Kyoto University and Kajima Corporation have initiated a joint research project to explore the feasibility of the lunar artificial gravity habitat, Lunar Glass NEO. The project aims to create an environment on the Moon that enables humans to live safely for extended periods. On December 18th, Professor Yosuke Yamashiki, head of the Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability at Kyoto University, alongside researchers from Kajima, held a press conference in Kyoto to outline the research’s significance and objectives. The study will span approximately five years, with the goal of establishing the technological foundation for future lunar exploration and space colonization.

Lunar Glass NEO is a dome-shaped habitat designed to reproduce Earth-like living conditions by generating artificial gravity through centrifugal force. The structure is envisioned to stand approximately 400 meters tall and 200 meters in diameter, rotating three times per minute. It will include a self-sustaining ecosystem capable of supporting up to 10,000 residents.

The facility addresses health risks associated with prolonged low-gravity environments, such as bone density loss and muscle atrophy, by providing artificial gravity. The project also includes plans for building an Earth-based hyper-gravity facility, Geo Glass, to evaluate the medical impacts of rotational gravity on the human body. Research into small-scale ecosystem circulation within enclosed environments called Mini-Core Biome, will also advance alongside the study.

Key challenges identified include developing construction methods suited to the lunar environment, such as utilizing in-situ materials like lunar regolith for building materials and employing AI-driven autonomous construction technologies. Additionally, countermeasures against extreme temperature fluctuations and space radiation will require the selection of durable, radiation-resistant materials. (2024/12/19)