Columbus: Materials for 30 years habitability in space
Abstract
A general assessment of the problem of the selection of materials to be used inside the Columbus habitable modules is provided. Basic safety requirements and system engineering considerations are described. Special emphasis was put on ground testing and materials screening, acceptance and ranking problems. Newly developed tests or original adaptation of existing ones are described. Some important relationships between the criteria for approval of materials, residual safety hazards, and design solutions are mentioned. The importance and complexity of the problems of the habitable environment in manned spacecraft that need to be addressed (toxicology, human factors engineering, microbiology, etc.) are emphasized. The need for a more systematic approach to materials selection which implies that the materials discipline shall become much more integrated into the design process, during all its phases, is stressed.
- Publication:
-
5th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment
- Pub Date:
- June 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993cnes.symp..273Z
- Keywords:
-
- Columbus Space Station;
- Habitability;
- Human Factors Engineering;
- Selection;
- Spacecraft Construction Materials;
- Flammability;
- Ground Tests;
- Manned Spacecraft;
- Requirements;
- Safety;
- Toxicity;
- Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance