Ares V

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-WXyjUzNMOwxIbuFUc3ZRUqFNDUX-eQr

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11JumRazE8GTEJJ9v4Nxl2Fkx6JwjMsq5/view

OCCAM'S PRINTER: DESIGNING THE SIMPLEST SOLUTIONS

• To begin with, we were inspired by NASA's Phase 2 ground test program [1]. To quote the study:

The primary objective of the NextSTEP Phase 2 Ground Test Program was to identify the capabilities that are required for exploration missions, the nonessential capabilities that might enhance exploration, and the capabilities that provide marginal or no meaningful enhancement and can therefore be excluded, resulting in cost savings without impact to mission success.

• And for every design, we made it a priority to combine multiple functionalities into the same piece of tool/furniture. This is quite evident in several of our designs.
• We assumed that the 3D printer materials (plastic, metal, concrete) possess a reasonable strength and durability [2].
• We made a conscious effort to make the designs simple to print, assemble and fix.

Resources and software used

https://www.thingiverse.com

https://archive3d.net

Fusion 360 (Primary design software)

Tinkercad (For some designs)

A livable habitat

[1] made us realize that the astronauts must first get their habitat functionalities in order.

• They need to build a workstation that would serve as a command center and monitor the entire facility. We envision that the workstation would integrate virtual reality headsets so astronauts can train and communicate with family back on Earth.
• They would also need a robust waste management system which could be used to dispose of all waste safely. Human waste would probably be reused to fertilize Martian soil (by composting).
• A dedicated space for crew quarters that accommodates the astronauts.

Sustaining the crew

The Martian gravity being weaker than Earth, would inevitably cause fitness issues for astronauts, whose bodies are used to Earth's gravity. Due to payload constraints, the astronauts would not be able to bring enough food supplies to sustain them for the entire mission. This means that they would need to grow food in Mars.

• We think that the astronauts would carry at least a few weeks worth of food supplies with them.
• They would utilize this time to set up a vertical farming system that can grow crops without soil (hydroponics). The water for this will be retrieved from glacial sources (which will be located near the habitat).
• In parallel, the astronauts will run experiments on composting the Martian soil and test different concentrations of additives (clue: feces).
• Once a viable formula for fertile martian soil is obtained, they would grow crops like lettuce, turnips, and radishes as they do not need much water or maintenance and can grow rapidly [3].

Enabling field missions

One of the most important missions for the astronauts would be to retrieve soil and geological samples - both for analysis and for crop production.

• We built a set of geology tools that are deemed essential by simulated geological missions performed on Earth [4].
• We also designed a trolley that could be used to transport the samples and boxes into the habitat.The trolley would also serve to move the various 3D printed pieces for assembly.

List of designs accomplished

1. Vertical Farm, which was inspired by: https://grabcad.com/library/3d-printable-vertical-farming-setup-for-the-home-and-in-space-1 (public domain)
2. Geological hammer (original design)
3. Geological shovel (original design)
4. Extendable handle, could be repurposed for many other applications(original design)
5. Geological sample boxes, repurposed for storing waste and agricultural experiments. Inspired by: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4094861 (public domain)
6. Crew quarter, which incorporates a bed, personal storage area, and storage for first-aid, and chair (original design)
7. Pillow and bed "springs", made of plastic spring-like attachments. This would provide a comfortable sleeping experience for astronauts. (original design)
8. A fold-able chair that doubles as a ladder (original design)
9. Trolley with platform jack mechanism. Uses: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:925556/files
10. A cup whose handle doubles as a base for a "spork" and knife heads. Uses: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4077429 and https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:226875 (public domain)
11. NASA swiss-wrench. Uses: https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/detail/mpmt (public domain)
12. Cabinet and shelf design with sample box holders (Original design)
13. Dumbbells. Uses: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:304864 (public domain)
14. Dumbbell holder. Uses: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4757665/files

• The All-in-1 NASA Wrench:We wanted to design a wrench that could be used for multiple sizes of nuts. Turns out, NASA built a great one already!

• NASA analog missions: Experience from analog missions helped us decide what instruments and tools should be given priority when it comes to a long-term mission.
• NASA'S CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) & Mars Dune Alpha Habitat: Gave us a better idea of what the habitat would look like, and make furniture compatible with the walls.

Our hackathon experience

For many of our team members, this was our first Space Apps challenge. Through the hackathon, we learned how to function as a team, and got a better appreciation of team work when it comes to situations of pressure (which the astronauts would also experience if their landing don't gone to plan).

Challenges faced

• The biggest challenge we faced, as usual, was lack of time.
• Another challenge was the limits imposed on the dimensions of parts that could be printed from each printer. That meant that we had to get creative with making larger parts.
• We couldn't test our designs as we didn't have a 3D printer at hand to print prototypes.

1. Gernhardt, M., Chappell, S., Beaton, K., Litaker, H., Bekdash, O., Newton, C., & Stoffel, J. (2019). Deep Space Habitability Design Guidelines Based on the NASA NextSTEP Phase 2 Ground Test Program (No. NASA/TP-2020-220505).
2. Abbud-Madrid, A., Beaty, D., Boucher, D., Bussey, B., Davis, R., Gertsch, L., ... & Zbinden, E. (2016). Mars water in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) planning (M-WIP) study. Report of the Mars Water In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Planning (M-WIP) Study, 90.
3. Baisas, L. (2022, August 22). Alfalfa should be the first crop we try to grow on Mars. Popular Science. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.popsci.com/science/first-mars-crop/
4. Hurtado Jr, J. M., Young, K., Bleacher, J. E., Garry, W. B., & Rice Jr, J. W. (2013). Field geologic observation and sample collection strategies for planetary surface exploration: Insights from the 2010 Desert RATS geologist crewmembers. Acta Astronautica, 90(2), 344-355.

#MARS, #3DPrinting, #Bahrain, #4HPs, #Tokyo_Drift, #Design