Inflatable Lunar Habitat Development Ongoing

The Planetary Exploration Initiative is in development at the University of North Dakota (UND).  Students and faculty in the Department of Space Studies, along with other UND departments, are constructing an analog planetary (Moon/Mars) simulation base with an Inflatable Lunar Habitat (ILH), electric rover, and spacesuits.  The ILH has been designed so it can be relocated to any place of research interest, and will support 4 crewmembers for missions up to 30 days. The electric rover and pressurized spacesuits will allow for simulated planetary missions up to 30 km from the base.

After initial testing, the Department of Space Studies will open its use to national and international institutions who may be interested in joint research.

With this project the team is developing a comprehensive research program as an analog for long-duration human space missions. More information at human.space.edu