Momo is a prototype lunar habitat developed through MIT’s Space Architecture course, a joint collaboration between the Media Lab, Department of Architecture, and Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It proposes a small, easily deployable, semi-permanent in situ habitat optimized to maximize the number of settlements that can be transported within a SpaceX Starship payload, supporting early lunar exploration before the establishment of a permanent base.

Developed for NASA's Artemis III mission, Momo is designed to support the first crewed lunar landing with two astronauts at the lunar South Pole. The habitat provides essential living infrastructure (bathroom, bed, and recreation space) to ensure astronaut survival while supporting the construction of longer-term settlements.

The project advances the technological readiness level of prefabricated temporary workforce habitats for the Moon and presents an innovative collapsible, modular approach to lunar infrastructure that bridges short-term exploration needs and long-term settlement.

Presented at International Astronautical Congress 2024