone requirement definition - the environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) have been drawn into the spotlight via assessment of these contingency scenarios. While pursuing nominal mission design, the Artemis ECLSS team identified several contingency scenarios where limits on system architecture, and cross platform design and integration have been discovered. DSG’s architecture for the 2024 boots on the moon mission (BOTM) utilizes Orion’s ECLSS as a means to implement Gateway’s BOTM functions. After evaluation of the contingency Concept of Operations (ConOps) for this architecture, gaps in functionality for removing trace gases, controlling CO2, and heat exchange were discovered. Additional analysis of contingency scenarios for a fully assembled DSG also reveals stresses in the design, and provides the design architects with more tools for developing a robust design. This paper will focus on the analysis techniques used to reveal gaps in contingencies and discussion on a few key cases that may lead to a change in system design, and benefits acquired from early evaluation of contingency scenarios.Item Self-Assembling and Self-Regulating Space Stations: Mission Concepts for Modular, Autonomous Habitats(50th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/12/2021) Ekblaw, Ariel; Paradiso, Joe; Zuniga, David; Crooker, KeithThe field of space architecture must contend not only with the environmental challenges of operating in the vacuum, but also with constrained physical dimensions in rocket payload fairings, risky astronaut space-walks, and limited robotic mobility for assembly. To address these challenges, we propose a new construction paradigm�one that moves beyond aluminum cylinders in orbit to build towards larger volume, modular space stations that still meet the mandates of life support systems and safety. Our TESSERAE (Tessellated Electromagnetic Space Structures for the Exploration of Reconfigurable, Adaptive Environments) research platform builds on principles from biomimicry: self-assembly from discrete nodes following a certain �coded� growth pattern. We also introduce redundant and reconfigurable parts for robustness and adaptability. Our work focuses on autonomously self-assembling and self-regulating space structures, without requiring a human EVA or robotic agent. Overall, the TESSERAE hardware platform includes a series of functions for self-aware self-assembly and maintenance that allow for in-space construction and reconfigurability of orbiting, multi-module space architecture. Our research platform integrates magnetic docking, sensor technology and control code to bond common base units into modular structures. An early, miniaturized hardware testbed for this platform was deployed successfully on the ISS over 30 days in 2020 and is slated for further missions. Our paper for ICES 2021 presents a vision for integrating this structural, in-space self-assembly with interior livability, including a new ECLSS integration plan for the modular structures. We also point forward to a dual mission concept for TESSERAE, merging A) microgravity self-assembly and in-orbit operation with B) the ability to self-disassemble and re-purpose structural tiles for use on a planetary surface.