ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT & DESIGN

The Moon Loop base will host several functions to support crew living on the moon. The greenhouse would occupy the largest area. Then the living area, research labs, and the accommodation. Finally, activity areas and services like life support systems and hygiene would cover the smallest space.

The habitat and greenhouse modules will differ in size according to the function inside. The activity area would be distributed around the greenhouse modules so that the crew can enjoy their surroundings while exercising. The ground floor across the modules will include airlocks, a common area, kitchen and dining area, medical room, research labs, WC and showers, greenhouse and gardens, activity area, and a control room. Also, a running track would be added where the crew can walk or jog throughout the base.

The lower level would include a safe haven under the common area; a quiet room under the medical room; food storage under the kitchen and dining area; food research lab under the research lab; and life support systems under the LSS and equipment room. The upper level would include crew quarters and lounge areas above the medical room and kitchen and dining area; living/relaxing room above the common area; communication and observation room above the research lab; and technical/mechanical room above the LSS and equipment room. The upper floor would allow the crew to look under at the running track, and offer a double volume for the track area.

The Moon Loop‘s future expansion is inspired by the chemical bonds pattern, which allows the modules to isolate damaged modules in case of emergency. That is possible because each module is connected in two ends, allowing the crew to escape through one if the other needs to completely shut and isolate the module.However, the future expansion pattern would follow the topography of the site, so it can differ if the terrain doesn‘t allow this pattern.

Details

Structure Layers

To protect against radiation, the Moon Loop base would utilize a multi-layer membrane system, pre-seeded with fungal bio-composites that inflate once nurtured through the structure’s circulatory system upon arrival. The structure is made of polyethylene, supporting the multilayer membrane that will include two membrane types. From the inside, a strong transparent membrane layer will offer the crew to view the fungal composite texture that would differ in color according to the types of fungi used; from the outside, a strong outer membrane will help contain the fungi. The membranes will be pre-seeded with fungi composites, which will inflate once the structure’s circulatory system distributes the nutrients upon arrival. When it is fully grown, the bio-reactor shield would protect against radiation.

Covering the structure and the multi-layer membrane system is the Whipple shield that is composed of multilayer Kevlar fabric, which would stop or help reduce the impact of micro-meteoroids on the modules.