Project Title:

Alternative Illumination Technologies for the Human Habitation of Space

12.05-3118
901466
Alternative Illumination Technologies for the Human Habitation of Space

Abstract:

To date, lighting deployed in spacecraft has not taken advantage of new light source
and optical control technologies available to earth-based illumination systems. This
project will review these new technologies for applicability to manned space programs,
specifically demonstrating the innovative use of new sources that have not been previously
used in human task and ambient illumination systems. New fluorescent, HID, LED, EL,
and tritium sources will be investigated for advantages in mass, volume, power consumption,
and performance life over present systems, as well as critical human factors, such
as spectral power distribution, chromaticity coordinates, and color rendering capabilities.
Employing CADD, extensive luminaire design and analysis software, full scale mockups,
and appropriate sources will be integrated with new crystal, internal-reflective
lenses, and holographic films to demonstrate innovative functional illumination systems
for human habitation. Additional computer analysis will confirm considerations of
direct glare, veiling reflections, and luminance distributions in the visual field
that are paramount concerns upon installation.
Typically, electric lighting forms the largest single energy user in today's commercial
buildings. Utilization of new energy efficient light sources suitable for human habitation
would have a major impact on this load profile and resultant operating expenses.
lighting applications, ambient illumination, task illumination