The Mars Surface Habitat: Issues Derived from Design of a Terrestrial Polar Analog 1999-01-2140
Schematic design of a Mars Surface / Transit Habitat analog for deployment at Devon Island, Nunavut Territory resulted in a number of issues that require detailed analysis prior to composition of an exact configuration for the actual Mars Surface Habitat. The primary issues relate to surface science operations, EVA and systems maintenance. Secondary issues relate to internal organization, especially regarding variations in configuration required for transit and surface activity.
The approach utilized for the study is that favored in traditional architectural practice. This involves an initial schematic design phase during which precedents are reviewed and analyzed, and the scope of the project established. Preliminary budgets and timelines are also developed during the first phase. A second and third phase referred to as “design development” and “construction document production”, respectively follow the schematic phase. The results of the study presented in this paper are the product of the schematic design phase.
The intended final result of the study is the construction and deployment of a Mars surface analog to accurately simulate operational conditions at a surface base. The analog will be privately funded and primarily used by a wide variety users, including government, corporate and university researchers.
