Peek inside what could be the first human settlement on the moon

SPACE

1. The Masterplan’s proposed location near the lunar South Pole means the Sun will never set, providing ideal conditions for harvesting solar energy. The base will have photovoltaic sails that rotate 360° in order to capture an infinite supply of sunlight.

Architecture studio Hassell has unveiled plans for what could be the first permanent human settlement on the Moon. Designed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), Cranfield University and Format Engineers, the Lunar Habitat Masterplan is intended to initially accommodate a colony of 144 people, but its modular design will allow the settlement to grow and evolve with its inhabitants.

The Lunar Habitat Masterplan will have to confront the same challenges that humans have always faced when on the Moon, most notably the exposure to high levels of radiation due to the lack of atmosphere. But Hassell says the habitat’s exterior – constructed from 3D-printed lunar soil to form a protective shell – will solve the radiation problem.

The proposed location for the habitat is the lunar south pole because of the near-constant sunlight (for generating solar power) and the potential access to frozen water in the shaded craters there. But it’s not solely about survival; the habitat also contains recreational, social and active spaces, such as restaurants and sports arenas, as well as giant greenhouses.

Hassell says the habitat is intended for use by national agencies, such as NASA, ESA and JAXA, bu