Modular space infrastructure
Standardised habitat systems for the Moon, Mars and analogue facilities on Earth
Space Con is developing a modular habitat architecture with standardised interfaces — designed to make future space habitats easier to integrate, extend and use across missions.
Early development phaseEarth-based prototype planned
Challenge
Building space infrastructure should not start from scratch every time
As future missions move from isolated demonstrations towards long-term infrastructure, interoperability, integration and repeatability matter more and more.
Space Con is exploring how modular architectures and standardised interfaces can help address these challenges from the outset.
One-off system design
What is built for the Moon can rarely be adapted for Mars. Mission-specific solutions mean the next project starts from scratch.
Complex integration
Connections, power and data follow no common standard. Every new coupling becomes an engineering project rather than a configuration.
Limited scalability
Infrastructure grows by rebuilding, not by adding. Every extension is a new development rather than one more module.
Next step
Standardisation, modularity and interoperability are the foundation of the Space Con concept.
The Space Con approach
Approach
Four founding principles for future habitat infrastructure
Space Con is exploring how habitat architecture can be developed around standardisation, modularity and interoperability from the outset.
The goal is not to develop stand-alone solutions for individual missions, but to create a foundation that can be extended and developed further over time.
Principle 01
Standardised interfaces
The work is to define one mechanical and electrical standard for every coupling, so that new modules can be connected without bespoke adaptation.
Principle 02
Modular architecture
The habitat is one system of repeatable building blocks. What is built for the Moon must be adaptable for Mars without starting from scratch.
Principle 03
Interoperability
The standard is not to be ours alone. Modules must be able to work with systems from other suppliers and agencies.
Principle 04
Scalable development
Every extension is to build on the same standard, so the system is not developed from scratch for each mission.
Next step
See how these principles become a modular habitat system.
The habitat system
System overview
Two modules, one connection
That is the whole idea. The modules are joined through the same standardised connection, and that is what is to make the system scalable.
The modules are dimensioned from the outset for transport in next-generation launch vehicles such as Starship. That means more volume per launch and a lower cost per unit.
Principle 01
Mechanical coupling
Principle 01
Electrical interface
Principle 02
Identical ends
Principle 02
Core module with ports
Principle 03
Replacement
Principle 03
Load path
Principle 04
Stepwise expansion
Principle 04
Starship envelope
Principle 01
Mechanical coupling
Principle 01
Electrical interface
Concept visualisation · not a finished prototype
Core module
The central unit. Structure, life support and power come together in one place, and everything connects here.
Standardised interface
The same coupling at both ends of every module. The order can change, and the system can be built in any direction.
Expansion modules
Functions and capacity are added through new modules. A module can be swapped or upgraded without touching the rest.
Scalable structure
From a single unit to a full base. The structure grows by adding modules.
Development status
See where Space Con stands today, and which milestones are planned on the way to the first prototype.
Development plan
Status
From concept to prototype
We are early in the process — but the direction is clear.
The aim is to develop the concept step by step, through partnerships, further system development and the building of an Earth-based prototype.
Concept and system architecture
Developing the overall habitat architecture and defining the central design principles.
Technical analyses and 3D models
Developing system models, visualisations and technical assessments further.
Technical partners
Building relationships with experts, companies and organisations with relevant expertise.
Earth-based prototype
The aim is to build the first Earth-based prototype as the next major development milestone.
Validation and testing
Evaluating the concept's central assumptions and what the prototype phase teaches.
Important
All milestones represent current planning. The schedule depends on further funding and may change as the project develops.
The team
Behind the schedule are the people developing the concept.
About us
Contact
Let us have the first conversation
Launch is a long way off. Now is when the groundwork is laid — and now is when the conversations happen.
The first conversation is not about commitments, but about exploring possible shared interests and ways of working together.