Make a HALO component

Define

Gateway will orbit the Moon and serve as a stepping stone for future lunar exploration. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS) whose size is close to a football field, Gateway will be much smaller, or about the size of two small school buses. Astronauts will have very limited space while stationed at the HALO, which will only be the size of a small school bus. They will need to perform experiments, command Gateway, eat, rest, exercise, etc. while aboard. Their living quarters need to be designed while keeping efficiency and flow in mind. To save on space within the HALO, many aspects will need to be designed with multi-purpose functionality.

Your challenge is to research, design, and build a multi-purpose component, device, or tool to be used by astronauts while they are stationed at the HALO. This device will be used by the astronauts to perform different tasks while aboard the craft.

Learn about Canada's role in Gateway!

Suggested materials

•  Paper, graph paper, or isometric paper to sketch your design
•  Materials to build with: cardboard, paper, aluminum foil, and any repurposed materials you have on hand (egg cartons, straws, popsicle sticks, plastic bottles, wood, twigs, rocks, skewers, etc.)
•  Adhesive and fasteners (binder clips, brads, pipe cleaners, string, tape, glue, or homemade glue or paste)
•  Scissors or cardboard cutters
•  Hot glue gun (optional)
•  Variety of paints, coloured paper, tinfoil, or any other materials available for embellishments

Identify

What will the astronauts be doing on the HALO, and how can you combine some of these tasks into multi-functional components? For example, can you design a sleeping area that transforms into an exercise station? What would you need to consider when designing multi-purpose components? Will the science experiments need to be undisturbed, or can you design some features that allow the research area to serve another purpose?

Constraints – Your design must be multi-purpose and meet the needs of astronauts while onboard Gateway. Be sure to include how the component will be secured inside the HALO, and any special features to account for microgravity.

Research – Can you find out more about what astronauts do while in space to better inform your design? Begin your research by exploring their day-to-day life on board the ISS.

Investigate different scientific experiments, training, and even the maintenance that are part of the work astronauts are required to do in space.

Brainstorm

What is the difference between living on Earth and living in space? What effect does living in microgravity have on how we perform everyday tasks like eating, brushing our teeth, using the bathroom, exercising, and even sleeping? The physical area of the HALO module is very small, but should accommodate the needs of the astronauts. Remember to support a healthy work-life balance for astronauts and try to think of components that will serve multiple purposes.

What are some limitations and challenges that you will need to overcome? Given a limited area, how can you optimize the area you have to provide multi-functioning space? How will the lack of gravity in outer space have an effect on your design?

Select

Following your brainstorming session, what is your most promising solution to be able to fit all of these essentials into your plan? Where does it make most sense to combine a component or area to serve multiple functions?

Sketch out your design on paper, or isometric paper. Try to include views from different angles.

Prototype

1. Gather a variety of recyclable materials, including cardboard.
2. Sketch out your design on paper and identify the important features. Be sure to include accurate measurements of your various parts (cm and mm).
3. Get feedback from others on your ideas and your design.
4. Build a model of your prototype from the materials available.
5. Add labels as necessary to your design.

Test

How many uses does your design fulfill? How does your design meet the needs of the astronauts while in space? How will it perform in a microgravity environment?

Iterate

What changes need to be made to your design so it will perform tasks as required? What fastening system would provide a safer, easier-to-use device or component? If you iterated on your design what would change?

Communicate

Create a video explanation of your design. Share your project on social media and tag the CSA accounts. You never know, a real astronaut or engineer might see your creation!

Taking it further

• Can you find information about what the astronauts will be doing in the HALO?
• Can you research your components or modules and better understand their purpose?
• Enhance your design by incorporating your favourite micro-controller, like the micro:bit, CPX, Arduino, or Raspberry Pi, to add lights, sound, sensors, or motors to your component or device.
• Light it up by adding LEDs with a simple circuit, or paper circuit, and a battery.
• Can you develop a product overview video using green screen?
• 3D design parts using your favourite CAD software and/or 3D print parts for your component, tool, or device.
• Can you create an interactive experience for your component, tool, or device using Scratch, Unity, or Unreal Engine?

Curriculum links

• Measurement:
  • Number sense and standard measurement (cm/mm)
  • Square area and volume
  • Ratios
• Sketching, labelling
• Creativity, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration
• Design thinking and the engineering design process

Explore further

• Toolkit for educators and youth - Artemis and the Moon
• To the Moon, Canada!
• Why the Moon?