NASA Mars Habitat

Synopsis

This was a 10 weeks final project for the NASA Design for Extreme Environment Course.

NASA has been developing Mars Analogue to test the optimal spatial layout and resource system for a Mars habitat, while also addressing astronauts’s comfort over long duration missions.

The Mars Habitat seeks to be a habitat that can grow and expand with each mission phase that also optimises the liveability for the astronauts.

Credits:

Professor - Michael Lye
Greenhouse Design- XiaoFan Zhi
Galley Design- Anthony Chen
Relaxation Area Design - Olivia Petratca

Capabilities:

Spatial Design
3D Visualisation
Prototyping
User Testing

Date:
May 25th 2025

A Mars Habitat for 4 Astronauts
The Mission 2 Mars Habitat consists of four modules, designed to support missions lasting 3–6 months. It includes essential living facilities and features that ensure the astronauts’ physical and mental well-being.

Expansion and Layout

Habitat expansion from Mission 1 to Mission 2, enabling it to support longer duration missions.
Each module measures 8 meters in diameter and contains two floors with dedicated for specific function and purposes.

The Problem
Astronauts faces meal fatigues due to limited options and type of food that could be cooked and stored in space:
Most meals are pre-packaged or frozen and cooked with convection ovens and rehydration methods.

Our Role
We were responsible for designing the layout and furnishing of the galley and the common area, with a focus on creating a space that provides privacy, recreation and cooking to support the daily routine and mental-wellbeing of the astronauts.

Living Module

Floor Plan

Entertainment Area

Multifunctional furnitures enables the astronauts to transform from dining to leisure with ease

Galley

Food preparation in space made easy

Streamlined workflow

Designed for customisability and effortless workflow, featuring a cooking zone, preparation zone and a cleaning zone in a single streamline arrangement.

Cooking

The food preparation area features appliances that support essential cooking needs and bring variety to the meals for long duration space missions, helping astronauts overcome food fatigue

Stowage

The Galley stowage system is designed to adapt to the astronauts routines and habits, making food organisation flexible and personal

Cleaning

As part of a bioregenerative system, Biodegradable waste and grey water is recycled for growing vegetables, while solid waste is repurposed into radiation shielding materials

Greenhouse

Grow fresh ingredients and cook personalise meals, creating a more sustainable and psychological satisfying experience in the extreme environment of Mars.

Early Process

Initial layout strategies and designs

Kitchen Designs