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The mockup, a full-scale version of the intended flight module, includes a structural representation of the living space and a cabin equipped with volumetric models of actual flight hardware. As the prime contractor for the Lunar I-Hab project, Thales Alenia Space is tasked with comprehensive program oversight, system engineering, and the design and implementation of ergonomic, thermal, and mechanical systems. They are also charged with the production of the primary structure and the docking port hatches.
This development allows the team to engage in rigorous testing regimes critical to guiding the project's design phase and verifying system performance. The mockup features two cabin configurations to support the Human-In-the-Loop (HITL) testing phase, utilizing low- and medium-fidelity models to simulate operational environments.
These preparatory setups, starting with a low-fidelity model featuring volumetric representations of cabin components and progressing to more detailed medium-fidelity setups, are integral to the HITL campaign. This phase precedes the System Critical Design Review (CDR) and is pivotal for validating design parameters within the actual Lunar I-Hab module.
Innovative mechanisms are included in the mockup to simulate the microgravity conditions astronauts will face, enhancing the realism of the tests. These adaptations are crucial for evaluating the human interaction aspect of the module's design, addressing potential integration issues and refining the operational workflow.
The HITL tests adopt a user-centered methodology, involving NASA and ESA crew members who perform simulated tasks using flight-representative equipment. This approach is essential for demonstrating the practicality, safety, and user acceptance of the module's design against the outlined requirements.
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