Throughout history, from the Soyuz Apollo program to Stanley Kubrick's concept of Space Station V, based on the ideas of Wernher von Braun, we humans have witnessed major advances in space exploration, Eventually led to the development of the International Space Station (ISS). With the Artemis project, the future of humanity in space is no longer just speculation, but a real possibility within the reach of astronauts. This NASA program, which aims to establish a lunar outpost that will serve as a base for future missions, is a major milestone in our interplanetary efforts. As we get closer to becoming a spacefaring species with ambitious missions, new design schemes and research are emerging to redefine the traditional concept of space habitat. In this context, Sana Sharma, Chief Design Officer at the Aurelia Institute, offers valuable insights into their innovative approaches to creating an open community that supports humanity's long-term vision of developing an interstellar society.

A reconfigurable vision of space habitability

The Aurelia Institute is a space architecture research and development laboratory whose mission is to prepare humanity for becoming a spacefaring species. To achieve this, the Institute focuses on innovative habitat design, as well as education, outreach and policy work. Contrary to traditional assumptions, the institute brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds to build an inclusive space culture that challenges the notion that only a few people can participate in space exploration.

To realize this new vision, the institute proposes designing space habitats that promote scalable and sustainable living, breaking with the current paradigm of building and assembling structures in space. The institute advocates a future of truly livable structures that can self-assemble, adapt, and reconfigure, rather than rely on fixed, rigid modules. These principles are embodied in TESSERAE (checkerboard electromagnetic spatial structures for exploring reconfigurable, adaptive environments), which Sharma describes as "moving away from static, single-use habitats in favor of dynamic, modular spatial structures that can grow and evolve over the course of a mission."

TESSERAE is the result of dissertation research conducted at the MIT Media Lab by Dr. Ariel Ekblaw, CEO of the Aurelia Institute, and represents an innovative test case for the habitability of reconfigurable Spaces. The basic unit of this three-dimensional structure is a Bucky ball, reminiscent of the Richard-Barkemenster-Fuller earth dome. This shape provides an efficient space-filling option. Each face of the structure is made up of shingles, which combine to form a depressurized ball. These tiles can be laid flat into the payload of the rocket and automatically assembled in orbit. The electric permanent magnet (EPM) on the tiles controls the bonding process and ensures proper self-assembly of the modules. By connecting individual modules together, larger clusters of modules can be formed, allowing the structure to evolve organically over time and adapt to the specific needs of its occupants. In addition, TESSERAE's self-assembly approach reduces the risks associated with astronaut extravehicular activity (EVA).

Sharma mentioned that the Aurelia Institute "aims to achieve the really magnificent orbital structure envisioned in science fiction, but due to certain limitations, it is not yet feasible". These limitations include the amount of materials that can be transported into space, power generation and storage capabilities, and the one-time design of current space habitats.

Use materials and optimize resources

One of the fundamental principles of architecture is its role as a shelter, and this is consistent throughout the TESSERAE. In this case, TESSERAE's tiles will protect the inhabitants from the harsh conditions of space. To that end, the design will include, at a minimum, a robust housing, responsive sensing and EPM for bonding drives, as well as an onboard powertrain.

On how materials can be managed effectively to prevent structural components from becoming potential space debris, Sharma commented: "Ideally, tiles can be reused and reconfigured either in orbit or when returned to the ground, provided they are properly maintained. Understanding the life cycle of TESSERAE tiles is an important part of our Aurelia research and development and sustainability efforts."

The conscious and sustainable use of materials has become an important issue for the construction industry on Earth. Given the need for space-grade materials that can keep people safe in space, Sharma said the initial version of TESSERAE will be based on the Whipple shield method currently used on the International Space Station. At the same time, they are constantly exploring advances in material science for new aerospace structures to ensure the use of highly efficient materials.

One of the goals of TESSERAE's reconfigurable design is to extend the useful life of the structure while minimizing waste and reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. The team at the Aurelia Institute is actively exploring innovative proposals for internal elements and materials. Their goal is to devise ways to internally reconfigure to meet the various functions within the modules, while also researching materials that can be grown, processed or recycled to conform to the principles of cradle-to-cradle design and promote long-term use.

Progress in human-centered spatial architecture

In most architectural works, people occupy a central position and become the main focus of the architectural process, because it is people who inhabit the space. In this context, concepts such as connection to the environment, ventilation and natural lighting are often associated with architecture as they contribute significantly to people's well-being. However, in a space environment where the environment is harsh and brings physical and psychological challenges, compensating for the absence of these factors is essential for an individual's well-being in space.

The Aurelia team took advantage of experiential insights when developing future-proof habitats and interiors. Through experiential research, Sharma leads an investigative effort at MIT called the Astronaut Ethnography Project, in which they interview European and American astronauts, Soviet cosmonauts and others who have been in space about their experiences in space. This is considered a valuable addition to the large number of quantitative studies on astronaut health, which informed Aurelia's design work. Through this research, they gained insight into the changing experience of zero gravity, the health effects of stress and loneliness, and how cabin crews use the environment to look out for each other.

In addition to research work, Aurelia's work has been developed and tested in both ground and space environments. In 2022, they carried out a research mission on the International Space Station (ISS) using the latest scaled version of the TESSERAE tiles. The 10-day mission was conducted in partnership with SpaceX. The results of this research will enable the Aurelia Institute team to test larger tiles on future missions and conduct demonstration assembly tests in orbit outside the International Space Station.

Meanwhile, at Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, Aurelia's team developed the TESSERAE Pavilion, a full-scale ground-based simulation of a modular and reconfigurable structure that showcases a multistory interior designed for zero gravity to an audience on Earth. The model not only helps to understand the scale of each module, but also to communicate with designers, researchers, and the public about future life in space. In addition, the first version of the interior tiles has been tested in a number of experiments related to plants, food and fermentation.

Sharma said: "The Green Firmament aims to highlight the importance of plants in a zero-gravity environment, protecting and sustaining a wide range of healthy and tasty edible plants. Fermentation stations maintain the temperature and gas exchange of fermented foods in the chamber, using microbes to grow nutrient-rich, shelf-ready foods in zero gravity." Together, these interior tiles are part of a larger experience centered inside the structure, where growing, cooking and consuming food and other essential activities will be developed to provide humans with a long-term sustainable and resilient life in space.

It appears that, thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Aurelia Institute, disciplines that were previously seen as disconnected from non-space-related fields will become more accessible, promoting inclusion by embracing diverse backgrounds and areas of knowledge. This will bring new problems to the field. Will space habitats grow beyond their original concept and become multi-generational homes? What role will architecture play in the development of extra-planetary societies?

The structures envisioned in science fiction and conceptual design are within reach for our generation. As new materials and building systems evolve in tandem with spatial structures, our relationship with space continues to evolve and deepen. Sana Sharma is looking forward to "a new vocabulary of space architecture: one that takes into account the diversity of people and experiences that go into space."

 The act of residence is a fundamental characteristic of human beings, and therefore it is necessary to design Spaces that can accommodate the various manifestations associated with humans. While Earth will continue to be the cradle and foundation of humanity, through TESSERAE, the Aurelia Institute envisions "making more people feel they can be a part of humanity's future in space; Be part of it and build the future." With the current growth of private industry around space exploration, we may be standing on the threshold of new opportunities that will shape an entirely new architectural concept characterized by styles, paradigms, and challenges.