SAGA Space Architects 3D print 7-meter-tall analog moon habitat
The habitat is the world's tallest 3D printed polymer structure, and has been designed to withstand the natural forces of the Moon
SAGA Space Architects, a Copenhagen-based design practice working on making space liveable for future space travelers, have 3D printed their new 7-meter-tall analog moon habitat – the world’s tallest 3D printed polymer structure. The shell has been topologically optimized, and the corrugated surface generated, to withstand the specific forces the habitat would experience on the Moon. The habitat was brought to life in just nine months – from the first sketch to the final printed form, and has been designed to support a crew of two astronauts, comfortably, for 90 days on the surface of the Moon.
This analog habitat bears much resemblance to SAGA Space Architects’ ROSENBERG Moon Habitat, which is also space-optimized, consisting of two and a half floors, to fit a crew of two persons, with a triangular footprint specifically designed to fit in a starship rocket, by having six habitats fit together in the shape of a hexagon.
The habitat has two sleeping pods on the top floor, and the shape gives the primary living quarters a higher ceiling, which helps make the space feel larger. To further improve the comfort, the design features the most sophisticated version of SAGA Space Architects’ circadian lights – helping the crew maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
Another design from SAGA Space Architects that predates their recently-created analog habit is their LUNARK Moon Habitat. The structure is deployable, to save space during transport as well as maximize the space for the astronauts. The design has been algorithmically optimized, resulting in a measured expansion of 750%. The design has also prioritized psychological and physical well-being, as “our astronauts must thrive; not just survive.”
The ability to see the project through to completion was thanks to a collaborative effort between many different companies, including the Camozzi Group (bringing together Innse-Berardi and Ingersoll Machine Tools with a focus on providing large-format additive and subtractive advanced manufacturing solutions to aerospace, defense, energy, and all heavy industrial sectors), and Guzman Polymers (providing and developing the composite material).
In addition to these companies, Bosch provided tools, Armacell provided the insulation, Submaterial collaborated on the interior storage wall, And Bygkontrol Konstruktører & Ingeniører ApS provided engineering support and structural documentation. Corticeira Amorim, Kvadrat, Lenovo, and BACKLUND ECOLOGY also played a role in the creation of this habitat.
