[33]

Mars Gravity Biosatellite: Payload Design Plans Beyond PDR.  T.R.F. Fulford-Jones¹, M.L. Colbath², A.J. Gordhandas³, E.B. Grosse¹ and J.A. Hoffman^{1  1}MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ²Oregon State University, ³MIT Department of Electrical Engineering.

   We summarize the status of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite payload module as presented at Preliminary Design Review in June 2007. The review served both to validate core project design decisions and to highlight possible future improvements. A combination of theoretical and experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the life support system, including atmospheric reconditioning and thermal control. The review panel assessed a next-generation condensing heat exchanger designed for operation in partial gravity. High-fidelity habitat modules were demonstrated, with an emphasis on features such as the waste collection system, diurnal lighting subassembly, and video monitoring hardware.

   Formal and informal feedback from reviewers will allow the payload module to transition into the Critical Design Phase. We will incorporate detail into our schematics for life support systems. Having demonstrated the performance of designs to monitor and control the Payload environment, we will improve these systems and develop computerized feedback algorithms during the Critical Design. Simple changes to the chemical canisters and condensing heat exchanger will improve the efficiency of the atmospheric reconditioning system. We discuss the modification and augmentation of existing space hardware technology in the process of arriving at our future payload design, and detail our plan for testing systems over the coming months to ensure compliance with all requirements.