NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Mars surface-based factory: Computer control of a water treatment system to support a space colony on MarsIn a continued effort to design a surface-based factory on Mars for the production of oxygen and water, the Design Group at Prairie View A&M University made a preliminary study of the surface and atmospheric composition on Mars and determined the mass densities of the various gases in the martian atmosphere. Based on the initial studies, the design group determined oxygen and water to be the two products that could be produced economically under the martian conditions. Studies were also made on present production techniques to obtain water and oxygen. Analyses were made to evaluate the current methods of production that were adaptable to the martian conditions. The detailed report was contained in an Interim Report submitted to NASA/USRA in Aug. of 1986. Even though the initial effort was the production of oxygen and water, we found it necessary to produce some diluted gases that can be mixed with oxygen to constitute 'breathable' air. In Phase 2--Task 1A, the Prairie View A&M University team completed the conceptual design of a breathable-air manufacturing system, a means of drilling for underground water, and storage of water for future use. The design objective of the team for the 1987-1988 academic year was the conceptual design of an integrated system for the supply of quality water for biological consumption, farming, and residential and industrial use. The design has also been completed. Phase 2--Task 1C is the present task for the Prairie View Design Team. This is a continuation of the previous task, and the continuation of this effort is the investigation into the extraction of water from beneath the surface and an alternative method of extraction from ice formations on the surface of Mars if accessible. In addition to investigation of water extraction, a system for computer control of extraction and treatment was developed with emphasis on fully automated control with robotic repair and maintenance. It is expected that oxygen- and water-producing plants on Mars will be limited in the amount of human control that will be available to operate large and/or isolated plants. Therefore, it is imperative that computers be integrated into plant operation with the capability to maintain life support systems and analyze and replace defective parts or systems with no human interface.
Document ID
19940004530
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Brice, R.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Mosley, J.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Willis, D.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Coleman, K.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Martin, C.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Shelby, L.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Kelley, U.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Renfro, E.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Griffith, G.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Warsame, A.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: USRA, NASA(USRA University Advanced Design Program Fifth Annual Summer Conference
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Accession Number
94N71285
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Document Inquiry

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available