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4.3 Surface habitation module
Figure 4-9: Mars excursion vehicle; Capsule with its second stage
HMM
Assessment Study
Report: CDF-20(A)
February 2004
page 257 of 422
4.3.1 Internal configuration
The development of the baseline design for the SHM included an investigation on the usage of
inflatable technologies. Before the final baseline design, three main steps (including eight
different designs and configurations) were developed followed by two detailed designs of
different interior layouts for the three main zones: the private, the personal and the social zone.
(See THM internal configuration for definitions 3.3.1)
4.3.1.1 Preparing the baseline design – investigations of SHM’s interior configuration
The final diameter for the SHM is 3.60 m, derived from the limitations of the launch vehicle
/diameter of 6.00 m) and the safety distance required between the plume of the MAV during
take-off and the ground or the habitat.
Where and how to place the life support system optimally still remains an open issue. Three
options were considered: at the top level of the habitat, in the middle, and at the bottom. The
option with the LSS at the top level was discarded, because the mass of the LSS would have
been too high up, considering the fact that the MAV with the propulsion tanks already has a
substantially high weight within the overall MEV configuration. Prior to a final conclusion, the
following two options were developed:
4.3.1.2 Option 1 – LSS in the middle of the habitat
SHM - cylinder:
Height: 7.00 m
Diameter: 3.60 m
LSS: 10 m 3 in the middle of the habitat