The acceleration in the recovery of space exploration, supported by cutting-edge technological research, will make possible soon new human missions to the Moon. Building a base under the lunar surface — in natural tunnels of volcanic origin called “lava tubes” — it seems to be the best solution to protect the crew from solar radiation. The role of “space design” is fundamental to suggest an approach more relevant to the needs of the human being, increasing the quality of life in space: “Moony”, an habitat concept in lunar lava-tube, was born at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano and promoted by “Igluna”, a project of ESA_lab@.
Annalisa Dominoni and Benedetto Quaquaro are professors at Politecnico di Milano, Department of Design.
