Analog Simulation Training and Research Outpost Utilizing Self-Sustaining Architecture: A Testbed for Moon and Mars Technology at Purdue University

Source-supplied abstract

The Analog Simulation Training and Research Outpost Utilizing Self-sustaining Architecture (ASTRO-USA) is a Purdue University project developed in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the University of Arizona to create a high-fidelity, modular analog habitat for Moon and Mars missions. Current analog facilities lack fully closed-loop life support systems and often separate waste, water, food, and power subsystems. ASTRO-USA addresses this gap by integrating these elements into a single, self-sustaining testbed for Artemis-class technologies. In the near term, a secondary Mini-Hab will demonstrate closure of the waste and nutrient loops while enabling food production and human factors research. The long-term objective is a primary habitat with closed-loop waste, water, and air systems, full environmental control, and modular construction compatible with lunar or Martian deployment. This facility will incorporate bioreactors, reverse osmosis, hydroponics, and Mycoponics™ to convert human waste and graywater into potable water, fertilizer, biogas, pharmaceuticals, and 3D-printing filament, powered by a mix of solar and biogas generation. Habitat systems will be monitored and managed by SIMOC (Scalable Interactive Model of an Off-world Community) Live and an Opto 22 control system for real-time data acquisition, automation, and fault response. Human factors design will enable precise control of lighting, atmosphere, noise, and layout to simulate circadian cycles, mission timelines, and contingency scenarios in a windowless environment. Structural materials and construction approaches will be selected to remain realistic to off-world designs. By testing and validating integrated bioregenerative life support and control technologies at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 while tightly controlling environmental parameters for human factors studies on Earth, ASTRO-USA will provide a functional platform for sustainable human habitation research and technology maturation in direct support of NASA’s Artemis program and future planetary exploration missions.

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