Interior Accommodations and System for Lunar and Mars Habitats: Design Innovations of the Sleeping Compartments in Mars Transfer Module

Planning for long-duration lunar and Mars exploration missions must provide appropriate human support accommodations to optimize crew comfort, health, morale and performance. This paper will present special habitability considerations using a proposed Mars Transfer Module to illustrate concepts for functional areas and equipment systems. Design concepts that efficiently and effectively utilize limited volumes and minimize launch mass are based on two main assumptions: 1. Shape of a single unit: the volume of regular boxy sleeping quarters can be optimized by ergonomic design so that an individual crewmember can perform diverse private activities inside the unit. 2. Configuration: the proposed combination and orientation of 8 sleeping quarters is compatible with use of a 4-standoff layout in 12-feet diameter module. The project addresses fundamental requirements for human habitation in a 0-G environment in an orbital Mars Transfer Module. Special emphasis is directed to crew sleeping quarters, including configuration, the lighting system, restraint and mobility devices, and privacy curtains.