Design as an Astronaut: The European Space Agency has launched the Argonaut programme to take astronauts from the Old Continent to the Moon. Although originally designed to transport materials, scientific instruments, rovers and vital resources for astronauts, thanks to technological advances, it is now possible to consider what a possible habitat for people on space missions could look like, improving their conditions.

The first solution was recently presented at the Biennale Venezia 2025 as part of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, Intelligence. Natural. Artificial Collective. It is called Design as an Astronaut and is a project developed in partnership with ESA, MIT in Boston and the Politecnico di Milano.

The Habitat for Astronauts was created by Valentina Sumini, a space architect (with dual degrees in engineering and architecture) and professor of Architecture for Human Space Exploration at the Politecnico di Milano.

Ensuring psychological well-being

Sumini’s combination of expertise and imagination has led to the Design of a potential modular solution for staying at the South Pole of Earth’s satellite for up to four weeks. The house has been designed as a comfortable and safe refuge for two people seeking to meet the operational needs and psychological well-being of its guests.

For this reason, the dwelling is divided into two levels, which include areas for extravehicular activities, laboratories and medical facilities to deal with any health problems, and workspaces. In Design as an Astronaut, there are also private quarters for rest, a creative area for relaxation and a common area for dining with a view of the stars.

To help the astronauts, an internal lighting system has been designed to simulate Earth’s circadian rhythms. This uses LED panels that can be programmed according to current needs to facilitate sleep and a positive mood.

A double layer of Kevlar combined with mycelium was chosen as the material for the exterior of Design as an Astronaut to ensure strength, thermal insulation and protection from radiation. It should be noted that the choice of soft materials helps to absorb the noise generated by the machines and thus reduces the otherwise disturbing acoustic effect.

AI and VR: two key technologies

When it comes to technology, artificial intelligence and virtual reality are a must. AI is crucial in security systems and operational support, enabling the detection of anomalies and the most effective remedies to combat isolation or the lack of objects and effects that we are accustomed to on Earth. VR was a decisive factor in the Design of Design as an Astronaut because before completing a home to live on the Moon, approval was needed from the astronauts who would live in the house designed by Sumini.

‘Through the European Astronaut Centre (EAC-ESA) and ESA’s Extended Reality Lab (XR Lab), we included astronauts in the work theme, recreating a virtual environment that simulates the lunar surface. This allowed us to observe how astronauts move and what the dynamics are within the habitat, identifying the changes that need to be made,” Sumini told Wired Italy. There is no certainty as to whether and when Design as an Astronaut will become a reality and be taken to the Moon. Still, the idea is excellent and represents a significant step forward for future space missions by European astronauts.