Materials & Systems: Materials, Systems, and Engineering of Extraterrestrial Habitats

Substantiate habitat concepts through feasible construction methods, environmental systems, material selection, structural integration and sustainable technologies.

Timetable

1. Environmental Challenges – 8h

Radiation, thermal extremes, dust, vacuum, atmosphere and gravity effects.

2. Materials and Construction Strategies – 10h

ISRU, regolith composites, 3D printing, deployables and smart materials.

3. Life Support and Environmental Systems – 10h

Air, water, waste, energy harvesting, thermal control and pressurisation.

4. Structural and Systems Integration – 12h

Modularity, liveability, scalability and VR/AR construction scenarios.

5. Technical Substantiation Workshop – 12h

Materials, structural models, integration and feasibility assessment.

6. Innovation and IP in Space Construction – 8h

IP strategy, technology transfer, finance and investor-facing demonstrations.

Assessment

Technical feasibility report · 30%
VR/AR prototype · 20%
Group venture brief · 20%
Final examination · 30%

Integrated learning pathway

Concept. Substantiation. Application.

The sequence deliberately connects creative exploration with engineering evidence and entrepreneurial translation.

1. Frame the challenge
   Understand environmental, cultural and human constraints.
2. Imagine the habitat
   Build a coherent spatial, experiential and narrative concept.
3. Engineer the system
   Select materials, structures, life support and energy architectures.
4. Validate feasibility
   Use digital models, VR/AR scenarios and system-level assessment.
5. Translate value
   Develop IP, business models and terrestrial application