On possibilities for development of the common-sense concept of habitats beyond the Earth

Abstract

The article reviews the contemporary concepts of space habitats, focusing on the habitats’ mass, dimensions, and resistance to the space environment.The authors discuss a concept of constructing a multifunctional settlement on the Moon's surface that suggests sequential solutions for main problems of assuring habitability and operational versatility. Different aspects of the efficient algorithm for lunar colony development were analyzed, including the efficiency of payload delivery and a possibility for assuring proper protection of payload.The article describes the advantages of using the modular design and standard components that are delivered ready-to-use and enable the shortest time needed to provide primary habitability of the on-planet colony. It was suggested to use load-carrying deployable structures as standard pressure shells of the generic modules because of the ability of these structures to acquire sufficient protection properties and three-dimensional stiffness once deployed.The article presents a scenario that gives an understanding of the way of using the proposed space transportation systems with a step-by-step expansion of the colony's functionality.In conclusion, the authors assume that the compact folding of standard habitat modules’ pressure shells during delivery can result in fewer transportation missions.