The architects showed the project of the lunar village

More than 50 years have passed since man first set foot on the lunar surface, and now different countries are planning lunar programs - and the next step may well be the creation of settlements on a satellite of the Earth. European Space Agency in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and architecture agency SOM demonstrated Moon Village project.

It is proposed to be located in Shackleton Crater, which is located at the South Pole. In this place, the days are bright and continuous almost all year round, which is strategically important for such buildings. Sunlight can be used to generate energy, and resources can be used to produce consumables and other life support items.

Frozen volatiles and water stored in permanently shaded craters near the South Pole will retrieved to create breathable air and propellant for transportation and industrial activities. Settlement will develop along strategic resource-rich sites of scientific interest.

The buildings will be modular, they will be supplied with life support systems, medical equipment and all kinds of sensors. One block will contain up to 390 m³ of residential premises and up to 104 m³ of technical premises, distributed between several levels. The modules are designed so that they can be interconnected. This will allow you to move freely throughout the settlement without going outside.

The innovative hybrid module design consists of two key elements: a rigid composite frame along perimeter and inflatable structural shell that integrates a multi-layer assembly with an environmental protection system Wednesday. This solution provides a more flexible layout of internal elements, arrangement of workplaces and movement around the premises.