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This paper presents an overview of the progression of the contemplated candidate volumes for the Lunar Lander since the beginning of the Vision for Space Exploration in 2004. These sets of data encompass the 2005 Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), the 2006 Request for Information on the Constellation Lunar Lander, the 2007 Lander Design Analysis Cycle −1 (LDAC-1) and the 2008 Lunar Lander Development Study (LLDS). This data derives from Northrop Grumman Corporation analyses and design research. A key focus of this investigation is how well the lunar lander supports crew productivity.

Radiation is the leading showstopper for long duration human exploration of the lunar surface. The need for an effective and safe radiation shielding material has become the “Holy Grail” of radiation protection research. This paper reports the results for one material in particular – carbon – in the “Bioshield” particle accelerator test of candidate radiation shielding at Brookhaven National Laboratory, sponsored jointly by NASA and the Italian Space Agency. Shielding samples were bombarded by both Iron and Titanium nuclei beams at1 GeV/n relativistic energy. This paper reports the results for Fe. The target behind the shielding was a lymphocyte culture; created using advanced cytogenetic techniques (premature chromosome condensation and fluorescence in situ hybridization). The shielding samples included aluminum, PMMA acrylic/Lucite, polyethylene, and lead.

This paper presents a preliminary modeling method, Habitat Multivariate Design Model (HMVDM), to estimate the volume, size, shape, and configuration required for the design of a space habitat. The specific habitat used for this analysis is the “Habot” mobile lunar base concept. The HMVDM methodology begins with values for mass and volume from quantitative summation tools such as the NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) Crew Accommodations Guide. From these tools, it derives a more detailed analysis of mass and particularly of volume. The estimated volume is input into the model, written as a spreadsheet-based analytical modeling tool. In this pilot study, the diameter of a cylindrical module serves as the single independent variable.

This paper presents a global overview of current, planned and proposed sample missions. At present, missions are in progress to return samples from asteroids, comets and the interstellar medium. More missions are planned to Mars and the asteroids. Future sample return missions include more targets including Europa, Mercury and Venus. This review identifies the need for developing a coordinated international system for the handling and safety certification of returned samples. Such a system will provide added assurance to the public that all the participants in this new exploration arena have thought through the technical challenges and reached agreement on how to proceed. All these future returned sample missions hold relevance to the NASA Astrobiology program because of the potential to shed light on the origins of life, or even to return samples of biological interest.

This paper presents a review of the development and evolution of space laboratories. Laboratories in space constitute the unique and necessary working environment in which researchers conduct scientific experiments, engineering tests, and technology development missions. The United States (US) and (former) Soviet Union pioneered space laboratories with the Skylab and Salyut series stations. In the Space Shuttle era, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) SpaceLab, the commercial SpaceHab, and shuttle middeck lockers provided experiment accommodations for a broad range of disciplines. The MIR station provided a suite of laboratories and other facilities. The Space Station Alpha (SSA) will soon provide a multiplicity of laboratories, including the US Lab, the ESA Columbus Module, the “Kibo” Japan Experiment Module, and other facilities. Beyond the SSA, planetary exploration missions to the Moon and Mars will include Space Laboratories.

The crucial challenge to astrobiology research on Mars is for the astronaut crews to conduct the search for life past and present from a Mars surface base. The Mars base will require a highly specialized astrobiology science laboratory to facilitate this research. This paper presents an incremental strategy to develop the laboratory technology and facility necessary to enable the astrobiology investigation on Mars. The distinguishing characteristic of an astrobiology research apparatus for the Mars surface science laboratory is that the research crew must work across a large pressure differential between the shirtsleeves cabin atmosphere and the Mars ambient atmosphere inside the apparatus. How to simulate that apparatus and its operations through Earth expeditions is an essential aspect of design development.

This paper presents the design research for Human Engineering to modify a 747SP aircraft for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. It summarizes the work of the SOFIA Layout of Personnel Accommodations (LOPA) Team at NASA-Ames Research Center in developing the specifications and project documents to define the mission crew work areas, including consoles, equipment racks, and astronomer/experimenter work areas and facilities. It covers several key areas, including the Project's assumptions about the SOFIA personnel complement and the aircraft's operational scenarios, based upon a systematic comparison to the SOFIA's predecessor, the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO), a modified C-141. The LOPA Team analyzed these complex assumptions, requirements and goals for improved Mission crew productivity to develop a Human Engineering Design Guideline.

The ultimate goal of human space exploration is to discover if life exists on other worlds, to understand the genesis and evolution of the universe and to learn to live on other planets. Mars offers the closest opportunity to pursue these goals realistically. The capabilities to define, design, develop, build, test, contract out, manufacture and operate new technologies are the means to achieve this set of goals. The purpose of this set of criteria is to evaluate mission design and exploration technology proposals to ensure that the means support the goals and do no obstruct them. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to evaluating complete Mars mission designs and partial designs. It begins from current theory and methodology of design problem definition. It proposes a method of evaluating if the mission design solution answers the problem definition.

This summary paper addresses each of the key words in its title; Designing, Space Habitats and Productivity; from the perspective of a research architect. This approach looks at definitions of productivity in their specific economic, industrial, social and technical context. The discussion covers crew autonomy, democracy and teamwork as productivity values for space habitats.