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The evolution to sustainable habitation on the Lunar surface presents an array of challenges, from the technical, administrative, and operational. A phased approach to using increasingly sustainable elements includes three types of habitats-class 1, 2, and 3. Class 1 habitations include rigid and unchanging element structure. Class 2 habitations in...
Citations
... These modules would be interconnected via underground tunnels, forming a colony where multiple astronaut teams can operate independently until the connections are fully established. This growth strategy resembles the branched design proposed by D. Nagy, A. Bond, and O. Bannova, which features one vertical module for life support and two horizontal modules interconnected through nodes for shared utilities and science [13]. While the construction method is uniform, functional differences persist among the modules. ...
As humans venture deeper into space, the need for a lunar settlement, housing the first group of settlers, grows steadily. By means of new technologies such as in situ resource utilisation (ISRU) as well as computational design, this goal can be implemented in present years. Providing the first arrivals with an immediate underground habitat safe from radiation and other environmental constraints is of crucial importance to initialise a prolonged mission on the Moon. The project's proposal revolves around the idea of establishing a base which provides an immediately habitable space with the possibility for future expansion. Advanced construction methods and sustainable practices lay the groundwork for a permanent human presence, predominantly based on ISRU. This paper outlines a two-phase initiative aimed at the foundation of the Lunar Subterra, followed by an extension of the habitat above ground. Following our collaboration with the PoliSpace Sparc Student Association group, a Virtual Reality (VR) reproduction of the proposed habitat enabled quick iterative testing of the habitable space with the use of a Meta Quest 2 headset. This not only allowed an evaluation of the environment and its impact on human residents but also eradicated the need for tangible models to conceptualise the idea, enabling rapid user-centred design and implementation in the future of space exploration.
... On the lunar surface, operations start with the deployment of power systems (nuclear and solar), rovers, and other critical infrastructure before the arrival of the crew. Autonomous robotic systems like the Lunar Surface Manipulator (LSMS) [3,4] and ATHLETE [5] rovers handle much of the heavy construction and transportation of modules, reducing the need for direct crew involvement during early habitat assembly. When the crew arrives, their tasks are limited to essential extravehicular activities (EVAs) for monitoring and assisting in the connection of habitat elements. ...
Establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon is a crucial step towards becoming an interplanetary species and enabling further exploration of the Solar System. This paper presents a comprehensive design approach for the initial modules that will form the foundation of a lunar colony at the South Pole, accommodating the first crew of four astronauts. Our multidisciplinary team conducted an extensive study of historical literature and state-of-the-art human habitat designs to develop an innovative proposal tailored for lunar colonization. The proposed outpost is designed to evolve through distinct phases, utilizing four different module types: a Vertical Surface Habitat for the living environment, two distinct Horizontal Modules serving various functions such as laboratories, storage, and greenhouse, and an evolvable Node module that facilitates grid expansion and connection of additional modules. Leveraging 3D modelling tools, architectural design principles, and immersive virtual reality simulations, we consolidated our final design for the layout, structure, and interior configurations of these modules. The paper emphasizes the importance of incorporating hybrid modules from the outset of lunar colonization efforts. This hybrid approach, combining rigid and inflatable components, offers remarkable gains in terms of mass and volume optimization, which are critical factors for the initial human settlement on the Moon's surface. Through digital evaluation systems and trade studies, we demonstrate the significance of standardization and reconfigurability of internal usable volume within the modules. The hybrid design allows for efficient utilization of space while accommodating the evolving needs of the colony as it grows and expands over time. This work underscores the importance of hybrid module design for lunar colonization following the Artemis missions. Future research should focus on further optimizing the mass of these modules through advanced materials and construction techniques, as well as exploring additional configuration possibilities for the interiors of the horizontal modules to support a wider range of activities. The design presented in this paper is the result of a collaborative effort with the Sasakawa
