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Scientists have developed pop-up space habitats for future human settlements on the Moon and Mars, using a combination of origami techniques and digital weaving process.
MoonMars, a collaboration between the International Working Group on Lunar Exploration (ILEWG), the Samira Boon textile architects studio and other research institutes, is transforming architectural plans for intelligent human habitats and research stations in the space.
"Textile origami structures can be deployed in a myriad of different forms, are lightweight, and can be easily deployed and reused in different configurations and sizes for flexible spatial use," said Anna Sitnikova, who heads the project. MoonMars. on behalf of the ILEWG.
"The structures remain functional under changing circumstances, thus extending their useful life," Sitnikova said.
In the hostile environment of space, high performance textiles and the flexible nature of origami can offer unique architectural benefits.
The angular facets of origami structures mean that micrometeorites are less likely to reach 90-degree surfaces, dissipating energy from potential impacts and penetration hazards, protecting astronauts inside habitats.
Solar panels embedded in textiles that change shape can follow the sun to collect more energy throughout the day. Transparent and opaque facets may change direction to alter internal lighting and weather conditions.
After the first trials of a tunnel prototype of entry during a simulation in the facilities of the European Space Agency, the team now plans a series of tests ambitious for 2019.
"Origami for spatial architecture encourages interdisciplinary approaches and applications, providing advanced production and design methods," Sitnikova said.
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