PAMFT-3D
Summary
Astronauts require multi-purpose tools, modular furniture, and critical surface infrastructure for a one-year mission on Mars. Due to Mars' hostile environment, such as dust storms, low temperatures, and resource scarcity, they face different challenges managing and prioritizing resources to carry out daily tasks. PAMFT-3D solve the lack of non-available tools, furniture, and infrastructure, including a replacement rover wheel taking advantage of the 3D printing machines to make them multi-use, have the proper resistance, and have the right optimization to have plenty of resources to keep working on other creations in the future.
SPACE AGENCY DATA
To give us an idea of ​​the contest, its objective, the additional considerations, and the consultation materials we have at our disposal, thanks to the collaboration of the NASA SPACE APP CHALLENGE TEAM, we reviewed the “Outfitting a Mars Habitat: A 3D Print Challenge” profile.
As we searched through the resources provided, we started with brainstorming finding out that astronauts on Mars need four main core things: multi-functional tools, modular furniture, a critical surface infrastructure foundation, and a replacement rover wheel.
The first consulted database was the ARC 3D Models Database. We were inspired to create our replacement wheel by M2020_WHEEL_DESKTOP_MODEL-5inch, Curiosity 'Scarecrow' Test Rover, Curiosity Rover, Perseverance, Multi-Purpose Precision Maintenance Tool, Wrench, and Hammer models.
Other significant sources of inspiration for creating 3D tools, furniture, and infrastructure were Project Olympus: Off-World Additive Construction for Lunar Surface Infrastructure paper which helped us to build an additive critical infrastructure, and NIST Additive Manufacturing papers, and other extra materials that we found on the internet.
HACKATHON JOURNEY
Initially there were only two members on the team, however we incorporated 2 more, and at the end only 3 worked on it. Even though not everyone was into this challenge at the beginning since we thought we did not have enough experience on this field, we were able to complete it.
We can say that at the end every single person was able to provide great and efficient ideas, help modelling and coming on different areas to finalize the project.
At the beginning we had some specific ideas that changed during the Journey, due to timing and feedback received from the mentors, as well based on the mission purposed that we wanted to be accomplished at the end.
2 out of the 3 members did not have experience in hackathons as it was the 1st doing it and we are incredible thankful for the opportunity which certainly opened our minds way more to understand that there are resources available on where we can continue working and doing research going forward (Open Code), besides getting closer to the Space Industry which is one of our main passions.
The experience has been quite challenging, we wanted to make sure we provided specific, valuable and efficient tools, and even though time was a bomb we truly enjoyed it, there were times where we felt a lot of pressure but at the same time, we felt happy with the results.
A key point on this challenge was to work very close, constant communications and live calls to make sure we were going the right direction and that everyone was in sync with the ideas and proposals shared, everyone had the opportunity to provide all type of ideas making it a flexible and nice working group even though some of us did not know each other before.
We would like to thank the Main Costa Rica Leads for the constant support to us and a special thank you the Mentor who worked with us providing feedback, they are:
Leandro Camacho
Ricardo Quesada
Vivian Jimenez
Fiorella Arias