Danish space architects at SAGA have created Lunark – an extra-terrestrial habitat that’s designed to counteract monotony, claustrophobia and psychological stress. Rose Dykins reports
In preparation for the next human moon landing (NASA hoped it would be 2024 but this is likely to be delayed), Denmark’s SAGA design firm has created Lunark, a portable pod for sleeping on the moon.
The brainchild of two Danish architects – Sebastien Aristotelis and Johan Sorensen – Lunark was conceived as a solar-powered habitat that could help non-astronauts experience outer space.
Built in partnership with scientists, engineers and polar experts, the structure is designed to weather the harshest climates on the planet, such as hurricanes and temperatures as low as -30°C.
In September, Aristotelis and Sorensen embarked on a three-month trial of living inside Lunark in an isolated region of Arctic Greenland, so that they could test out their prototype, and also learn more about the mental toll of living in lunar accommodation.
For example, there is coloured “circadian” lighting to imitate the changing light of night and day to help inhabitants sleep, as well as a “immersive soundscapes” and a vertical farm.
The post-mission presentation from Aristotelis and Sorensen explains: “This experiment has led to the development of a radically different moon habitat where architecture helps to counteract monotony, claustrophobia and psychological stress.
Based on the principles of origami, the shelter folds down to fit within a standard shipping container, so it’s small enough to be transported via space rocket. When unfolded, it expands by 750 per cent to reach its full size.
Inside the unfolding pod, there is space for a 3D printer (for printing spare parts if needed), stowage for batteries and water, and a living algae farm.
During their trial run of living in Lunark, Aristotelis and Sorensen were filmed for a six-part documentary about the shelter to share their discoveries and experiences, which will be released later this year.