When the first astronauts walked on the moon as part of the Apollo Program, the concept of lunar habitats ceased being the stuff of science fiction and became a matter of scientific study. With several space agencies planning on sending crewed missions to the moon in the coming decade, these plans have become the subject of scientific interest again. Structures that will enable a “sustained program of lunar science and development” is the long-term aim of NASA’s Artemis Program. China and the ESA have similar plans with the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and the Moon Village.
A lunar base could start with a dome over a crater made of regolith
