Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Surface Facility Planning and Operations

This paper will draw parallels and define differences between factors that drive the planning and design of human surface facilities in space and in extreme environments on Earth. Primary emphases will highlight influences upon general habitat requirements, constraints upon delivery and construction, and special provisions for safety and hazard interventions. The overall intent is to identify important lessons that can be applied across different settings which present common priorities, issues and challenges. Such environments include future bases on the Moon and Mars, offshore surface and submersible facilities, polar research and oil/natural gas exploration stations, military desert operations, and natural and man-made emergency shelters. Important topics of emphasis include the following considerations: 1) Design influences driven by transport to remote sites; 2) Environmental influences upon facilities and construction; 3) Influence of crew sizes, types activities and occupancy durations; 4) Influences of construction methods and support infrastructures; 5) Special safety and emergency response requirements. This presentation will draw upon research and design experiences and examples at the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA). Information is also taken from a SICSA-sponsored conference "International Design for Extreme Environments One" (IDEEA-One) at the University of Houston which attracted more than 400 interdisciplinary participants from 12 countries representing diverse professions and environmental settings.