Italian space agency develops house for the moon

The Italian space agency has developed a house for the moon in cooperation with the French space company Thales Alenia Space. It is intended to serve as a base for astronauts during their missions.

Ever since humanity first set out into space, many people have dreamed of colonizing alien planets. But one question often remains unanswered for such projects: How can we live under conditions that are actually unsuitable? After all, the Moon or Mars do not provide sufficient oxygen.

The Italian Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space have therefore developed a house for the moon. They want to build the first human outpost on the celestial body. The space house will not be ready until 2030 at the earliest and will house astronauts during their stay.

House for the Moon as part of the Artemis program

Behind this is a collaboration between the American NASA and the Italian space agency as part of the Artemis program. This includes the construction of accommodation on the moon for short lunar stays. The official declaration of intent in June 2023 was recently followed by the first design, which the Italian space agency gave to Thales Alenia Space for further development.

The space house resembles a cylinder on telescopic feet. The electrical systems are powered by solar systems. The astronauts can take a break in the ten-meter-long structure before continuing on their respective lunar missions. This includes examining the lunar surface, but also testing various technologies.

Next milestone in spring 2024

The project defines the mission concept review as the next major milestone. In this, the project participants want to test important systems of the construct – for example for life support or filtering of moon dust. To ensure a mature design, Thales Alenia Space relies on a working group to develop and implement the best suggestions.

It may not be long before we can spend time on foreign planets and other celestial bodies. 50 years ago people probably imagined that our lives would look like those in the classic films “Alien” or “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Nevertheless, such goals may seem more feasible in the next 50 years.

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