Design requirements for the exercise areas in the international space station (ISS)

Abstract

This study explores the design requirements of the exercise areas of the International Space Station (ISS) in terms of physical and behavioral requirements. The main focus of the study is to understand the interactions of the crew members with the exercise equipment. Besides, the interior and environmental conditions of the exercise areas in the station as well as interaction of the exercise activities with the other activities are considered. In this study, how well users’ expectations fulfilled by the designers are discussed. It is found that some user needs are disregarded, because of the space, time and power constraints imposed by the station. However, in this study it is determined that design solutions can be generated both regarding the user needs and the constraints imposed by the station. Through out the study, some problems are figured out affecting both the physiological and psychological well being of the crew members. Some guidelines are suggested accordingly that can be useful for designers in designing exercise areas for space for further missions. In addition, this study indicates the lack of in-depth qualitative studies that explores users’ physical and behavioral needs in the exercise areas in the ISS.