DeGe - Deployable Getaway for the International Space Station (ISS) - Deployable Crew-Quarter-Cabin and Sleep-/Work-Equipment for Temporary Use on ISS and for Future Applications in 0-Gravity Environments

The Deployable Getaway (DeGe) is a deployable crew quarter, which can be unfolded into an astronaut’s crew cabin using a "folding box principle". In folded configuration two of them can be stored in one International Standard Payload Rack on ISS. The size of the unfolded cabin corresponds to those of the crew-quarter cabins actually in use. In contrast to the integrated existing cabins the DeGe can be positioned at any suitable location on ISS.

Short Description

The research project "Deployable Getaway for the International Space Station" was conducted in the frame of ASAP 5 - concept initiative.

Complementary to the crew cabin, an enhanced sleeping bag (Visitor Kit) was developed, which comprises features for "a sleeping mode" and "a working mode". All these features can be applied on an individual base due to an add-on principle in order to allow for a personalized configuration of the equipment.

The additional features for the sleeping mode comprise optional neck and cheek cushions, sleeping mask and noise-reducing headsets. For the working mode a lightweight mini desk can be attached in variable ways to create an individual workstation. The Visitor Kit can be adjusted in size and outfitted with bags for personal belongings. It can be used inside the Deployable Getaway or as an independent unit.

The main objectives are to improve habitability for crew exchange periods or short-duration missions and to provide flexible setups for long-duration missions.

For crew exchange periods or short-duration missions the Visitor Kit works independently as a temporary, lightweight equipment to ensure a minimum of privacy for crew members without personal cabins. For long-duration missions the goal was to facilitate the individual selection and location of private space for leisure time and breaks on ISS.

The concept can also be tested and adjusted on ISS for future long-duration stays in space and transfers to other planetary bodies such as Mars or for possible applications in space hotels.

The design development is based on personal interviews with astronauts, cosmonauts, and the team’s occupational health specialist.

1:1 functional mock-ups were built and tested in a 1-g environment. Further development and project enhancements have been planned. Currently, the team develops a corresponding furniture design to facilitate an individual work-break-rhythm in open plan offices on Earth.

Project Partners

Coordinator

LIQUIFER Systems Group - Barbara Imhof

Contact Address

LIQUIFER Systems Group
Barbara Imhof
Obere Donaustraße 97-99/1/62
A-1020 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 218 85 05
Fax: +43 (1) 218 85 05 - 6
E-mail: bimhof@liquifer.at