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#1 Re: Mars Analogue Research Stations » Realistic Mars Environment - Simulation parameters and limitations » 2002-10-16 09:15:41

Somewhere in the forums I saw an implication that many of the outside parameters to the project did not go as planned. It sounded like the station was put up by volunteers and a few others with what they had at the time, under some time constraints.

#2 Re: Science, Technology, and Astronomy » O'Neill colonies/cylinders » 2002-10-08 14:46:30

You folks might want to check out O'Neill's "Space Studies Institute" or SSI. There are discussions and papers available and artwork of the cylinders. Check out http://ssi.org/

#3 Re: Human missions » Interior Layout of the habitat » 2002-10-08 14:19:43

"Forty-two point seven percent of all statistics are made up on the spot"  Steven Wright

I know the hab is spun - but what would be wrong with bisecting it with a vertical wall that allowed the hab to open like a book - hinged on one side - if you wanted to have it flat like two quoset huts? That way you spin it like it normally would be spun - and on mars the spin floors would be the walls. Everything should be bolted on and designed so it can be removed and used for multiple uses. Plastic tubs for drawers in the desk so that the drawers can be used for bio experiments if needed,for example. All bolts the same, so you can repair missing ones on the rover. Designed multiple uses for everything - so you have the maximum chance to survive in case of the inconceivable. Currently, what happens if the hab is forced onto it's side ( like falling into a ravine)?

#4 Re: Other space advocacy organizations » Space Studies Institute - Research Org. for Colonizing Space » 2002-10-07 21:57:15

OK, so what's the speed of dark?  Steven Wright

Gerard K. O'Neill's site. Dr. Freeman Dyson ( of Dyson Sphere fame ) writes an nice bio of O"Neill. Check out http://ssi.org/conference.html

#5 Re: Life support systems » Lets brainstorm on suit design - We will need suits after all » 2002-10-06 14:05:16

How 'bout placing critical systems next to the skin - then spraying a suit on - sort of like that foam in a can stuff? Wash it off when you come in. New suit every time, except for the helmut, and the stuff you cover with foam/whatever ( like the environmental regulating gear)

#6 Re: Human missions » Interior Layout of the habitat » 2002-10-06 13:47:51

I have to ask why the current cylindrical hab isn't split in two down the middle - making two quansut (?) hut type units. That would have to give you more floor space, with bunks along the outer walls where the curve of the ceiling meets the floor. It would even bury in the ground better. As you probably know, the reason that culvert pipe is as thin as it is - is because the dirt forms a structural loadbearing arch that works with the culvert pipe in a synergistic way.

#7 Re: Human missions » Advanced Communications Systems - more efficient communications » 2002-10-06 12:07:10

Why is this transmitter Mars based? Why not use a Geo sat and a ground station that transmits to the sat? Could also use the Sat for geonav functions. Actually need a few sat anyway for ground nav function.

#8 Re: Mars Analogue Research Stations » Realistic Mars Environment - Simulation parameters and limitations » 2002-10-06 08:42:32

I haven't seen this subject addressed yet - so I thought of a few things:

One of the key elements for the Mars mission will be personal relations between crew members - and environmental conditions that will impact those relations. I have a few suggestions for the two habitats:

1) All visors on the helmets, and ports in the habitat, should be tinted to give a realistic color to the sky and ground. This is a psych thing - humans are dominated by the visual imput system. This could raise all sorts of issues ( like some volunteers might go crazy if they live under anything but a blue sky for a few weeks - you might want to pick people from Seattle for instance ).

2) From comments elsewhere in the forums - it is apparent that the habitat is quite uncomfortable as designed. It is clear to me that it should be earth ( Mars ) sheltered. That means either bury it level with the surface, or bank dirt up against the sides. Just think of Mars sand storms, and all the things that dirt will help with ( heating, cooling, material stressing, energy usage - if the reactor scrams, etc.)

3)Waste products should be composted in a composting toilet that recovers usable dirt and methane gas. These units already exist in real life. Something simular should be in the sim to try and recover water and soil, if nothing else.

4) What happened to the parachute? The landing should have given us a perfectly usable chute to use to drape the habitat. Shaped like a tee-pee, or cone, around the habitat, it would moderate the daytime temps. Stopgap measure until the habitat is burried.

#9 Re: Mars Analogue Research Stations » Bad news for volunteers » 2002-10-06 08:20:58

Start a lottery - five bucks to enter, with the winner getting the plane ticket. Or - bump up dues so that the association can fund a payable volunteer base pay ( seems you would not be a volunteer then. The govenment then gets involved with social security, medical, etc.). A few bucks from all of us would send some worthy individuals.

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