| Abstract [eng] |
Analog environments are instrumental in simulating Space-like conditions, enabling researchers to pre-empt potential challenges during Space missions and ensure preparedness, thus reducing risks. Additionally, analogs serve as invaluable platforms for engaging the public. Some facilities open their doors to university students, trainees, and PhD researchers, empowering them to conduct experiments, simulate mission protocols, and validate concepts. EuroSpaceHub, a European funded project under the EIT HEI initiative, led by EIT Manufacturing and Raw Materials, embodies the EuroSpaceHub Academy, an educational program designed to train young students in Space, entrepreneurship, and astronautics [1-4]. Since 2009, ILEWG Lunex EuroMoonMars, one of the founding partners of EuroSpaceHub, has actively organized analog campaigns at various locations, including MDRS (Utah), HI-SEAS base in Hawaii, Iceland (CHILL-ICE), Etna/Vulcano (Italy), Atacama Desert (Chile), AATC in Poland, ESTEC (Netherlands), Eifel (Germany), and others [5-7]. With an increasing demand for analog research, more and more universities and companies seek analog facilities to conduct tests and experiments. ExoSpaceHab-X is a revolutionary transportable lunar habitat being developed under the EuroSpaceHub Academy by Lunex EuroMoonMars. The innovative design of the project allows interested institutions to rent the habitat upon request, thus promoting resource-sharing among different scientific communities. The ease of logistics and low costs enable the ExoSpaceHab-X facility to be transported to various European locations, accommodating diverse research requirements. The habitat's adaptability allows for both analog missions with four astronauts and outreach activities such as events, short workshops and demonstrations, making it a versatile research site. The habitation module comprises two distinct areas: a trailer and an integrated inflatable structure. The trailer houses essential functional zones, including a cooking station, sleeping quarters, a multipurpose experiment rack-equipped laboratory, workstations, hygiene compartment and communal recreational areas. The inflatable component acts as an airlock for extravehicular activity (EVA) simulations and it transforms into a reconfigurable open space for outreach to host events and workshops. The habitat's interior effectively isolates astronauts from the external environment, offering an ideal setting to study the effects of confinement. Moreover, the limited interior volume fosters valuable research on interpersonal and group dynamics. The primary objective of this project is to establish ExoSpaceHab-X as an innovative solution within the existing landscape of analog facilities, serving as a powerful training resource for students as well as an effective tool for outreach with the broader public. |
