Lunar Habitat TERRA LUNARIS

TERRA LUNARIS Concept for a lunar habitat

Terra Lunaris is a study for a lunar habitat using non-flexible construction elements, inflatable outer shell structures and variable elements for subdividing the interior of the habitat in order to make it functional and utilizable.
The concept enables a minimalized transport volume to be transformed into a final volume that is four times greater, thanks to an automated configuration process conducted at the deployment location.

The first key aspect of the habitat is the solid framework structure combined with the engine segments located externally on each side and comprising the fuel tanks needed for operation of the braking thrusters for the descent onto the moon’s surface. Located on each side of the engine segments are the landing struts, which during flight and descent phases are fixed to the module in a parking position, thus enabling a very compact transport set-up. Towards the end of the descent, the landing struts are released and moved to their final landing position. At the bottom part of the central framework structure is a continuous, horizontally aligned axial shaft, on which two semi-cylindrical segments are mounted on each side. In their bottom part these two segments accommodate all the necessary technical functions and utility components. The space available above in each segment is used for holding the inflatable shell structures, which at this time are still compactly folded up.

After landing the two segments are unlocked and swivelled downwards by 90°; this is done by means of torsion springs in combination with movement dampers, ensuring the procedure takes place in a controlled manner.

Simultaneously with this 90° swivel movement the inflatable shell sections are filled with compressed air to form the outer shell of the habitat. The whole procedure is completely automated. The second key aspect of the concept is that already 90% of the interior elements are included after the initial configuration and can be taken in to operation straightforward, instead of bringing them in from outside afterwards. This procedure saves both time, energy and huge costs.