Adaptive Structures with Intrinsic Control: Exploratory Habitation-Vehicles for Space Environment

A new type of habitation vehicle for future Mars colonization and exploration missions is proposed. The habitat vehicle is characterized by the movement of the habitat cell of varying sizes: from medium-small, for temporary colonization of near settlement, to larger with a greater autonomy, for the exploration purpose of unknown area. The vehicle consists of a pair of compass-shaped structures that support the habitat cell which, once the settlement position is defined, can be laid on the ground. The mechanical and structural configuration allow the module to be raised from the surface, lowered, and transported to a constant altitude with horizontal layout. The module is kept at a constant altitude and horizontal trim during the motion of the vehicle. Furthermore, the function of being able to lower to the ground surface to allow access is ensured. The height and the constant trim during the motion and the lowering and ascent are achieved with a system of ropes wound on pulleys moved by the motion of the vehicle itself, with suitable transmission. The structural components it is previewing to exploits the principle of tensairity strucutres, with the aim of making maximum use of the material and reducing the mass of the structure facilitation the transportation from Earth to Mars.