InFlex Hab - ILC Dover

InFlex Lunar Habitat

ILC Dover conducted materials developments and inflatable habitation studies under the NASA ESRT Intelligent Flexible Materials for Deployable Space Structures Program (InFlex) for NASA LaRC. This program began prior to the formation of the Constellation Program as an advanced materials development program to improve the performance of inflatable structures. Technologies studied included structural health monitoring, self-healing materials, radiation protective materials, anti-microbial materials, and localized power generation & storage. Program emphasis shifted to higher TRL technologies with the onset of Constellation and our focus shifted to deployable inflatable habitats.

ILC designed, analyzed and constructed a vertically oriented cylindrical structure with hemispherical endcaps for application to a lunar lander or surface rover. A deployable airlock was also constructed and included pressure equalization systems. The webbing structure was sized for 9 psid operation (FS=4), but was only tested at 1psid. It included windows and a collapsible floor for compact packaging. Human and space suit interface studies were conducted at ILC and NASA LaRC. Studies of deployment, packaging, hardware interface, lighting & electrical interfaces, acoustics, and outfitting were also conducted.

InFlex Materials: Self-Healing Bladders, Embedded Structural Health Monitoring Films & Textiles

Space Suit Interface Test with Airlock

System Deployed at NASA LaRC

System Deployed at ILC

Space Suit Interface Test

Hatch Sizing Studies at ILC

Outfitting Studies at LaRC