NASA
Internship - Summer 2018
Interned at NASA focusing on the next generation of the Luna/Mars rover. When I arrived they were starting to create concepts for Generation 3A. So spent some time looking into recurring issues that had been present throughout the previous generation and then went from there. Using a combination of CAD and VR, I began to design a rover cockpit interior thinking about what would be most comfortable for astronauts using Xbox controllers.
History
Generation 1A/1B. Their main goal was to have 2 astronauts explore the surface of the moon and live inside for a duration of 3-14 days.
Generation 2A. This iteration was an exploration into what an ascent vehicle and asteroid free-flyer could look like.
Generation 2B which is also known HAL (Habitable Air Lock) is a vessel with the purpose of being a habitable space for 2 crew members.
Issues
Seats do not accommodate body sizes ranging from 1% Female to 99% Male.
Not enough adjustability. Uncomfortable when sitting for long periods of time.
The joystick is confusing and difficult to deploy.
Not intuitive controls for driving a rover.
Requires users to put wrist and arm in uncomfortable positions which overtime cause pain.
Research
Astronauts are able to control the vehicle from outside to help in ticky situations or if the vehicle needs to move without someone inside.
The controller requires much less moment to operate. All that is needed is thumbs, and fingers to operate all the necessary controls.
Future astronauts will have grown up with these gaming systems which will make the controls very intuitive.
After observing friends and coworkers use Xbox controllers I noticed that people either would lean backward in more of a lounging position or forward with their hands on their knees.
Making seating adjustable to accommodate different seating styles is important.
Making sure seating can accommodate the smallest female to the largest male is also important. Everyone should have the opportunity to go into space and be comfortable.
Process
Final Design
