Logistics-2-Shielding Mapper: Automated Space Construction System Using CTBs

摘要

Reusing current onboard logistics elements, such as Cargo Transfer Bags (CTB) as construction elements to improve habitat capabilities represents advancement in terms of volume, energy and mass budget efficiency. CTBs, normally used for logistics and packaging purposes, have also been proposed for dual-use as interior partitioning and furniture. Other functions are also currently under development to turn CTBs into waste treatment units -waterwalls - and water storage tanks among others. Filters built into the walls of CTB units can be used to pre-treat solid waste and provide advanced treatment for gray water. Due to the high concentration of hydrogen in solid waste, and in the fabrication materials of the bags (polypropylene), repurposed CTBs present a great potential as radiation-shieiding elements. Since large numbers of CTBs would be needed on a deep space mission, emptied or unused units could be used to gradually increase shielding capabilities if a feasible way to place them outside the habitat hull were to be developed. This paper presents a study for mapping CTBs onto the NASA Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) Hygiene Module hull, and it analyses requirements for a robotic deployment of the CTBs that have no volume or mechanical stiffness in microgravity conditions. As a result, a concept technology is developed to create a secondary technical skin for space habitats using repurposed CTBs to improve space habitat hull capabilities. This basic technique requires no Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) of the crew; while at the same time meets design and operation requirements in current spacecraft configurations. Several components and architectural robotic tools are designed and presented. The use of flexible elements with no stiffness that can be filled with insulating materials represents an advantageous system that could be used on deep space missions using water, or on planetary surfaces using in situ materials and regolith. In essence, this technology is a way to achieve more function with fewer elements using a better and smarter design to improve present and future space habitats capabilities and it paves the way to more flexible and adaptable habitat hull configurations.