Hassell creates concept for permanent lunar habitat

Hassell has collaborated with the European Space Agency and Cranfield University to create a concept masterplan that would enable a permanent human settlement on the moon.

Developed with anthropologists, psychologists, roboticist and astronauts, the concept explores how a permanent community of around 150 people could be established in reduced gravity in a lunar environment.

The structures would be made from modular components, 3D-printed from lunar soil, that would be fitted together to form a protective layer from space radiation.

"Access to space is getting cheaper every year, so over the next two decades space travel will evolve hugely," said Xavier De Kestelier, head of innovation at Hassell.

The settlement would include recreational, social and active spaces, as well as restaurants, sports arenas and greenhouses. It would be designed to support the work of national space agencies such as NASA, ESA and Jaxa, as well as commercial space agencies and space tourism.

Advenit Makaya, Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at the European Space Agency, said, "Hassell has come up with a very interesting design, which combines a good understanding of the lunar environment constraints and a vision for the future of human exploration of the lunar surface."

The European Space Agency has also collaborated with Skidmore Owning and Merrill on a lunar habitat concept which was exhibited at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale.