An interdisciplinary approach to the conceptual design of inhabited space systems

摘要

The conceptual design (project phase 0/A) of systems for long-duration manned space missions poses a significant challenge to the traditional design approach used for robotic or short-duration missions. Yet the success of planned expeditions to Mars and beyond depends on the ability of system designers to create an overall concept that maximizes crew efficiency and minimizes cost as well as the risk of catastrophic failure, while at the same time integrating a wide array of technological, crew-related and political boundary conditions. The interdisciplinary approach presented in this report proposes putting the focus on the most efficient integration of the crew into a space system as one solution to this conceptual design problem. Thus, human-rated space structures - be they inhabited orbital or planetary stations, or piloted interplanetary transfer vehicles - are treated by the designers not as 'machinery-with-attached-crew' like earlier spacecraft, but primarily as habitats, in order to assure mission success under conditions of long-term isolation, confinement and risk. The proposed approach is based on space systems engineering methodology and associated software tools, with key elements from terrestrial architectural practice added. It also provides software specifically developed for the analysis of life support systems - a crucial component of human-rated space systems - during the early phase of conceptual design. Several examples are given to demonstrate the validity of this truly interdisciplinary approach.