MIT’s Department of Architecture, AeroAstro, and the MIT Media Lab have joined forces to create MOMO, a revolutionary self-assembling lunar habitat. This initiative is not only focused on meeting the immediate needs of lunar missions like Artemis III but also intends to lay the groundwork for long-term lunar settlement.
The collaboration extends beyond MIT. It also involves NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Johnson Space Center, SpaceX, and Brookhaven National Laboratory, reflecting a comprehensive approach to space exploration.
MOMO represents the collective efforts of MIT’s leading departments, uniting the fields of architecture, aerospace engineering, and media technology.
The team consists of Mateo Fernandez and Xdd44 from Architecture, Kevin Dunnell from the Media Lab, and Adam Boldi and Katie Chun from AeroAstro. This project embodies a multidisciplinary approach essential for tackling the complexities of space habitation.
At the core of MOMO’s design are two critical objectives. The design must maximize the efficiency of flat-packing habitats into SpaceX's Starship HLS cargo space by utilizing modularity. These principles will not only optimize transport logistics but also enhance the habitat’s adaptability to various lunar conditions and missions.
Each MOMO module is carefully crafted using an aluminum frame paired with a high-density polyethylene membrane. This combination of frame and membrane will provide robust protection against the harsh lunar environment, particularly radiation, while maintaining lightweight properties crucial for space travel.
One of MOMO’s important features is its modular design. This allows each unit to be tailored for specific functions. Different modules can serve as airlocks, windows, photovoltaic (PV) panels, work desks, or exercise areas. This versatility ensures that the habitat can meet a variety of needs, from daily activities to scientific research. Safety and longevity are of paramount importance in space habitation. MOMO’s design includes replaceable modules. This means that in the event of damage, astronauts can swap out a compromised unit without having to replace the entire habitat. This approach enhances safety but also extends the habitat’s operational life.
MOMO is designed to support NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission, slated for late 2026 or early 2027. It marks NASA’s first crewed lunar landing of the Artemis program. The habitat will play a critical role in establishing a human presence on the Moon, providing essential infrastructure for astronauts.
The chosen site for MOMO’s deployment is the Lunar South Pole. It is a region of significant interest due to its potential water ice deposits and favorable conditions for long-term habitation. This location will be critical for constructing future, more permanent lunar settlements.
Limitations of current extravehicular activity (EVA) suits will hinder manual construction. The MOMO team has prioritized a self-assembling structure. With modules prefabricated on Earth, the habitat will self-expand upon deployment. This minimizes the need for extensive astronaut intervention and ensures efficient setup. The habitat’s innovative dodecahedron shape offers modularity and compactness which facilitate efficient folding and packing. This geometric design not only simplifies transport but also allows straightforward, reliable deployment on the lunar surface, showcasing a blend of elegance and practicality.
A MOMO habitat is equipped with all necessary facilities to sustain life on the Moon. It includes a bathroom, bed, and recreational space. This ensures that astronauts have everything they need to survive and thrive during their mission. All these amenities are critical for maintaining physical and mental health, fostering productivity, and ensuring mission success.
MOMO is intended to do more than support a single mission. It is an important stepping-stone towards permanent human settlements on the Moon. MOMO addresses the challenges of space habitation with innovative solutions. This is paving the way for a new era of lunar exploration.