Lunar base design concept of DIANA - Dedicated Infrastructure and Architecture for Near-Earth Astronautics

Abstract

The Dedicated Infrastructure and Architecture for Near-Earth Astronautics (DIANA) is a concept for a permanently crewed base on the Lunar South pole with the objectives of furthering space exploration and achieving self-sustainability. The initial base will be autonomously deployed and robotically constructed near the De Gerlache crater ridge. DIANA's architecture and design address the challenges imposed by the Lunar environment alongside structural, technical and habitability requirements.

The construction of DIANA is divided into three phases. Upon reaching the Lunar surface, the modules are autonomously deployed from their compressed state, expanding to a habitable volume. This first phase of the station accommodates four astronauts and includes a multipurpose lab, a window module, a greenhouse, and a common module with cooking facilities and sleeping quarters. The second phase sees the expansion of the base to support eight astronauts. The stations design relies on in-situ resource utilization of regolith to provide radiation shielding and construction materials. The goal of the final expansion is to create a sustainable base that provides better living conditions capable of accommodating tourists and astronauts alike. This is achieved by using enhanced in-situ 3D printing with regolith.

DIANA's interior design has been directly informed by human factors needs promoting physical and mental well-being, optimal performance and safety. Its modules consist of multiple stories both above and below ground. The open layout and interior windows provide visual cues across both rooms and levels. Some unique features include the gym's placement within the greenhouse module, a dedicated window module with dining area and crew quarters which double as a safe haven below ground. Providing a sense of nature and a connection to Earth are mainstays to DIANA and are achieved through private areas for confidential communication with Earth, customizable and personalized furniture and the use of both real and virtual windows.

Description

Alma Kugic, Vienna University of Technology, HR
Madison Diamond, University of North Dakota, CA
Elizabeth Gutierrez, University of Stuttgart, PE
Denis Acker, University of Stuttgart, DE
Adrian Pippert, University of Stuttgart, DE
Nadine Barth, University of Stuttgart, DE
Prishit Modi, University of Stuttgart, DE
Javier Palacios Calatayud, University of Cadiz, ES
Hubert Gross, Rzeszow University of Technology, PL
Vincent Krein, University of Stuttgart, DE
ICES502: Space Architecture
The 51st International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, US, on 10 July 2022 through 14 July 2022.

Keywords

Astronautics, 3D Printed Habitats, ISRU, Human Spaceflight, Human Factors, Habitability, Radiation Protection, Lunar base, Space Architecture, Space Exploration, SpaceRobotics, Interior Design

Citation