Engineering of Pressurized Structure and Fire Safety for Space Habitation on Mars

Abstract

Mechanical structure and fire safety are discussed on pressurized environment for habitation on Mars. Trade-off studies were conducted between a rigid module (with concrete) and dome structure (with reinforced-membrane) to perform conceptual design of the man-made structure in space. In any case, it is preferable to choose lower pressure in the structure. Evaluation of safety in fire in lower pressure environment was made based on the previous test of irradiated ignition of thin cellulosic sheet under reduced ambient gas pressure. It was confirmed that 50 kPa of total internal pressure and 10 kPa of oxygen partial pressure, which are required for supporting biological lives, could be acceptable for both structures and from fire safety point of view. Because of the need of higher fire safety regulation, another fire safety strategy must be applied when human activity in the enclosure is considered since nearly double oxygen amount (-20 kPa) is required then. Fire safety in lower pressure conditions and different gravitational environment is a key issue for future space activity and development.