MEVA - Martian Exploration Vacuum Airship
MEVA - Martian Exploration Vacuum Airship is a design concept that explore the possibility of a vacuum lighter-than-air transport on the surface of Mars. MEVA aims to act as a mobile research station, and enables fast and versatile travel option for surface crew to conduct distant research over difficult terrains.
MEVA utilize multiple vacuum envelopes to generate lift partial lift, with coanda thrusters and lift surfaces providing additional lift & vector controls. The gondola is able to carry a crew of 3 astronauts.
The basis of this concept is inspired by Evacuated Airship for Mars Missions by Dr.John-Paul Clarke & Others at Georgia Institute of Technology
Space Design
Gondola
Extendable Mobile Habitat
+
Envelope
Lift/Propulsion Body
125m
80m
25m
6m
5m
GONDOLA.
Lightness Approach
Interior + Inner Strut + Inflatable + Exterior Strut
X3
Extension Module
Cockpit
Lavatory
Geology Station
Airlock
Gathering Cabin
Dust Mitigation
Airlock Integrated Geology Station
Conduct Geology Study within the safety of the cabin
To increase the turnaround time of sample analysis, in order to by-pass airlock pressurize and clean cycles for faster geological studies, an interior crew will use extension arm cloths to analyze rock samples within the safety of the cabin without dust, while exterior crew does sample runs and transport them to the geology station without entering the inner cabin. Isolating the analysis surface towards the exterior atmosphere not only ensures minimal dust intrusion, faster sample turn around time, but also greatly reduce sample contamination risks.
Inflatable Cabin
For prolonged stay with ease
ENVELOPE.
