Mission 2004: Team Ten

Life Support
Air, Water, and Nutrition
Waste Management
Mental Health
Suits
Radiation and Zero-G

Habitat On Mars
Power
Structure
Daily Routine

The Human Factor

The Habitat: Structure

Structure Overview

The structure of the habitat is influeced by just about every aspect of the mission. It must be strong enough to withstand wind and other surface weather conditions found on Mars and at the same time be light enought to make the descent to ths surface safely. It must also be large enough (or give the appearance that it is large enough) to keep the mental health of the atronauts intact, and at the same time be able to survive a journey through space.

Specifics

The Habitat floor plan will have the general shape of an octagon for several reason. The two most important reasons are that an octagon can be cross braced and reinforced mutliple ways and its shape will make the habitat appear larger. The circular pattern will create the illusion that there is more area in the living quarters, reducing stress on the astronauts. This floor plan will also allow for sleeping and living quarters to be easily divided. The shape its self is very solid because it does not easily allow twisting and evenly distributes loads throughout the entire structure. The octagonal shape will allow for less wind resistance as there will be a relatively curved object for air to flow smoothly around. Currently it is believed that a "skeleton" with a protective skin will form one of the outer layers of the habitat. On top of this layer will be shielding layers for radiation and heat.

Unknowns

The interior color of the habitat will likely be modeled after the Mir main cabin, which uses dark floor colors and light roof colors to increase spatial orientation. Another major unknown at this time is how the heat shielding materials will withstand the Martian environment over the course of time on Mars. This is a particularly critical issue because it could pose serious problems when trying to leave Mars.

Selected References:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/history
http://artic.marssociety.org
Zubrin, Robert. The Case for Mars. Touchstone: 1996.