Computational Model for Spacecraft/Habitat Volume (Spacecraft Optimization Layout and Volume (SOLV)) (PI=Chen)

NOTE: Continues "Computational Model for Spacecraft/Habitat Volume (Spacecraft Optimization Layout and Volume (SOLV))" with PI Dr. Sherry Thaxton due to Dr. Thaxton's move to Human Factors & Behavioral Performance Deputy Element Scientist, as of 2/5/2017.

A key design challenge for future long-duration exploration missions is determining the appropriate volume of a spacecraft/habitat to accommodate habitability functions and ensure optimal crew health, performance, and safety. Because spacecraft/habitat volume directly drives mass and cost, this information is needed early in the design process. This proposal is in response to the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNJ13ZSA002N A.2.i: Computational Modeling and Simulation for Habitat/Vehicle Design and Assessment, and it addresses the Human Research Program (HRP) Program Requirements Document (PRD) Risk of Incompatible Vehicle/Habitat Design. The objective of this proposal is to develop a constraint-driven, optimization-based model that can be used to estimate and evaluate spacecraft/habitat volume. The computational model development will be completed through four Specific Aims: Estimate spacecraft/habitat volume based on mission parameters and constraints, provide layout assumptions for a given volume, assess volumes based on a set of performance metrics, and inform risk characteristics associated with a volume.

To accomplish this, the proposed team has been structured to leverage expertise from diverse fields, including architecture and habitation design, human factors engineering, industrial engineering, optimization-based modeling, and simulation. The proposed work will also leverage technical products developed from the HRP-hosted 2012 Habitable Volume Workshop, as well as work performed in the follow-on exploratory project in 2013, including critical task volume estimations and input/output definitions for the computational model. Lessons learned from the development of the Integrated Medical Model (IMM) developed by the Exploration Medical Capability Element (ExMC) of the HRP will also be applied to the proposed work -- lessons ranging from model development approach to compliance with NASA STD 7009, Standard for Models and Simulation. Model validation and verification will be a continuous process occurring throughout model development. The guidelines of NASA-STD-7009 will be followed in establishing parameters and vetting the credibility of the model at all stages of development. The outcome of the proposed work will directly answer to HRP’s Risk of Incompatible Vehicle/Habitat Design and the associated Space Human Factors Engineering (SHFE) SHFE-HAB-09 Gap on technologies, tools, and methods for data collection, modeling, and analysis for design and assessment of vehicles/habitats. A computational model for spacecraft/habitat volume will be an invaluable tool for designers, mission planners, integrators, and evaluators who are shaping space habitats and working toward a truly habitable environment for future long-duration exploration missions.

Earth industries that are concerned with habitability in confined environments for long durations (e.g., shipping, submarines, oil and gas rigs, Antarctic research stations) may benefit from the task-based approach in development for determining overall volume needs.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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