Spacecraft architectural design with minimal artificial weightness concept

The basic aim behind this research is to design an interplanetary spacecraft for a manned mission to Mars using issues of human physiology and psychology, interior architectural design considerations, ergonomic engineering and structural mechanics. The Minimal Artificial Weightness Concept (MAWC) was developed at ENSICA by Dr. Y. Gourinat and involves rotating the spacecraft about a central axis in order to create a sense of weightness in the modules. This reduces the medical problems experienced in zero gravity. The values of rotation rate and radius of the spacecraft have been chosen as 2 revolutions per minute and 45 m respectively. A total of three modules were chosen due to reasons of structural mechanics, with each module accommodating a crew of four. The habitation modules comprise a cyclindrical structure of dimensions 6 m in diameter and 12 m in length and consist of a two layered arrangement with staircases linking the two floors. Focus has been given to the detailed interior design of the habitation modules, taking into account psychological issues and these have been incorporated into the design by the choice of lay-out, materials, colours, lighting and furniture. The resulting modules have been modelled on computer using CATIA software.