Parametric Pressure Vessel Habitat (2000)

CLIENT: NASA Ames Research Center.

CONCEPT: The Parametric Mars inflatable pressure vessel uses a detachable mobility platform as a lander and automated assembly implement. In the Parametric concept, the mobility platform would land with four modules packed under the platform superstructure. The platform would traverse terrain to the target location, and autonomously set up the four habitat modules by dropping each into position and affecting inflation to fill out the form. Once the modules were in place and inflated, the mobility platform would employ a simple autonomous sandbagger implement attached to the superstructure that would scoop regolith, fill sandbags, and cover the modules with layer by layer of sandbag shielding.

DESIGN TEAM: automated construction system and parametric module designed by A. Scott Howe with feedback from Jeffrey W. Howe.

COST: None estimated.

DATE: 2000.

STATUS: Only conceptual design steps were taken as a demonstration project to show how automated construction technology could be applied to surface construction on other planets.

Other images and animations:
pressure vessel studies
multiple sizing of pressure vessels
self-propelled construction platform (perspective view)
self-propelled construction platform (kinematic functionality)
site workcell
construction and radiation shielding scenarios
parametric pressure vessel (rendered)