The future of astronaut accommodations is rapidly approaching, as SpaceX advances its preparations for the Artemis III Moon landing mission set for 2026, with a focus on both comfort and functionality. At its Starbase facility in Texas, SpaceX recently unveiled detailed mock-ups of crew cabins, sleeping quarters, and science labs designed for the Human Landing System (HLS) Starship. Positioned within the HLS nosecone section, these cabins are crafted to closely replicate the actual living conditions astronauts will encounter on the mission.
SpaceX has worked with two designers, Ercx Space and Smallstars, to create interior space designs. The companies used computer modeling to design the cabins and sleeping areas with a capacity for up to 100 astronauts. This is substantially higher than the International Space Station, which has a maximum occupancy of 16 people. SpaceX says that they are working with NASA to ensure the designs meet all mission requirements.
According to SpaceX, the HLS Starship cabins are designed to provide astronauts with a safe and comfortable habitat as they travel to the lunar surface. During their stay on the lunar surface, the astronauts will be in constant communication with Earth. They can conduct scientific experiments that will advance our knowledge of the planet. They will also capture stunning imagery and videos of the lunar surface that will be shared with the world to inspire a new generation of explorers.
Once on the lunar surface, the astronauts will spend a week researching and exploring. They will be able to use the Foundation Surface Habitat as their primary living and workspace while also using the Rover, a rover designed for surface mobility, to explore deeper craters and other locations on the Moon. The astronauts will be in direct contact with Mission Control on Earth throughout the mission, relaying their progress and discoveries to the global community.
During the journey back to the Moon, the astronauts must refuel the HLS Starship in Earth orbit. This is a challenge because no propellant depots currently exist in space. However, the HLS Starship has been designed to be capable of in-orbit refueling and transfer with the help of a propellant tank.
One of the most significant features of the HLS Starship is that it will be fully reusable and capable of carrying cargo and passengers to and from the Moon and Mars. The vehicle has already passed a series of tests to ensure that it is ready for future missions, including successful water landings of the Super Heavy booster and Starship itself.
SpaceX’s vision is to enable a sustainable human presence in deep space, starting with the Moon and eventually moving to Mars. The company is working with NASA to develop the infrastructure for a long-term lunar presence and a path to Mars. The first steps toward that goal will be accomplished when Artemis III lands on the lunar surface in 2026.
