A team from Poland, which included our student, made a project of a base on the Moon using 3D printing. It was supposed to be a viable concept, not a science fiction fantasy.
The Xors base consists of 4 modules. Their covering with a thick layer of lunar regolith using 3D printing technology would provide additional protection against radiation. A key role in supporting the conditions for life in this base is played by algae. A mix of specially selected microorganisms, including bacteria, cyanobacteria and microalgae, performs the function of treating sewage and other water pollutants. Additional oxygen is provided by microalgae formed as wall panels. The team used lamps that emit visible light, but also infrared light and UVA and UVB to better mimic sunlight.
The Polish team located the base at the Moon's south pole near the Shackleton crater. This location is illuminated by the sun almost all the time, while the interior of the crater is drowned in darkness. Thanks to this location, the habitat has access to water trapped in the form of ice on and below the lunar surface.
Aleksandra Wilczyńska, like several members of the team, has space experience. She took part in the longest analogue space mission in Poland, organised by the Analog Astronaut Training Center. She spent 6 weeks in the habitat, carrying out interesting experiments. She conducted research on plant growth in conditions that stimulate gravity on the moon, and... breeding cockroaches that may be used as an alternative food source in the future. Together with her crew in the competition "Home on the Moon", she created the project of the lunar hospital "Alldream Lunar Institute". Publications from this project were presented at The Mars Society Convention and 1st Online Global Moon Village Workshop & Symposium.
The Innspace team consists of Justyna Pelc, Piotr Torchała, Magdalena Łabowska, Beata Suścicka, Łukasz Sokołowski, Małgorzata Popiel, Hubert Gross, Arkadiusz Kołodziej, Ewa Borowska, Aleksandra Wilczyńska, Michał Garus, Cyrus Sidor and Marcin Zieliński. Partner of the Xors project is Hoya Lens Poland.