A compactable storage system for NASA inflatable habitats. Designed with ergonomics, durability, and ingenuity in mind.
Project was a part of Functional Clothing Design class at the University of Minnesota in collaboration with NASA
Done in collaboration with Benny Garner and Svea Krisetya
Background
Inflatable habitats are required to have compactable storage that can be expanded to hold astronaut equipment. The storage system is created needs to be able to hold standard Cargo Transfer Bags (CTBs) securely, with easy access. These storage systems must be highly compact when packed—fitting within a 5 m³ volume—but capable of expanding more than tenfold to provide up to 52 m³ of organized storage space once deployed. They must be rigidized once deployed so astronauts can freely move around in a microgravity environment.
Objectives/Critera
Compactable for transportation (decrease ~10x in volume)
Rigid enough for astronauts for astronauts to push/pull off of
Intuitive, user-friendly assembly
Fit multiple different size CTBs (half, single, double, triple)
CTB = Cargo Transfer Bags, standardized shipping bags for eqipment
Semi-permanent installation along the circumference of the wall
Method
Testing & Development
Changes to Final Prototype
Larger webbing slots for ease of assembly
Colored stitching on the corresponding edges for the origami fabric shell
Added extra support along longer side of the wall to ensure it would pass the resistance to deformation test.
Extra handhold straps on both sides of storage system
Results
Final design compacts to 8.5 x 8.5 x 1 = 72.25in^3, a 10x decrease in volume from 760in^3 (prototyped in 1/4th scale)
Passed tests for rigidity, by passing push and pull tests to simulate microgravity navigation.
Intuitive assembly through color coded Velcro spots, large holes for webbing, and thorough assembly instructions.
Fits multiple sizes/orientations of CTBs inside of storage system (half, single, double, triple) through the modeling of mock CTB sizes.
Semi permanent installation through the use of FIDLOCK magnets, where they cannot be pulled off from parallel force, only perpendicular. Opposing directions on each side keeps it in place.
Final Design:
Packed Storage Cell
Project Conclusion
The storage cell developed through this project provides a robust, intuitive, and scalable solution for organizing mission-critical equipment within future Martian or Lunar inflatable habitats. As sustaining human life in extraterrestrial environments requires extensive gear and efficient organization, a compact and adaptable storage system like this is essential for mission success.
Beyond achieving the technical objectives, this project exemplified my strong product development leadership and strategic planning. Numerous challenges and setbacks arose throughout the process, each of which contributed valuable learning experiences and underscored the importance of adaptability. Investing in a 3D printer proved transformative, enabling rapid prototyping and iterative design improvements despite the steep learning curve.
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of my teammates Benny and Svea, as well as the invaluable support of Professor Quinessa Stibbins, my mentor Eric Noll, and 3D printing savant Bill Whalen. Their guidance, expertise, and encouragement were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.