SAGA builds FLEXhab, a training habitat to prepare ESA astronauts for their return to moon

FLEXhab training habitat by SAGA space architects

SAGA Space Architects constructs FLEXhab, the training habitat and facility that the European Space Agency (ESA) uses for their astronauts to prepare them for their return to the moon in 2026. The architecture is set to also train the astronauts for other upcoming Atermis missions. The prefabricated habitat with 3D printed facade and upcycled waste wood for the interiors can accommodate up to four astronauts for up to 30 days.

It is also equipped with the space architect’s multicolored circadian light panel to help the astronauts sleep better. Dubbed as the world’s largest moon simulator, SAGA’s FLEXhab is at the European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Cologne, and the first training missions in the habitat are scheduled to begin in March 2025.

all images courtesy of SAGA Space Architects

3D printed facade with glass fiber reinforced polymer

SAGA Space Architects has collaborated with the Danish manufacturer WOHN for the FLEXHab. It’s the latter who printed the facade using glass fiber reinforced polymer, coated for added weather resistance. Its web-like structure mimics the modified high-cube 40-foot container, which sets as the foundation or housing of the training habitat.

The space architects says that the structure is designed for easy on-site installation as well as transportation. Large parts of the interior are also 3D printed by WOHN using polymer-composite-made polypropylene as well as 40 percent of wood fibers supplied by Woodcomposite Sweden AB.

SAGA Space Architects constructs FLEXhab, the training habitat for the European Space Agency (ESA)

Inside the facility for European Space Agency astronauts

The entire FLEXHab training habitat has been designed and built in SAGA Space Architect’s studio and workshop in Copenhagen, including the 3D printed interiors and the ceilings that conceal their circadian lighting panels. Inside the structure, there’s a laboratory that features desks for experiments and communication tools.

The design team adds foldable and height-adjustable desks so they’re flexible to the needs of the astronauts, and there’s a dedicated space for any space-required modules. Going to the galley, it doubles as the crew’s leisure area, with Alcantara Vegan Suede benches, a stowable dining table, cabinets for storage, and a well-equipped kitchen.

SAGA’s FLEXHab is used to to prepare the astronauts for their return to the moon in 2026

SAGA Space Architects puts a cupola in the interiors, which hides TVs that simulate and animate lunar landscapes as if they were the windows of the space rockets. If needed, the galley is convertible into a workout area, and there’s storage for the exercise equipment. There are two air-conditioning units that control the training habitat’s climate control, and FLEXHab also comes with smart monitoring systems all day round. Four capsule bedrooms are in place too, and they’re ventilated and acoustically insulated with ECHOJAZZ acoustic panels. In case of emergencies, astronauts can kick the sleeping cabin’s sliding doors open.

the prefabricated habitat uses 3D printed upcycled waste wood for the interiors

There’s an ‘airlock’ inside the training habitat, and it doubles as the hygiene room for the astronauts. It also serves as the main entrance for the compression and decompression simulations. In this space, the ‘wet room’ includes a dry toilet, sink, and a suitport station for spacesuit access. The airlock can also be hosed down to prevent dust contamination between EVA missions.

FLEXHab is designed to operate in both closed-loop and non-closed-loop modes, so it’s flexible in various operational needs. The first training missions are set for March 2025, and FLEXHab is located at the European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Cologne. For the creation of the training habitat, SAGA Space Architects have also worked with Autodesk, Bosch, and Sony.

detailed view of the SAGA FLEXHab interiors