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2021

LIVING LABS: STUDYING ANALOG HABITATS

Global

Type: Research

Team: Michal Ziso, Abbigail Meyerowitz, Mariella Binderman

What can Earth-based space analogs teach us about designing better habitats—for all of humanity, anywhere in the universe?
The study explores how architecture, user diversity, and mission characteristics interact to shape both performance and psychological well-being in isolated, confined, and extreme environments.

With human spaceflight expanding beyond trained astronauts to more diverse populations, analog habitats offer critical insight into the future of inclusive, resilient space architecture. This research investigates how mission duration, crew demographics, habitat design, and personal experiences interact to impact habitability. This research analyzes data from 383 analog astronauts across 60 missions in 18 active analog habitats worldwide.


Key metrics include:

  • Crew composition: gender, orientation, cultural background, ability

  • Spatial needs: private vs shared space, social flow, sensory experience

  • Environmental design: light, texture, layout, acoustics, and inclusivity

  • Performance vs wellbeing tradeoffs


Selected Findings

  • Mission Distribution: From 2006–2021, we examined 60 missions across 18 active analog habitats. On average, five analog missions are conducted globally each year to simulate and prepare for extraterrestrial living.

  • Geographic Breakdown: North America: 35 missions | Europe: 19 missions | Asia: 5 missions | Antarctica: 1 mission

  • Top Habitats by Activity:
    LUNARES (Poland) and MDRS (Utah, USA): 14 missions each
    HI-SEAS (Hawaii, USA): 11 missions
    Others, such as HERA, Mars500, and Lunar Palace, hosted 1–3 missions each

  • Crew Size: Almost 50% of missions included exactly six participants, highlighting a preferred operational model.

  • Gender Dynamics:
    Only 5 missions were all-female, and those were the shortest in duration.
    Just 12% of missions had a female-majority crew, despite increasing calls for inclusion.

  • Representation Gaps:
    Of 383 total analog astronauts, only 1 was openly LGBTQ+ and 1 reported a physical disability — both from LunAres missions (ICAres I and Ares III).

  • Habitat Needs & Recommendations:
    A minimum of 25 sqm per crew member is recommended to ensure psychological safety and autonomy. Private, semi-private, and shared zones must be thoughtfully balanced to support productivity and wellbeing. Bathrooms should be located near sleeping quarters and include separated functions for privacy. Lighting should vary by function (cool for work, warm for rest); natural light and material textures improve morale.
    Accessibility features — including 1.3m-wide corridors, tactile materials, adjustable surfaces — are essential for future inclusivity.


For more information about this research please contact us at info@theziso.com

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