Optimizing Spacecraft Design for Long-Duration Mars Missions: Determining Astronaut Space Requirements

by Rosa January 27, 2021

written by Rosa January 27, 2021

How Much Space Do Astronauts Need for a Mars Mission?

The Challenge of Designing Spacecraft for Long-Duration Missions

Crewed missions to Mars have long been a dream of science fiction, but NASA is taking concrete steps towards making a human colony on the Red Planet a reality. One of the key challenges in designing spacecraft for such missions is determining how much space each astronaut will need to live, work, and thrive during the months-long journey.

The Orion Space Capsule and the Need for a Larger Habitat

The Orion space capsule is designed to carry astronauts from Earth’s surface to orbit around Mars, but a larger habitat will be required for the months-long journey to the neighboring planet. The design of this habitat is still in progress, but researchers are looking to the International Space Station (ISS) for guidance.

The International Space Station as a Model for Mars Habitats

The ISS carries a crew of six people and has a habitable volume of 13,696 cubic feet, larger than a six-bedroom house. However, any spacecraft headed to Mars will be much more cramped, as weight will be tightly controlled due to the immense distance and fuel requirements.

Draper’s Tracking System for Astronauts

A company called Draper has developed a tracking system to measure astronaut movement and rotation, which can be used to optimize the layout of future Mars habitats. The system uses an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a camera to accurately track astronauts’ movements and activities.

Testing the Tracking System in Mock-Ups and Microgravity

The tracking system has been tested in mock-ups of the ISS and in microgravity conditions during parabolic flights. The tests have shown that the system is accurate to within a yard, and further testing is expected to improve its accuracy even further.

Future Plans for the Tracking System

Later this year, Draper plans to simulate a typical day’s work on the ISS using the Johnson Space Center’s mock-up. The tracking system will be used to collect data on astronaut movement and activities, which will be used to refine the design of future Mars habitats.

NASA’s Long-Term Plans for Mars Missions

NASA’s plan is to send a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s or 2040s. The tracking system is just one of many technologies that are being developed to support this ambitious goal. By carefully considering the needs of astronauts and optimizing the design of spacecraft, NASA is working to make the dream of a human colony on Mars a reality.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.