Potential Lunar Installation Emerges as Possible Permanent Residence for Humans
The Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) project, a crucial component of NASA's Artemis program, is progressing as Thales Alenia Space, under contract with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), embarks on the preliminary design and technology development phase for the MPH module [1][4][5].
The MPH module, set to be the first dedicated lunar surface habitat under the Artemis Accords, is designed to facilitate safe, long-duration stays, support surface operations, conduct scientific experiments, and provide shelter [1][4][5]. One of its unique features is the ability to move across the lunar surface, demonstrating adaptability to the harsh lunar environment.
The habitat is planned for launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in 2033, marking a significant milestone in the Artemis program’s roadmap towards a sustainable human presence on the Moon [1][4][5]. Thales Alenia Space's role involves leveraging Italian technological capabilities and collaborating internationally within the Artemis framework to build a habitat compatible with other lunar systems being developed [1][5].
Franco Fenoglio, head of human planetary exploration and robotics programs at Thales Alenia Space, described the MPH as a historic milestone, marking a small but crucial step towards realizing lunar bases once envisioned only in science fiction [6]. The MPH is designed to be no longer than roughly 33 feet (10 meters) in length [3].
The project's next significant step is the Mission Concept Review, scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 [2]. The collaboration between NASA and ASI on the MPH dates back to 2020 with a joint statement of intent in support of the Artemis program [7]. In June 2022, ASI signed an agreement with NASA to conduct a preliminary design of the MPH module [8].
The MPH project represents a shift in lunar exploration, as humanity has yet to establish a permanent base on the Moon. Despite many technological advancements and renewed interest, a permanent Moon base has not yet been established [9]. The MPH could potentially be the first permanent Moon base, laying the groundwork for NASA's proposed lunar base camp, which calls for foundation surface habitats capable of housing as many as four astronauts at a time [10].
Classic examples of this vision include the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey and the 1975 British series Space: 1999, both depicting lunar bases as standard fixtures of the future [11]. The MPH is a critical milestone, as it will be the first Italian habitation module to operate on the lunar surface.
It's important to note that no costs or timelines for the deployment of the MPH have been provided, but it is not expected to appear on the lunar surface before the 2030s.
[1] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-partners-for-artemis-moon-to-mars-exploration [2] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-artemis-ii-mission-concept-review-date [3] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-artemis-partners-for-moon-to-mars-exploration [4] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-thales-alenia-space-to-develop-moon-habitat [5] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/media/news/thales-alenia-space-italian-space-agency-asi-partner-nasa-artemis-program [6] https://www.spacenews.com/thales-alenia-space-to-develop-nasa-artemis-habitat/ [7] https://www.esa.int/Artemis [8] https://www.esa.int/Artemis/News/ASI_and_NASA_sign_agreement_to_collaborate_on_MPH_module_design [9] https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars/index.html [10] https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars/artemis-lunar-base-camp.html [11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey [12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space:_1999
