Step into the future of medical research right here at Envihab. Envihab is a unique facility of the German Aerospace Center. It explores how different environmental conditions affect humans. Scientists also develop possible countermeasures here.
The name Envihab combines “environment” and “habitat”. This reflects its focus on complex life support systems. Envihab studies the interaction between humans and their environment. This is done from medical, biological, and psychological perspectives.
Health and human performance are Envihab’s main research priorities. The modular “house-in-house” design is quite clever. It lets researchers use different units and technical equipment. They do not even need to leave the building. Up to 12 test subjects can experience equal and controlled conditions. The Envihab has a total floor space of approximately 3,500 square meters.
Envihab has five modules linked by a medical core area. Each module, alone or combined, can be locked. This allows control over acoustics and climate. Temperature, humidity, and light can all be adjusted. Even oxygen content and pressure can be altered. Researchers can isolate test subjects. They can immobilize them or expose them to stress. Envihab analyzes psychological and physiological rehabilitation methods. These methods counter the effects of immobilization or zero gravity.
The modules can house large training and simulation devices. A central human centrifuge is an outstanding feature. Other areas reduce oxygen or increase pressure. They simulate altitudes up to 5,500 meters.
EnviBio is Envihab’s biology module. It provides a laboratory for microbiological research. The module supports research up to safety class S2. It also maintains cleanroom conditions of class 8. EnviBio focuses on three main topics. These include microbiological environment monitoring. Another focus is investigating bioregenerative life support system components. The module also supports development and preparation of biological space experiments.
EnviFit is Envihab’s fitness module. Astronauts in space face cardiovascular deconditioning. They also experience bone and muscle loss. These problems are shared by the elderly and immobilized. EnviFit simulates immobilization and microgravity. This helps develop countermeasures. One method involves 6° head-down-tilt bed-rest studies. Another uses dry water immersion. Test subjects float on a waterproof canvas, creating a sensation of weightlessness.
EnviMeet is Envihab’s public area. Visitors learn about Envihab’s goals, projects, and studies. They gain an authentic impression of science in action.
EnviSim is a unique experimental station. It simulates environmental conditions with precision. Typical characteristics of diverse surroundings can be generated. This includes aircraft cabins and space stations. Analyses under extreme conditions become feasible. Human behavior can be studied more economically. Flight tests may not always be needed. Researchers can modify single parameters. This allows them to analyze the impact on human beings. EnviSim explores decision-making, team performance, and social structures.
EnviRec is Envihab’s recreation module. Long stays in isolated environments risk sensory deprivation. This module explores ways to compensate for this. It presents authentic environmental effects for crew recovery. Virtual reality and immersion methods are tested here. These methods relieve stress and improve performance.
Envihab strengthens Cologne as a hub for aerospace business and science. It supports the DLR as a leading research center for aerospace medicine. Envihab drives scientific progress. It also increases public awareness of questions about life on Earth. The architect’s office Glass Kramer Löbbert won the architectural contest for Envihab. The building has two levels. The user level is on the ground floor. The technical level is above. The user level surrounds the modules, auditorium, and exhibition space. It is open to the public.
elnil developed two folding roofs to completely darken the medical core area of Envihab. Each flap has synchronized rotary actuators. These allow the roof to be moved 195° in under 3 minutes.