High-Level Project Summary
First, Minimal Mars is the blueprint for the best living space you can have with only 3 pieces of 3D printers when you are a lone astronaut in the harsh conditions of Mars. In addition, due to the damage to the wheel on the rover, in our project, we also reproduced the damaged wheel with 3D printers. In our living space plan, we have designed durable products that can be made almost (with some exceptions) only with 3D printers. In addition, we made minimal designs in order to get maximum efficiency with minimum material. We think that it can be a source of inspiration for livable living space studies with less materials (especially using only 3D printers) in the future.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
What exactly does Minimal Mars do?
Minimal Mars is an interior design and wheel model that an astronaut who has just landed on Mars can only make with 3D printers.
We created a Floorplanner design for creating the inside of the living space. Other than that, we recreated the furniture and some tools that can be useful for daily life. (All the 3D designs and Floorplanner link are available in the final project link)
OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE
Since the wind speed per hour on Mars is 6 times that on Earth (60 km/h), we thought of a curved structure by taking advantage of aerodynamics while creating the structure of the living space.
Our design includes a decontamination room. (The small square part which has 2 doors and has no furniture.)
The astronaut will be protected inside the house against storms and strong winds on Mars, and her/his living space (house) will be less affected by winds that are 6 times the earth.
If there is no thermal insulation against the weather conditions of Mars in the structure of the house, thermal insulation will be made with polymer material in the places where the most heat escapes (exterior door, etc.).
INSIDE OF THE HOUSE
Why did we use less material?
Because we wanted to get maximum efficiency with less material. Also, since we 3D print most items, it will be easier for the astronaut to design the interior of the house and survive the 1-year mission.
*WALLS ARE REPRESENTATIVE, THEY ARE NOT FLAT, THEY ARE CURVED.
Interior Hall:
THE TABLE IS MADE OF CONCRETE, IT IS 200 CM BY 200 CM.
THE CHAIR IS MADE OF COMBINABLE CONCRETE PIECES, DIMENSIONS ARE 50 CM BY 50 CM. HEIGHT IS 70 CM. THERE ARE 4 EXTRA CHAIRS.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE FROM THE LANDING CRAFT.
ALL THE WORK (EATING TEST SESSIONS ETC.) WILL BE HAPPENING ON THE CİRCLE TABLE
BED
THE BASE OF THE BED IS MADE OF CONCRETE, IT IS 180 CM BY 100 CM. HEIGHT IS 20 CM.
THE FOAM SECTION OF THE BED AND THE PILLOW WERE TAKEN FROM THE LANDING CRAFT.
CUPBOARD
THIS WILL BE USED FOR PUTTING THE GENERAL ITEMS INTO THE CUPBOARD.
IT WILL BE MADE OF COMBINABLE PLASTIC PARTS.
the total size of the cupboard is 150 cm x 100 cm x 50 cm
TOILET
TOILET SEATS, SHOWER, AND SINK ARE MADE OF COMBINABLE POLYMER/PLASTIC.
*UNKNOWN SIZE INFO ABOUT TOILET ITEMS
FOOD STORAGE IS MADE OF CONCRETE
122CM X 33CM X 102 CM
FOOD STORAGE WILL BE USED TO STORE THE DRY/BOTANIC FOOD.
The gym item is REPRESENTATIVE. It represents dumbbells which are made of metal (holding part) and concrete (the weight).
ROVER WHEEL
We got inspired by the old rover wheels that were used on Mars.
The indentations and protrusions on the tire part are 2 times higher than the old model. Thus, the friction force of the vehicle will be more and it will not have problems on the Martian surface. Also, the pattern on the tire is used for this: if there is a problem (if it is lost or etc.), you can follow the pattern on the surface and see where did it go.
The rubber part is made of soft plastic.
On the side of the wheel facing us, there is a layer of transparent plastic that covers the front of the wheel and prevents particles such as stones and sand from getting into it.
The rim part is made of connectable metal parts. 8 curved parts hold the main circle in the middle, strengthen it and join the outer circle. So it is not easily damaged like old wheels.
the size and weight of this wheel is the same as the old Curiosity model.
We also created some 3D models that can be useful for daily life.
SMALL TOOLS
1: Tool box
(It's available in the Google Drive link, shown as "tool bag") The toolbox will be made of plastic, except for its hinges. the hinges will be made of a metal printer. When you wash the tool bag, you can use it as a food plate.
2: Swiss Knife
(It's available in the Google Drive link, shown as "Knife Plastic and Knife Iron")
This is a swiss army knife. Knife Iron model is made from metal. The plastic part is shown separately on Google Drive as "Knife Plastic". It can be used for work and for cutting food.
3: Fork and Spoon
(It's available in the Google Drive link, shown as "Fork And Spoon")
This item is to eat food with only using 1 object. On one side, it is a spoon (made of metal) on the other side it is a fork (made of metal) and the middle part (which connects the fork and spoon) is made of plastic.
4: Trash Can
(It's available in the Google Drive link, shown as "Trash")
This trash can is made with compostable plastic pieces. The foot press mechanism is made of metal. You can use it to throw your rubbish.
Space Agency Data
We created a wealth of information by combining NASA's data like a puzzle. We strengthened our knowledge by comparing data from the Canadian Space Agency with NASA data. We correlated it with real life using NASA's Mars data. Thus, we have more concrete data.
Hackathon Journey
In this two-day process, we learned how important teamwork is. Because without one of us, the team is no longer a team. We learned that we all have separate duties in the group. We realized the importance of solidarity. We learned to use scientific research and data. We learned how to predict the future, use a program and integrate scientific data into the study. SpaceApp has been a huge development for our future. As a team, we all loved this challenge and exploring Mars, so we chose this one. As a team -again-, we all believed in ourselves. We were ready to do anything for science. We think, that's the key to our success. Our goal was not to win, our goal was to inspire the next generation and do something for science and mankind. Because, playing an important role in science is better than winning.
Even if we don't win, we are very proud to take part in this competition. We'd like to thank all of the people who were in this competition, employees, and mentors. Especially, Thank you NASA for organizing such a contest!
References
https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/models
https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/
http://mars500.imbp.ru/files/presskit_mars520_eng.pdf
https://www.nasa.gov/chapea/habitat
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Mars
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-aerodynamics-58.html
Tags
#3DPrint #Mars #NASA #SpaceApps #Astronauts #3DprintTheMars