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This paper investigates the use of Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), in the iterative design and evaluation of lunar habitats. Conducted over a four-month period at the University of Houston's Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA) and NASA's Mar...
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... usability of this rack typology is inspired by the research conducted for Flexhab 9 . This experiment can be seen below in Figure 9 After completing both experiments, the testers used the XR Framework to complete the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) 11 and Modified Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (MSUS) 12 . Additionally, testers wore biosensors to gather data on physiological responses, and to avoid possible bias from the Human Performance surveys, providing further insights into potential areas for design improvement 7 . ...
Citations
... Various operation scenarios are simulated, such as EVA activities, mass handling, and collaboration with robotics procedures, but all are relative to missions to be performed on the ISS. The concept of leveraging VR to enhance the engineering of early-stage lunar mission prototypes is well described in [3,4]. In particular, [3] focuses on the development of an iterative design process of lunar habitats in which VR is integrated to obtain valuable feedback on design choices directly from a human perspective. ...
... The concept of leveraging VR to enhance the engineering of early-stage lunar mission prototypes is well described in [3,4]. In particular, [3] focuses on the development of an iterative design process of lunar habitats in which VR is integrated to obtain valuable feedback on design choices directly from a human perspective. In [4], instead, the authors modeled a lunar exploration scenario and showed how VR facilitates the user-centered design of tools and assets to be manipulated by astronauts during a future mission. ...
In an era marked by renewed interest in lunar exploration and the prospect of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon, innovative approaches supporting mission preparation and astronaut training are imperative. To this end, the advancements in Virtual Reality (VR) technology offer a promising avenue to simulate and optimize future human missions to the Moon. Through VR simulations, tests can be performed quickly, with different environment parameters and a human-centered perspective can be maintained throughout the experiments. This paper presents a comprehensive framework that harnesses VR simulations to replicate the challenges and opportunities of lunar exploration, aiming to enhance astronaut readiness and mission success. Multiple environments with physical and visual characteristics that reflect those found in interesting Moon regions have been modeled and integrated into simulations based on the Unity graphical engine. We exploit VR to allow the user to fully immerse in the simulations and interact with assets in the same way as in real contexts. Different scenarios have been replicated, from upcoming exploration missions where it is possible to deploy scientific payloads, collect samples, and traverse the surrounding environment, to long-term habitation in a futuristic lunar base, performing everyday activities. Moreover, our framework allows us to simulate human-robot collaboration and surveillance directly displaying sensor readings and scheduled tasks of autonomous agents which will be part of future hybrid missions, leveraging the ROS2-Unity bridge. Thus, the entire project can be summarized as a desire to define cornerstones for human-machine design and interaction, astronaut training, and learning of potential weak points in the context of future lunar missions, through targeted operations in a variety of contexts as close to reality as possible.
... The width of the module is limited to 3 meters, presenting several difficulties in the internal organization of space. Multiple virtual reality tests were conducted to improve the module design in an iterative process [15]. A system of racks mounted on rails that expand along the length of the module was chosen, taking inspiration from the system studied by the project in collaboration with ESA FlexHab [16]. ...
Establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon is a crucial step towards becoming an interplanetary species and enabling further exploration of the Solar System. This paper presents a comprehensive design approach for the initial modules that will form the foundation of a lunar colony at the South Pole, accommodating the first crew of four astronauts. Our multidisciplinary team conducted an extensive study of historical literature and state-of-the-art human habitat designs to develop an innovative proposal tailored for lunar colonization. The proposed outpost is designed to evolve through distinct phases, utilizing four different module types: a Vertical Surface Habitat for the living environment, two distinct Horizontal Modules serving various functions such as laboratories, storage, and greenhouse, and an evolvable Node module that facilitates grid expansion and connection of additional modules. Leveraging 3D modelling tools, architectural design principles, and immersive virtual reality simulations, we consolidated our final design for the layout, structure, and interior configurations of these modules. The paper emphasizes the importance of incorporating hybrid modules from the outset of lunar colonization efforts. This hybrid approach, combining rigid and inflatable components, offers remarkable gains in terms of mass and volume optimization, which are critical factors for the initial human settlement on the Moon's surface. Through digital evaluation systems and trade studies, we demonstrate the significance of standardization and reconfigurability of internal usable volume within the modules. The hybrid design allows for efficient utilization of space while accommodating the evolving needs of the colony as it grows and expands over time. This work underscores the importance of hybrid module design for lunar colonization following the Artemis missions. Future research should focus on further optimizing the mass of these modules through advanced materials and construction techniques, as well as exploring additional configuration possibilities for the interiors of the horizontal modules to support a wider range of activities. The design presented in this paper is the result of a collaborative effort with the Sasakawa
