NASA: Habitability Design Center
I spent 6 weeks working with the Habitability Design Center in 2011 on several projects that include developing concepts for the next generation Altair and building miniature models of the Space Exploration Vehicle. Below is a summary of the work accomplished at Johnson Space Center.
The Space Rover
Life-size prototype of the Space Exploration Vehicle aka "Woody"
This is a full-scale mock up of a lunar rover at NASA. It is being used to navigate the form and positioning of interior components. Stephanie DelVecchio and I mocked up stowage cabinets inside the rover and developed concepts for various assignments for the Habitability Design Center.
Creating a Work/Dining Surface
SEV supports a crew of 2-4 and provides numerous functions, but it initially lacked a proper surface that could function as a dining table and a desk. We sketched out some possible solution for prototyping.
Concept sketches: work surfaces that can be stored flat against storage areas below and above the astronaut's seat
SEV Miniature Model
The Habitability Design Center was asked to design alternative exteriors for SEV. To support this work, Stephanie DelVecchio, Carl Bahr and I consructed three miniature models out of foam board and museum board that helped to visually represent what the finished rovers would look like. All of the components of the model were made to be detachable.
Altair concepts
Altair is the lander component of the lunar mission, Constellation (now cancelled). Below are concept sketches I drew for the next generation of Altair.
Suitports allow astronauts to perform EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) without undergoing pressurization in a separate unit known as an airlock. These concepts show multiple ways astronauts can access the suitport.
Sample Containment Bag
Astronauts require containers that can store and transport lunar samples back to the main habitat unit or rover.
NASA required a design of the Sample Containment Bag that was more ergonomic and worked within their volume constraints. Below are some human factors-integrated concepts for the SCB.
Click on the images to see them full-size
A Human Factors Design Engineer at NASA reviewed the sketches. NASA then fabricated a prototype of the bag which incorporated concepts developed by me and Stephanie DelVecchio.
