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Optimizing Space Habitat Design Through Multifunctional Transition Spaces: Redefining Corridors as Key Habitability Zones in Extraterrestrial Environments
Full text linkAathira Peedikaparambil Somasundaran, TU Wien, AustriaICES502: Space ArchitectureThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.In the confined environments of space habitats, optimizing
every square meter for functionality is crucial to
enhancing habitability. This paper focuses on the role of
transition zones as multifunctional areas that can
significantly improve the quality of life for crew members.
Traditionally underutilized as mere passageways, transit
zones offer unique potential to become integrated spaces
for exercise, social interaction, and even emergency
storage.
Drawing from architectural theory and past space habitat
designs, we explore how transit zones can be reimagined to
support a range of activities that address both physical
and psychological well-being. Transit zones equipped with
handrails or resistance devices can serve as exercise areas
for daily workouts, crucial for maintaining muscle mass and
cardiovascular health in low-gravity environments.
Additionally, these areas can function as informal social
gathering spots, where crew members can engage in impromptu
conversations and decompress from the rigors of mission
tasks. This multifunctionality can promote team bonding and
mitigate the isolation often associated with long-duration
missions.
Further, transit zones can be designed with integrated
storage for emergency supplies, allowing for efficient
access during critical situations without compromising
space allocation. Case studies from the International Space
Station (ISS) and other prototypes illustrate early
attempts to use transit zones more creatively, but
significant opportunities remain untapped.
This paper proposes design strategies that incorporate
advanced materials, modular elements, and flexible layouts
to optimize transit zones as dynamic, multifunctional
spaces. These strategies will not only increase the
functional capacity of space habitats but also contribute
to overall habitability by blending essential activities
into one fluid, adaptable environment. As missions extend
in duration and distance, the intelligent use of transition
spaces like transit zones will be key to enhancing both the
functionality and comfort of extra-terrestrial living
environments
In-situ Hydrogen Production from Heavy Oil and Bitumen Reservoirs via In-situ Combustion Gasification: Kinetics, Modeling, and Techno-Economic Analysis
No full textHydrogen is increasingly recognized worldwide as a critical, clean energy carrier for decarbonizing transportation, power generation, and other fuel-intensive industries. An emerging approach for hydrogen production is in-situ combustion gasification (ISCG) which generates hydrogen directly within heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs. In this process, the reservoir is heated via combustion to achieve high temperatures and initiate gasification reactions for hydrogen generation, and the produced hydrogen is subsequently separated from other gases at the surface or in situ. Although ISCG shows considerable promise, multiple challenges remain before it can be commercially implemented, including a thorough evaluation of both its potential and costs. ISCG is a complex process that involves a multitude of chemical reactions that occur simultaneously during fluid flow inside the reservoir, making it difficult to predict, control, or monitor effectively. A reliable reaction model is essential for modeling the process, as chemical kinetics drive reaction rates in subsurface reactive transport. Nevertheless, the key reactions controlling hydrogen generation require experimental validation, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This research addresses these critical gaps by combining kinetic cell experiments with numerical simulations to explore the key mechanisms of ISCG and develop the first experimentally validated reaction kinetics model for in-situ hydrogen production. The developed model is used to conduct reservoir simulations under varying operating conditions to optimize engineering parameters and guide economic decisions. Ultimately, a techno-economic analysis is carried out to estimate hydrogen production costs. This work lays a robust foundation for advancing in-situ hydrogen production via ISCG, paving the way for eventual field-scale deployment
Thermochromic Variable Emissivity Material Thermal Modeling and Test Correlation
Full text linkDerek W. Hengeveld, Redwire, United StatesIsaac J. Foster, Air Force Research Laboratory, United StatesTrevor J. Bird, Air Force Research Laboratory, United StatesDaniel Lockwood, Air Force Research Laboratory, United StatesJonathan Allison, Air Force Research Laboratory, United StatesICES203: Thermal TestingThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.In the future, spacecraft thermal engineers could greatly
benefit from thermochromic variable emissivity materials
(VEMs). VEM optical properties (i.e., emissivity and
absorptivity) vary in response to material temperature. As
a result, VEMs provide passive and adaptable heat rejection
and temperature regulation for spacecraft thermal
engineers. These qualities are extremely attractive to
spacecraft designers but will present challenges to their
acceptance within the spacecraft community.
First, thermal analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop) are
not inherently well-suited for modeling these unique
surfaces. In this paper, we will detail several methods for
capturing VEM properties within traditional thermal
modeling tools. We will describe the advantages and
disadvantages of each approach. Second, correlating a
thermal model to ground test results requires careful
planning to accommodate changing surface properties. In
this work, we will focus on considerations when modeling
and correlating VEMs to test data.
To help illustrate these modeling and correlation methods,
we will leverage our recent experience with SPIRRAL (Space
Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime).
SPIRRAL is an International Space Station (ISS) maturation
experiment measuring both ground and on-orbit performance
of VEMs. The SPIRRAL thermal vacuum test campaign will be
detailed including a description of instrumentation and
ground testing methodology. The goal of this work is to
help spacecraft engineers develop modeling and test
correlation methods for future VEM missions
Addressing the Myths: Human Health Risk Assessment Context for Lunar Dust
Full text linkTorin McCoy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesICES513: Human Health and Performance AnalysisThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.Lunar dust poses legitimate challenges for NASA's return to
the moon under Artemis, with human health concerns being
among the technical gaps that must be overcome if we are to
achieve mission success. Part of that challenge includes
accurate risk communication, which is key to informed
spaceflight operations. This is complicated by a number of
myths that surround lunar dust health risks; false
assumptions, half-truths, and generalizations that affect
risk perceptions by the stakeholder community. Are
silicosis and lung cancer legitimate concerns with future
Artemis exposures? Is NASA basing its lunar dust exposure
standard on very limited findings from Apollo?
The NASA Human Health & Performance Directorate (HHPD) has
the responsibility for addressing these sorts of questions
in accurately representing crew health risks associated
with lunar dust exposure under Artemis. As part of that
mission, this paper intends to evaluate many of these
myths, while sharing supporting risk assessment insights
and technical findings that will hopefully provide a more
balanced perspective on the lunar dust challenge we face
Thinking Outside the (Space) Box: Researching Vibration, Microgravity, Auditory, Visual, and Olfactory Factors for Optimal Productivity
No full textSophia Guiter, Marquette University, United StatesJoseph Wall, Marquette University, United StatesHunter Sandidge, Marquette University, United StatesAndrew DeGuire, Marquette University, United StatesICES513: Human Health and Performance AnalysisThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.Traditional space environments prioritize functional
engineering, often overlooking human-centered design - an
omission that can impair astronaut performance,
consequently reducing cost efficiency and leading to
suboptimal financial outcomes. Optimizing environmental
factors could enhance productivity and reduce costs,
influencing mission approval and success. Research has long
demonstrated that biophilic design and specific
environmental factors impact individual performance. NASA
has begun addressing circadian lighting, noise exposure,
and short-term fragrance experiments, but further
advancements could amplify productivity and well-being.
This study synthesizes existing research on key
environmental factors—visual (lighting and color),
olfactory (scents), auditory (controlled sounds, binaural
beats, and noise exposures), artificial gravity, and
vibration, examining their effects on decision-making under
cognitive load. Findings will be cross-referenced with
financial mission cost data to quantify potential
efficiency gains. By establishing a framework that links
environmental optimization with economic impact, our
research provides space agencies with actionable insights
for future habitat design. This work is a foundation for
further agency-led studies, integrating human performance
with mission cost-effectiveness. It is recommended that
space agencies consider experiments that utilize binaural
beats and olfactory environments where lavender or
petitgrain is present, which are detailed further below.
Each of these factors has the potential to generate
substantial returns by enhanced productivity with minimal
implementation costs
Stability Analysis of grid-connected solar PV systems under asymmetrical faults.
No full textThe global shift towards sustainable energy is heavily impacted by the growing integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into modern power grids. However, ensuring the stability of these grid-connected solar PV systems during asymmetrical fault conditions remains a challenge. Voltage and current imbalances can spread across the network, potentially leading to cascading faults and widespread instability.
This study examines the stability of grid-connected solar PV systems under asymmetrical fault scenarios, focusing on the use of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) to prevent fault propagation and maintain grid reliability. The main strategies include fault ride-through (FRT) capabilities, unbalanced current injection, and dynamic reconfiguration of PV systems to isolate faulty sections and prevent cascading events. Simulation studies assess the effectiveness of these strategies in maintaining system stability under various fault conditions and grid configurations.
The study further attempts to reduce unbalanced current injection and fault duration by comparing the effects of FRT with PIDs and Super Twisting-Sliding mode control. These two methods are analyzed to observe their impact during different fault scenarios. The findings of this study highlight the critical importance of understanding the limitations of fault ride-through with or without sliding mode control for early fault detection and dynamic response to prevent cascading failures. Additionally, this study identifies key design considerations for improving the fault tolerance and resilience of PV systems in high-penetration scenarios. By incorporating advanced monitoring and control solutions, this study establishes a robust methodology for ensuring the stability of grid-connected solar PV systems and enabling the reliable operation of future power networks
Narrowing the Instruction and Math Performance Gap: A Case Study of Implementation of Specially Designed Instruction for Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities
No full textA significant math performance gap persists between general education and special education middle school students despite increased access to curriculum and educational expectations through IDEA (2004). Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is the essential component of special education services and it is intended to address students’ unique academic challenges that contribute to the math performance gap. The components of this SDI include advance planning, alignment to the student’s needs and learning goals, and instructional delivery. This case study addressed the question: To what extent do special education middle school math teachers implement SDI to meet the needs of students with specific learning disability (SLD)? The study collected data over a six-week period from five middle school math teachers who provided instruction to students who received special education services due to SLD. The study addresses a gap in the literature as previous research into math instruction for students with SLD focused on types of instruction in the elementary grades while this study describes middle school math instruction through the lens of the three components of SDI. This study’s findings are relevant in the context of modern criticisms of programs such as DEI that target marginalized populations and in light of discussions of the role of the federal government in education. Addressing the needs of students with SLD is a social justice issue worthy of research attention. Understanding SDI implementation within this case revealed implications for teacher practice and teacher preparation by identifying obstacles to effective implementation of SDI that in turn inhibit educators’ ability to address the math performance gap
Elevated temperature and pressure performance of water based drilling mud with green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer
No full textWater-based mud (WBM) faces challenges in high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) conditions due to fluid loss and property degradation. Enhancing eco-friendly drilling fluids with optimal rheology is crucial for sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally safe drilling operations. This study formulated a WBM using green-synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs, ~ 45 nm) and tragacanth gum (TG), a biodegradable natural polymer. The synthesized ZnO NPs were comprehensively characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) to determine their structural, morphological, and chemical properties. Rheological properties, including flow behavior index (n), consistency index (K), plastic viscosity (PV), and yield point (YP), were analyzed at 25, 50, and 75 °C using the Bingham-plastic and Power-law models. The accuracy of the model was validated using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), which assessed the significance of the results. Additionally, Design Expert software was utilized to optimize the concentrations of TG and ZnO for elevated temperature applications. Moreover, the response surface methodology (RSM) results were evaluated by reporting the R2 and accuracy metrics, confirming the strong correlation between predicted and actual values, which demonstrates the model’s robustness. Three optimal samples underwent HTHP filtration tests at 120 °C and 500 psi. The ideal formulation of 750 ppm TG and 0.25 wt% ZnO NPs improved PV by 27.84%, YP by 43.16%, reduced fluid loss by 54.16%, and mud cake thickness by 25%. The optimized sample showed superior performance, with a ‘K’ of 56.12 cp and a ‘n’ of 0.2272, ensuring effectiveness under HTHP conditions. This sustainable formulation reduced environmental contamination risks and drilling fluid consumption while enhancing operational efficiency
Pulsed Power and Beam Diagnostics to Enhance Accelerator Capabilities
No full textThe Advanced Sources and Detectors project is constructing a multi-pulse
linear induction accelerator capable of producing a 1.4 kA electron beam at
energies up to 24 MeV. The accelerator, named Scorpius, utilizes solid state
pulsed power to drive the entire machine. There are approximately 1000
solid-state Linear Transformer Drivers (LTDs) which comprise of the pulsed
power system, each containing 45 individual stages that have independent
timing control to allow for waveform modulation.
The built-in diagnostics of the LTDs allow for single point measurement
of output voltage and current. One problem area identified while testing the
generators is the onboard diagnostics inability to measure directionality of
the waveforms. Determining the origin of reflections present in the measured
waveform allows for characterization of driver-cell circuits in both the injector and accelerator modules. The load (cells) house non-linear components that restrict not only the number of pulses, but optimized waveshapes to reduce load reflections.
To acquire this data, a wideband, high voltage diagnostic is designed and
built to discriminate the forward and reverse waves of the multi-pulse output
of an LTD-Cell system. It is designed for a frequency range of 1-600 MHz,
as it must be able measure variable pulse widths of 20-80 ns with inter-pulse
spacings up to 200-500 ns. The diagnostic is based on directional coupler
technology, using capacitive coupling to pick up the forward or reflected
signal off the LTD output cable. A test bed consisting of a pulsed power
source capable of delivering tens of nanosecond wide pulses, an LTD output
cable, and a load is built to characterize the diagnostic.
A diamagnetic loop, a beam diagnostic that measures the radius of a relativistic electron beam passing through it, is studied and simulated in CST
to assess the impact on beam break up (BBU), an instability originating
from accelerator cell cavity resonances. By using both diagnostics together, one can monitor the applied waveform, utilize pre-existing magnetic diagnostics, and compare the beam radius in a single measurement to better inform modulation solvers for future experiments