Space Habitats: The Next Generation is Under Development
An extended stay on the Moon or Mars is going to require the building of the next generation of space habitats. What those structures will look like and how they will be built is the job of space architects.
One such firm looking to design the next generation of space habitats is AAKA Space Studio. They are currently working on Lunar and Martian habitats for NASA’s Artemis Mission and other future missions using a deployable origami structure technology. In May 2022 they are planning to test their Martian habitat called NOAH in India, Norway, and Iceland through an analog mission with the crew from different nationalities.
AAKA is a new design practice with a vision to design interactive human-centered living spaces integrating technical comprehension in projects across the globe and for space missions. It is a team of inspired and passion-driven Individuals from various backgrounds who believe in finding the pathway from impossible to possible by learning, evolving, and addressing the fundamental question of our existence.
AAKA Space Studio has several concepts for next-generation space habitats on the drawing boards. They include:
NOAH (Next-generation Origami Architectural Habitat): NOAH (pictured above) is a Martian habitat that is designed as an intermediate shelter between our permanent settlement and temporary settlement on Mars. NOAH is being developed to test the deplorability and durability of origami structures in space architecture. The prototype is set to be tested in India, Norway, and Canada. The shelter is designed for a minimum of 3 crew members and has possibilities to expand it for 6, 9, and 12 crew members. The main focus of the design is to build a commutable, prefabricated Martian habitat that can be deployed like an unfolding Origami structure. NOAH is fabricated to execute tasks such as testing hydroponics, aeroponics, indoor temperature controlling devices, etc.
THORPE: Thorpe is an origami folding-based Lunar habitat. The kressling pattern is used in the habitat to get deployed on the lunar surface. The packing is done in a way to support SpaceX SN15 Starship that NASA will use in its Artemis Mission 2024. The habitat can be modularized as per the need of the mission and supports spaces for all the required components to sustain life on the Lunar surface. The structure is tolerant of fine dust, can remain operable in low pressure environments, and are compatible with thermal expansions. The panels are made of composite materials that are lightweight, rigid, radiation-resistant, thermal insulators, and are feasible to construct with available technology. Due to its ability to be modularized, the habitable volumes are expandable as per future needs and mission extensions.
MANGALA: Mangala is a 6.5 meter (21-foot) high dome-shaped, 3D printed Martian habitat designed for a long-term mission. The domical shell structure ensures an even flow of air, temperature, and pressure inside the habitat. The shell structure is inspired by Geodesic Hoberman’s sphere that protects the habitat from dust storms and helps to maintain even distribution of loads throughout the structure. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technique is utilized for the construction of the habitat with Martian concrete that will protect the habitat from radiation. The topmost part of the dome consists of solar spots that capture the sunlight and reflect it to the vertical hydroponics garden in the central core. The habitat has recreational areas, exercise areas, personal spaces, kitchens, airlocks, workstations, a greenhouse, laboratories, storage area, and communication systems.
Space architecture’s technological developments can be implemented on earth at an industrial scale for emergency purposes. As human beings, we have the immense capability to think, dream, and execute at our will which provides us an advantage to break all the barriers. We must learn to grow, help people who want to grow, and improve the human race a step ahead. AAKA Space Studio believes “Space is for all” and aims to develop and support space-related developments for our better future.
(Images provided with AAKA news release)