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This document outlines the design for a modular lunar base using superconducting technology to provide shielding and habitable space.

May 2, 2026Open Access

Refuge Sphere Lunar Village: A Modular Superconducting Habitat Architecture for Permanent Lunar Bases and Beyond — Technical Design Document v1.0

Key Points

This document outlines the design for a modular lunar base using superconducting technology to provide shielding and habitable space.
Phase 1 includes deploying seven spherical modules via Starship, accommodating 8-10 crew members.
Phase 2 involves a larger central hub assembly on-site to support 20-30 individuals with a total volume of ~735 m³.
The design assesses the mass budget, internal habitats, cryogenic structures, and compares with existing lunar base concepts.
Provides exact magnetic shielding (B = 0) using the Meissner effect compared to other concepts (B ≈ 0).
Offers modular scalability to adapt for more crew, expanding the habitat efficiently.
Utilizes lunar thermal cycles as a cryogenic asset, enhancing operational efficiency.

Abstract

Complete technical design document for the Refuge Sphere Lunar Village — a permanent lunar base architecture based on interconnected superconducting spherical modules providing exact B = 0 magnetic shielding (Meissner effect, REBCO tape) and E = 0 electrostatic shielding (Faraday cage). Phase 1: seven spherical modules (hub Ø5m + six peripherals Ø3–5m) deployed via seven Starship launches, base for 8–10 crew. Phase 2: large central hub Ø10m assembled in situ using commercial REBCO superconducting tape, expanding to 20–30 persons, total habitable volume ~735 m³, 8 total launches. Key advantages over NASA Artemis, ESA Moon Village, and toroidal shielding concepts: no excavation required; exact B = 0 (vs B ≈ 0 of toroids); lunar thermal cycle exploited as cryogenic asset; modular scalability; dual use as habitat and emergency shelter. Direct application to Mars surface bases — eliminates underground placement entirely. Includes mass budget, launch analysis, internal habitat design, cryogenic architecture, REBCO tape winding strategy, repair/maintenance concept, and comparison with existing concepts.

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Enrico Titimali

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Refuge Sphere Lunar Village: A Modular Superconducting Habitat Architecture for Permanent Lunar Bases and Beyond — Technical Design Document v1.0

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Abstract

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