Can We Test Design for Coming Interplanetary Expeditions in the Arctic?

Paper in proceeding, 2006

New space exploration programs around the world show growing demand on research in human factors, interaction between crew members and their habitat environment, human and robotic relations. The year 2007-2008 is announced as an International Polar Year that presents an excellent opportunity to develop a project for extreme environment and to investigate design challenges and test bed opportunities for space applications. Proposed paper will discuss key space architectural aspects of designing for extreme environments and reciprocity between terrestrial and space architecture in a dialogue between space architecture and space psychology. Experiences from past polar expeditions and habitats can act as background information in the design process focused on: survivability, functionality and quality of life for the crew. The paper will discuss application of these principles to design study for a planned new research station on the centre icecap in Greenland.