A Technical drawing of the habitat

The Habitat Overview

We will put our most innovative designs to the test, to demonstrate how space architecture could look, and accelerate the architecture and technology of future Moon habitats. These are some of the ideas we are looking to implement:

  1. Dynamic Circadian Light System: Similar to the poles of the Moon. There is constant sunlight, so we need to create an artificial circadian rythm
  2. Solar Panel Skin: The exterior of the habitat will be covered in solar cells to maximize the energy generation. We'll utilize the high albedo and reflectiveness of the snow.
  3. Expanding Architecture: Because the habitat will have to be transported with a Hercules plane (and potentially later by a rocket) there is very strict volume requirements.
  4. 3D-printed interior: Some of the interior will be 3D-printed so we can modify and repair with our printer
  5. Sunlight Reflector
  6. Using regolith/snow for insulation
  7. Algae-based life support system: To help with the human longing for nature a biology based life support system is ideal.

The habitat design will evolve drastically over the next months. This is only our 7th out of many iterations.

A Technical drawing of the habitat
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The Habitat Overview

We will put our most innovative designs to the test, to demonstrate how space architecture could look, and accelerate the architecture and technology of future Moon habitats. These are some of the ideas we are looking to implement:

  1. Dynamic Circadian Light System: Similar to the poles of the Moon. There is constant sunlight, so we need to create an artificial circadian rythm
  2. Solar Panel Skin: The exterior of the habitat will be covered in solar cells to maximize the energy generation. We'll utilize the high albedo and reflectiveness of the snow.
  3. Expanding Architecture: Because the habitat will have to be transported with a Hercules plane (and potentially later by a rocket) there is very strict volume requirements.
  4. 3D-printed interior: Some of the interior will be 3D-printed so we can modify and repair with our printer
  5. Sunlight Reflector
  6. Using regolith/snow for insulation
  7. Algae-based life support system: To help with the human longing for nature a biology based life support system is ideal.

The habitat design will evolve drastically over the next 6 months. This is only our 7th iteration.

The 3 steps of the habitat unfolding mechanism

One of the biggest challenges for the habitat is transportability both for Greenland and for a future Moon mission. By combining the ancient Japanese art of paper folding with the method of biomimicry we have come to a lightweight and strong foldable structure. The challenge lies in translating origami into thicker panels that can still fold. The answer may lie in nature. The final hinge design is a compliant mechanism it’s lightweight, strong, airtight, simple to manufacture and to maintain.

A man welding

The Habitat Challenges

Exterior like a tank, interior like home. While introducing “hygge” and a stimulating internal space, the habitat has to face the following arctic and lunar challenges:

Arctic Climate: Temperatures of -30°C and wind speeds of 90 km/h, requires a sturdy habitat with heavy insulation.

Transportable: Shipping stuff to the Moon or Greenland is expensive. We will develop a unique expanding design to save space during transport and maximise space after deployment.

Solar energy: The project simulates a mission to the peak of eternal light on the Moon, which has a similar day-night cycle to the arctic day. We will take full advantage of this by integrating solar panels in the skin of the habitat and supply it with all its energy needs.

Polar Bears: On the Moon, there is a risk of being hit by a meteor. In Greenland, you might get hit by a polar bear. The habitat must withstand a curious 650 kg polar bear.

Zero Waste Ecosystem: The habitat must leave no trace and recycle as much waste as possible.

Digital rendering of habitat

The Habitat Systems

Digital Twin: We will develop a complete digital model which connects all the habitat’s systems (eg. life support, heat, water, electricity), along with embedded sensors. The goal is to be able to predict maintenance or risks through a simple AI, so we can 3D print replacement parts before they break.

Circadian System: Sleep disruptions and out-of-sync circadian rhythms make astronauts lethargic and unproductive. We want to develop and test a circadian simulator. Imagine a ceiling that slowly changes in hue and luminosity over the day; bright in the morning to wake you up, and glowing in nuances of pink and orange as you go to sleep.

Weather Simulator: The lack of novelty is another key challenge for long term space habitation. We are developing a weather simulator, so instead of living in a pod where every day is the same, you might one day wake up to a stormy day, or a rainbow of colour. We believe this might be a key to breaking the monotony of space.

Algae reactor: We strongly believe that Algae will play an important role in future space travel. It is resilient, highly photosynthetic, nutritious, and can absorb cosmic radiation. We will improve the Chlorella Algae Reactor design from our Mars Lab and place it in the core of the habitat.

The Habitat Systems

Digital Twin: We will develop a complete digital model which connects all the habitat’s systems (eg. life support, heat, water, electricity), along with embedded sensors. The goal is to be able to predict maintenance or risks through a simple AI, so we can 3D print replacement parts before they break.

Circadian System: Sleep disruptions and out-of-sync circadian rhythms make astronauts lethargic and unproductive. We want to develop and test a circadian simulator. Imagine a ceiling that slowly changes in hue and luminosity over the day; bright in the morning to wake you up, and glowing in nuances of pink and orange as you go to sleep.

Weather Simulator: The lack of novelty is another key challenge for long term space habitation. We are developing a weather simulator, so instead of living in a pod where every day is the same, you might one day wake up to a stormy day, or a rainbow of colour. We believe this might be a key to breaking the monotony of space.

Algae reactor: We strongly believe that Algae will play an important role in future space travel. It is resilient, highly photosynthetic, nutritious, and can absorb cosmic radiation. We will improve the Chlorella Algae Reactor design from our Mars Lab and place it in the core of the habitat.

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