Filo-space

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1APvTf3YV69urIgioF8K9rFCpBaI5978SlefatEXVsoI/edit#slide=id.p

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1xBEBzTirD3hA2SpJWz8LXDSOg6-EghpP

CROSMO is an inflatable space module that has the ability to deploy and retract once docked in spacecraft, specifically in a return trajectory of long duration exploration missions to supply the food and nutrients needed for a crew of 4-6 people. The whole system was designed and proposed according to NASA Technical Standards Disciplines. Furthermore, we propose land-based configurations to be implemented to achieve operation on any type of surface like Mars or Earth, the latter being used in arid zones such as deserts. Likewise, CROSMO has the characteristic that it is an autonomous optimized and monitored system by means of mathematical models developed in Python

To show how CROSMO works we are going to explain it in three sections which are detailed in the Final Project:

a. MODULE - MISSION OVERVIEW

b. CROP SYSTEM

c. OPTIMIZATION

a. CROSMO is an innovative configuration for using a deployable-retracted module on orbit and land-base like a greenhouse. We chose this approach because it allows us to vary geometry and volume retracting it when not in use and stow it when not required, adding mass-efficiency.

A launch to activation scenario was developed, this scenario will change if we consider a landing on some planet adding reentry, landing, among others.

You might be asking yourself, if Crosmo is inflatable, won't it be easily destroyed? Of course not! Crosmo has 5 layers of lightweight, flexible, durability and resistance materials to protect it against environmental conditions like space debris, radiation, among others.

To allow Crosmo’s deployment and inflation in microgravity conditions we proposed two subsystems that work simultaneously: Air bleeding system to perform a controlled air intake and evacuation, and skeleton deployable pantograph structure that will allow it to take specific cylindrical-toroidal shape.

b. The crop system is one of the most important and interesting It’ll be composed of several elements: (1) A novel LED column system to provide the direction of the crop's growth and also an aid to astronaut’s movement (2) A simultaneously deployable hoses system with module, which will supply water and support for the substrate and fertilizer pack. (3) Human excreta have good fertilizer potential to provide essential plant nutrients, so a small dimensions Bio-convertor will be used for transforming recollected human excreta and organic waste into compost that proportionally mixed with vermiculite will be the substrate for different types of seeds. 

c. A third part is how we are going to optimize, monitor and automatize CROSMO and resources. We propose the use of mathematical models to define the approximate number and type of seeds, while minimizing volume occupied by the crops with necessary growth resources. We solve this problem through linear programming describing the full model in Chapter 5 of Final Project and also using Python and mathematical solvers.

To minimize the use of water in the crop system operation, and to incorporate a high level of autonomy we should consider an automated and scheduled irrigation system using climatological, crop and soil data as input and is based on conservation of mass approach. We made tables in the Final Project for this purpose considering 3 types of plants.

For crop monitoring, we proposed to apply digital image-processing techniques that permits the monitoring of plants, thus allowing crop water requirements to be determined based on different variables. Moreover, we will use AI to monitor plant growth with fewer resources and all this monitoring would be controlled by ground operations.

Finally, we use a wide variety of tools for showing our ideas into designs like SolidWorks, OnShape, Catia V5, Adobe, Inventor. For the purpose of the optimization code we use Python and Excel for data acquisition and managing.

In our research we found interesting data from governmental and private space agencies, which highlighted those that mainly supported us and inspired us to carry out the challenge.

NASA.

VEGGIE system: It is a small system that provides edible plants to the crew, however, it cannot provide food for trips as long as to Mars and less if the crew is composed of at least 4 people. However, we were able to obtain data about the plants that were successful during the tests, their growing cycles, among other data that was helpful to meet the nutrient requirements of CROSMO..

Artemis Program: It is the program in which the future missions that will take place on the moon take part. The main part of this program is its future lunar-orbiting support station called Gateway, which will be made up of several modules built by various space agencies. Our study was based on scenarios where this station (or another). Here we plan to place our CROSMO cultivation module in one of the docking ports.

Canadian Space Agency: We found very important data about food preparation and water saving methods on the International Space Station.

JAXA

HTV-X space module: Spacecraft, capable of transporting cargo in different environments. In this case, our CROSMO module would be part of the cargo exposed to the vacuum and be taken to the Gateway space station in case a launch with the Starship spacecraft cannot be scheduled. This would make its operations more feasible due to its low weight and it's easy deployment while in orbit, which could be carried out in the coming years.

Bigelow Aerospace

CROSMO is based on the designs and prototypes proposed by the Bigelow Aerospace company (NASA FACT: Demonstrating Technologies For Deep Space Habitation BEAM, 2016), our solution was inspired with this prototypes because their main virtue is that they are capable of being deployed in any environment. In addition, taking advantage of its data on resistance to impacts, radiation and habitability, it shows that it is a reliable structure and light in weight, in addition to that it can deflate when the cultivation system is not in use in its entirety. As for the launches, their costs are low compared to other types of useful loads, since they are light in mass and occupy little volume, these being fundamental factors to carry out an interplanetary mission of several years.

Spacex

Starship: It’s a vehicle designed to carry crew and cargo to space stations, the moon, and Mars. It is the vehicle where our CROSMO module can be taken to the Gateway space station, the lunar surface and the surface of Mars

Our experience in this hackathon was fun and enriching. During the course, we learned how to solve problems more efficiently and creatively, working with people from different countries and skills, in order to create a system that is more efficient than the APH and VEGGIE systems.

So we chose this challenge, taking into account our skills in areas of expertise (such as: biotechnology, biology, aeronautics, design, mechanics, mathematics), as we loved the idea of being part of the journey of taking man into space.

To solve this "challenge", we had to coordinate as a team, divide the tasks and, thus, using our available tools and skills, we brainstormed in our meetings until we found several solutions, and chose the best idea.

Despite having what we needed, we had some delays, and we solved it with different meetings.

"Solving this challenge was possible, thanks to: NASA Space Apps for organizing this high quality event, to Lam Wu for always being willing to answer the team's questions, to Leonardo for his feedback and constructive comments, and also to Juan, Xavier, Pamela, Julieta, Diego, Christian for creating me". Att CROSMO.

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#Crosmo #space #module #food #optimization

This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.