Research
The Martian Mindset
A scarcity-driven engineering paradigm
With non-negotiable boundaries conditions, we rethink the fundamentals of production from scratch.
We aim to develop the novel Martian Mindset paradigm for the production of enough-to-use materials and parts under extreme scarcity constraints in four dimensions. The scarce resources available on the surface and in the atmosphere of Mars, together with the electric power, human workforce and information, set our constraints and boundary conditions, from which our five main research objectives are derived:
Fossil-fuel-free synthesis technologies
Enough-to-use parts production
Remotely operated production facility
Feasibility of The Martian Mindset
Predictive digital representations
Research Structure
Three Research Areas (RAs) address the three main scientific challenges underlying the production of materials and parts under Mars conditions (sourcing of raw materials, processing to parts and operating concepts). Two cross-cutting Working Groups (WGs) shape the interfaces among the RAs and ensure their intense and structured exchange. A Demonstrator funnels the disciplines of the RAs to showcase the capabilities of the Martian Mindset.
Research Areas
Sourcing
Fossil-fuel-free synthesis technologies
To establish novel fossil-fuel-free synthesis technologies for metals and organic compounds from low-grade sources with variable composition. We will advance the fundamental knowledge of low temperature materials transformations and develop electrochemical, biological and photocatalytic reactor technologies capable of supporting the production of materials for simple structural parts.
澳门皇冠_皇冠足球比分-劲爆体育
Processing
Enough-to-use parts production
To conceive low-energy process chains capable of producing enough-to-use parts with wid tolerances: We will develop flexible elementary process units able to cope with material impurities. We will combine these units to minimize energy consumption while meeting predefined part requirements.
澳门皇冠_皇冠足球比分-劲爆体育
Operating
Remotely operated production facility
To devise a remotely operated production facility that can cope with scarcity and uncertainty in harsh environments: We will establish concepts for the automated and adaptive production of parts by joint human-robot teams. We will develop robust monitoring schemes, information-exchange methods and decision-making processes.
澳门皇冠_皇冠足球比分-劲爆体育Demonstrator and Working Groups
Demonstrator Mars Production
Feasibility of The Martian Mindset
To demonstrate the feasibility of the Martian Mindset’s scarcity-driven production paradigm: We will set up a demonstrator production facility that is jointly operated by humans and robots under Mars-like conditions. We will produce enough-to-use rover wheels made from impure materials that can be sourced and processed on Mars.
Working Groups
Predictive digital representations
To develop predictive digital representations of entire sourcing-processing-operating process chains: We will combine mechanistic and data-driven modeling to generate digital shadows of all elementary process units. We will use the digital shadows to predict the performance of reactors and parts, plan the production facility, and control the energy and material flows along the process chains.
WG1: Data, Modelling, Uncertainty
WG2: Process Chains and Monitoring