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Permanent infrastructure will be on the moon "within the next few decades" says NASA's Nujoud Merancy
- NASA's plans for lunar missions will aim to explore scientific research at first but will eventually look beyond that to include commercial opportunities like tourism or mining.
- Artemis program will be taking astronauts back to the moon with plans to land in 2027.
- Nujoud Merancy, NASA's architecture strategist, sees parallels between the development of structure on the moon and that seen in Antarctica as both are under harsh conditions.
- The first lunar structures are not likely to look like buildings on earth. Pressurized rovers to explore the lunar surface will be the first step followed by small habitats that may eventually be extended into larger settlements.
- Permanent habitation on the moon may still be far off due to water and radiation exposure challenges with the moon's night being significantly longer.
- The first lunar habitats may have a cylindrical shape similar to space stations and rockets as they are the best structures for pressurized elements.
- 3D printing offers potential for building on the moon, but it is not likely to be used for pressurized modules.
- Merancy is considering the sustainability of permanent structures and their impact on the lunar landscape. Setting up special zones to protect parts of the moon may be required, similar to national parks on Earth.
- Designs for the moon's structures are beyond merely functional as comfort for the crew's psychological benefit is also vital in the future.
- NASA'S commercial prospects for lunar missions will look beyond scientific research, including tourism or mining.
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