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Based on a preliminary study for a Mobile Pressurized Laboratory made during the European Mars Mission Architecture Study conducted for ESA, a further design development of the laboratory and interior functional layout is planned. This includes volume optimization, wheel system and geometry, interior layout and functional zoning, airlock placement and ergonomics, radiation protection, ergonomic detailing of habitation functions like sleep, kitchen, hygiene, ergonomics of work environment for driver, glove box, laboratory and storage systems and spatial flexibility and adaptability. The Mobile Pressurized Laboratory (MPL) as shown in figure 1 is envisaged for the exploration of the Martian surface. The MPL may also be used as a safe haven in emergency. The vehicle's normal complement is two astronauts and they may perform surface excursions lasting up to 20 Sol over distances of up to 500 km. In the safe haven mode the MPL can accommodate six astronauts for a period of up to 7 Sol.

This paper presents the work done by architecture students at the Institute for Architecture and Product Design at the University of Technology in Munich. The design studio based its studies on the M.A.R.S Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island by the Mars Society and the „Tuna Can“-Concept of the Mars Reference Mission by NASA. Main subjects of investigation were the greenhouse, the entrance/airlock situation, the work level and the living level. On the living level studies for the kitchen, hygiene facilities and the Crew Quarters have been done. The paper will explain the underlying design ideas and the students work will be illustrated by many drawings and model photographs.

In 1998 the Institute of Architecture and Product Development, led by Professor Richard Horden at the University of Technology Munich started a 1 year program in Space Architecture for architecture students. Together with the University's department of Astronautics and NASA's outreach program, the team worked on designs for the Habitation Module of the International Space Station. Impressed by the high quality of design work, NASA offered the group parabolic flights on KC 135, to test selected hardware. The hardware of a table, a shower, a bed and a storage system were tested successfully under microgravity conditions in October 1999.