NASA endorses AI SpaceFactory's vision for 3D printed huts on Mars
Marsha could be grouped into small groups. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
AI SpaceFactory has released the details of their cylindrical huts proposed for the planet Mars, designed as part of the 3D Printed Habitat Challenge organized by NASA. The MARSHA project (Mars HAbitat) was approved by NASA with a price of nearly $ 21,000, one of five models selected from a group of seventeen.
The competition asked participants to design an efficient habitat for a crew of four astronauts. on the red planet, using construction techniques enabled by 3D printing. Submitted schemas were then ranked according to their innovation, architecture, and level of detail in BIM modeling.
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Marsha is built from local materials. The machines would harvest the land for the material, leaving patterns in the sand like a rock garden. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
Marsha protects humans from the harsh Martian environment, including freezing temperatures, dust storms and radiation. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
[19699004] According to AI SpaceFactory, MARSHA represents a "radical change from previous habitat patterns characterized by low domes or buried structures". Instead, MARSHA adopts a vertically oriented cylinder, the result of a series of space studies and efficiency. The shape allows habitats to be highly efficient vessels optimized for the atmospheric pressure and structural stresses of Mars, as well as to provide a greater surface area / volume ratio.
The primary source of energy for a Martian settlement will be nuclear. In this image, a series of reactors radiate heat in the Martian morning. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
The Sun, despite its greater distance from the Earth, is a viable source of energy on the surface of Mars. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
MARSHA relies solely on materials harvested from the surface of Mars during construction. Formulating an innovative blend of basalt fibers (derived from the planet's surface) and renewable bioplastics (derived from plants grown on Mars), this system eliminates the need for material transport from the planet Earth. The construction process is also aided by the cylindrical shape of the housing, presenting the most printable pressure vessel with a reduced need for mobility.
Dust devils are common on Mars. Due to the low air pressure, they are not dangerous for humans or structures. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
To allow expansion and contraction in response to the strong thermal oscillations of Mars, MARSHA is anchored to the surface by a flanged hull moving on slides, with clamps and ground anchors securing the pod against the uprising. Inside, a double shell separates the pressure vessel from the habitable zone, which gives rise to various architectural uses.
The area between the two hulls functions as a skylight and a space for spiral stairs soft from one level to the other. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
Marsha's two-shelled structure creates flexible and hybrid spaces that offer a variety of lighting conditions, privacy, noise levels, and noise levels. # 39; uses. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
At the top of the structure, a large skylight filled with water allows the habitable area to be bathed in natural light, aided by intermittent windows. The space between the inner and outer shell further diffuses this light, to more accurately reflect the conditions on Earth, while containing a staircase to improve maintenance, traffic and sense of architectural intrigue.
The ground floor offers a flexible workspace geared towards more messy activities such as sample processing, equipment repair and preparation extra-vehicular activities. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
The second floor, main social center, includes the main laboratory / dry laboratory as well as the kitchen. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
The house is spread over four levels, with a garage on the ground floor, a dry laboratory and kitchen laboratory on the second level, individual cabins and a hydroponic basin on the third level . Each level has at least one window, combining to create a complete 360 degree panorama. The layout is designed to accommodate the strict flow of tasks throughout a Martian day, while serving as an evocative space for social and mental health.
The third level features the most private areas including private sleeping pods and the bathroom. Semi-closed pods provide a withdrawal zone without promoting total isolation. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
The observation room is the highest level. Standing under the large skylight filled with water, this level offers the crew a place to exercise, relax and socialize without stains. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
AI SpaceFactory will now proceed with the MARSHA project by building a functional 1: 3 prototype of the habitat, for the next level of NASA's 3D Printed Habitat Challenge. The news of this project comes at a time of heightened interest in life on Mars, with extraterrestrial visions recently advanced by Elon Musk and Foster + Partners
A Marsha model shows how the inner and outer shells relate to each other. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
A detailed view of the interior of the scale model showing the sleeping pods on the third level. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
The involvement of architects and designers in the study of how humans could inhabit Mars may have taken on more importance given the exciting discovery announced on the day of the publication of this article. March.
Astronauts observe the construction of a new habitat. Image courtesy of AI SpaceFactory
News via: AI SpaceFactory