SPACE HABITAT R&D
Space Architecture Trade Study
Aurelia Institute is developing the foundational research work necessary to identify and vet next-generation architectures for space. To better understand the current state of space architecture, gaps, and opportunities for development, we are running a Space Architecture Trade Study: a deep-dive review on a broad array of architectural papers, concepts, and designs for space spanning the spectrum of existing space structures to speculative concepts, evaluating past and current space stations while evaluating the feasibility of future-facing concept designs.
Space Architecture Trade Study
Our team is studying 100+ architectural designs, exploring categories of comparison (known in the industry as figures of merit) including habitable volume, materials, technology, sustainability, cost, and more. Aurelia’s extended network of designers, architects, engineers, and other subject matter experts are lending their expertise. The team is also conducting a related literature review of 20+ papers on topics including habitat design, sustainability, and industry trends.
At the core of this trade study is a fundamental question: how might a deeper understanding of the current state of the industry guide us toward investing in the most exciting prospects for future space habitat development? The study will inform Aurelia’s technology roadmap, identifying space architecture opportunities to pursue for future technology demonstration missions and launches.
This work is included in the proceedings of the 2023 International Conference on Environmental Systems, presented in Calgary in July 2023 to an audience of academic and industry experts across the field of human spaceflight. This provides an opportunity to engage with the broader human spaceflight community in order to solicit feedback and encourage contributions to our trade study database.
