From Simulations Towards a Functional Base: the Moon and Mars Base Analog (MaMBA)

Human space flight is currently gaining new momentum for leaving low Earth orbit. The Gateway, new launch technologies – space agencies and industry alike are working on reaching goals as distant as the Moon and even Mars. Meanwhile, scientists and volunteers are simulating life on these celestial bodies. Over the last decades, more than a dozen habitats have been built and inhabited worldwide. The main purpose of these habitats are often human factor studies or the testing of single technological components, particularly life support systems. Nevertheless, no existing habitat is suitable for use on an actual mission to the real Moon or to real Mars. The habitat planned within project MaMBA is intended to provide a first prototype that could function on both planetary bodies. The habitat is developed at the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) in Bremen, Germany, and comprises up to six connected, but independent modules. In its final state, the habitat is intended to serve as a test facility for technologies such as life support systems, power systems, and robotic set-up and maintenance. In addition, the facility will be used for investigating technologies and protocols for dust mitigation and planetary protection. The first step is to develop the scientific module, which will contain a laboratory to be used by geologists, (astro-)biologists and scientists of adjacent disciplines. A mock-up of the laboratory module is currently under construction at the ZARM in Bremen. The selection of scientific instrumentation is based on synergetic considerations and open research questions relating to Moon and Mars. Two short simulations will be conducted (~days). Scientists using the laboratory will be monitored during and interviewed after experimentation, in order to improve the interior design. Following this preliminary design, the module will be upgraded to a technologically functional habitat module step by step.