xarc space exploration projects dec2012
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Overview of Advanced Concepts Projects for Human Space Flight and Exploration
December, 2012
Sam Ximenes, (210) 404-2981San Antonio, TX
sximenes@explorationarchitecture.comwww.explorationarchitecture.com
2Dec-2012
XArc CorpExploration Architecture Corporation (XArc) is a privately held company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, providing multi-disciplinary Space Architecture consulting and project management services for human space exploration with a focus on spaceport facility design and operations, and on the planning and design of planetary surface systems for human exploration and habitability.
The firm is comprised of a network of aerospace industry professionals with broad-based capabilities in the fields of space architecture, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, visualization and simulation science, industrial design, systems engineering, human factors engineering, and related human spaceflight disciplines.
Established December 2006Corporate headquarters in San Antonio, TX; Satellite office in Houston, TXDuns #: 808128669CCR and ORCA RegisteredSecurity Clearances
NIACS Codes:541310 – Architectural Services 541330 – Engineering Services541420 – Industrial Design Services 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services541712 – Research and Development 611710 – Educational Support Services
3Dec-2012
Space ArchitectureXArc provides design and development services for Architectural Systems in the aerospace domains of:
- Orbital architecture- Planetary surface architecture - Earth-based space facilities architecture
• Concept Design and Analysis
• Mission Planning & Integration
• Habitability Subsystems Design
• Human Factors Analysis and Engineering
• Operations & Utilization Concept of Operations
• Surface System Site Planning
• Analog Mission Development and Test
Commercial Applications of Space Architecture for Human Spaceflight
Aerospace Facilities Architecture Sub-Orbital Commercial Spaceport
Orbital ArchitecturePrivate Space Station
Planetary Surface Systems Architecture Lunar Outpost
4Dec-2012
Decision Support
• Architectural Programming & Program Analysis• Spacecraft Technology Insertion Assessment• Process Flow Modeling and Space Utilization• Site Analysis• Facility Concept of Operations• Ground Support Equipment Inventory & Storage• Risk and Mitigation Assessments
Spaceport Usage Assessment of Functional Areas using Pedestrian Flow Timelines
Spaceport Site Analysis for Optimal Building Size to Minimize Impact on View-shed
Program Analysis and Hangar Operations Assessment for Spacecraft Processing
Spaceport America THF Winning team selected for design and construction of Spaceport America Terminal and Hangar Facility (THF)
Fueling Operations Assessment
Spaceport America Team Member Role
5Dec-2012
Project Development
XArc is developing a high fidelity technology demonstrator for an expandable flooring system concept applicable to future inflatable habitation modules deployed on the lunar surface or in space. Test bed includes research in composite materials, manufacturability, and human factors investigations for packaging and stowage of structural beams and floor panels to achieve high cycle packaging. and deployment cycles.
Deployable Flooring System for Expandable Space Habitation Modules
XArc leads a consortium of aerospace consulting companies in the design, development, and licensing of commercial spaceports for the new commercial spaceflight industry. The combined strength of consortium member companies provides the ability to offer full service consulting capabilities for projects endeavoring to seek commercial spaceport licensing, planning and design. Featured projects include Spaceport America and Ellington Field Spaceport.
Commercial Spaceport Consulting Services
XArc investigates viability of various lunar surface system technologies for application to Lunar Outpost construction and habitation. The International Lunar Interconnect Node (ISLIN) and a Soil Particle Acquisition and Containment (SoilPAC™) system are two concepts currently under review.
Lunar Construction and Habitation Technology Assessments
XArc is a member of an aerospace industry team which conducted a Lunar Surface Systems Risk Assessment for the Space Enterprise Council’s Space Transportation Working Group (STWG) industry support to NASA ESMD for Lunar Surface Systems planning.
Space Enterprise Council Space Transportation Working Group Lunar Surface Systems Risk Study
XArc development of a TRL 2 subsystem architecture concept for a grappling and anchoring platform to enable offloading of instruments and payloads for access to subsurface features in planetary cave exploration.
Zipline Grappling and Payload Offloading System for Planetary Cave Exploration
Spaceport AmericaEllington Field Spaceport
6Dec-2012
Secondary StructuresPrior research and development in habitation module secondary structures. Shown are secondary structure concepts for space station standoffs for rack mounting, viewport and hatch system, and crew compartment concepts.
Prototype full scale mockup of space station standoff substructure to accommodate two different rack sizes
Prototype full scale mockups of habitation module crew compartment workstation, personal hygiene and shower units
3D CAD model of pressure hull viewport and hatch latching mechanisms
7Dec-2012
Mission Architecture
Concept study investigating the
operational scenarios, technologies, and human and robotic performance feats associated with the first missions of planetary
cave exploration
Mission Architecture and Technologies for Lunar Lava Tube Reconnaissance
Fig. 1a. Accessibility to cave approaches would require increasingly sophisticated ease of ingress/egress technology solutions for robots, crewmembers and ensuing emplacement of infrastructure elements; reconnaissance phase technologies may include EVA suited rappelling techniques and jetpacks.
Fig. 1b. Site preparation inside the lava tube would require removal of large rubble piles at the approach and cave interior for leveling the floor with a debris-moving operation similar in scale to site preparation on the surface; terrain adaptable robotics required for precursor & crewed missions.
Fig 1c. Reconnaissance technologies for testing structural integrity of tube roof, science measurements, and imaging.
Fig 1d. Traverse mapped in 3D.
Fig 1e. Expedition campground for short duration stays inside lava tube
8Dec-2012
Marius Hills Skylight
Modeling and mineralogy resource identification
Long range site planning for future growth options
Marius Hills landing site selection for planetary protection
XArc leads an industry team for lunar lava tube R&D to characterize landing zone site selection at the Marius Hills Skylight