ArchiSpace: Space Architecture Design and Prototyping in Planetary Analogue Environments

Introduction

This decade marks our goal to return to the Moon—this time, to stay.It is therefore crucial to develop reliable and safe settlements that adequately protect astronaut’s physical and mental well-being from all possible threats that the hostile environment of extraterrestrial space presents.

ArchiSpace aims to design and build sub-system prototypes (e.g., floors, walls, roofs, etc.) of human infrastructures to be built on planetary surfaces, which will be tested in analogue environments on-Earth. This project represents the first effort, to the best of our knowledge, to use a combination of environmental and geological setting analogues as a base to define architectural constraints, sketch design and prototypes to be used in future space human settlements.

ArchiSpace is pioneering a new field of interdisciplinary and intersectoral research in Europe by bridging geology/space sciences and on-/off-Earth architecture. Geology/space science is crucial because the subsurface plays a fundamental role in the selection of the landing sites and the location of 'human-focused' habitats. Architecture has a key role in designing comfortable, safe and functional habitats both for on- and off-Earth applications. Our complementary partners are leaders in their respective sectors and hold the necessary know-how and/or technology level to achieve the ArchiSpace objectives. In addition, the human settlements to be developed will involve innovative low impact, low cost and light operations and ISRU materials.

This sustainable planetary approach  has off-Earth & on-earth implementations. The project will create, through the planned secondments, common standards, methods and prototypes for the development of space bases on Moon and Mars; which will be tested in three joint field activities (e.g., in Moroccan analogue sites).

Thus, ArchiSpace promotes an innovative international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary research and innovation collaboration that will contribute to Europe's competitiveness and growth.

Methodology:

The ArchiSpace project integrates multidisciplinary expertise to develop innovative infrastructures for extreme environments (Moon, Mars, and terrestrial analogs). The methodology includes planning, designing, and constructing prototypes, leveraging planetary sciences, architecture, engineering, and advanced 3D printing techniques. The outcomes aim to support both space exploration and terrestrial applications.

Researchers and architects will participate in this multi-disciplinary project through 11 Work Packages (WPs). WP1 to WP8 will focus on specific requirements of different end-user communities with a field demonstration. Several planetary and terrestrial environmental conditions and specific needs (for science, applied geotechnical and environmental aspects, architectural and design integration aspects, habitability aspects, etc.) will be modelled and examined linked to field training/test realization. The sets of data and examples produced will provide practical knowledge to additional European partners, including companies, to contribute to ESA’s and NASA’s efforts in the planning and preparation of the first human Mars mission. All researchers involved will have an opportunity to discern beyond their specific field and to perceive construction techniques in a larger framework. Using the produced innovations, WP9 to WP11 will use these in the Knowledge Transfer, Training, Dissemination and Exploitation actions.

The project ArchiSpace consists of two major actions: (i) planning of the executable project integrating cross-disciplinary know-how (by applying planetary science-based methods and knowledge to Earth based locations) and (ii) the construction of subsytem prototypes (e.g., foundations, floor, wall, roof, etc) and a 3D virtual habitat.

 Conclusion

The outcome of the ArchiSpace project will be the realization of tangible space architecture subsystem designs, bringing the vision of sustainable human settlements into Space. This vision will position ArchiSpace as a trailblazer in the field of Space architecture, providing valuable insights and practical solutions for future Space exploration efforts. The project's unique focus on both the design of Space habitats and geological/geomorphological environmental adaptation, through Earth analogues to test and refine the project, technologies, and procedures; is expected to greatly advance our understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in establishing human settlements on the Moon and Mars.

Overall, the ArchiSpace project offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of Space architecture and contribute to Solar System exploration. The transfer of the innovative architecture designs to the market will be provided by the participating companies after the termination of this project and could be applied in Europe to low-income Earth-based communities.

Acknowledgement

This project was supported by the EU HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01 Grant agreement ID: 101183089.