Date:
–
Location:
Houston, Texas
Audience:
University students from Japan participating in the 2026 Global Education Program, with an interest in space exploration, engineering, design, and future careers in the space sector.
Higher Ed Involvement:
IDEAS² researcher Paula Drozdowska led a weeklong lunar settlement design workshop in collaboration with SICSA as part of the 2026 Global Education Program. Students were introduced to space architecture and systems thinking and were guided through the development of interconnected concepts for lunar landing, transportation, exploration, and habitation.
Description:
From August 22–28, 2026, IDEAS² researcher Paula Drozdowska led a weeklong lunar settlement design workshop for students participating in the 2026 Global Education Program in Houston.
Working in teams, students addressed the SICSA design challenge “Exploring Moon for Sustainable Operations.” They developed interconnected concepts for landing and ascent logistics, lunar surface transportation, a pressurized exploration rover, and an adaptable main habitat.
The workshop guided students from identifying mission functions and requirements through concept development and design refinement. Teams considered crew needs, deployment, mobility, radiation protection, dust mitigation, emergency operations, and future settlement expansion.
The program concluded with team presentations, allowing students to explain how their individual systems could work together as part of a larger lunar settlement architecture. Through the workshop, participants developed experience in interdisciplinary teamwork, systems thinking, human-centered design, and technical communication.
Working in teams, students addressed the SICSA design challenge “Exploring Moon for Sustainable Operations.” They developed interconnected concepts for landing and ascent logistics, lunar surface transportation, a pressurized exploration rover, and an adaptable main habitat.
The workshop guided students from identifying mission functions and requirements through concept development and design refinement. Teams considered crew needs, deployment, mobility, radiation protection, dust mitigation, emergency operations, and future settlement expansion.
The program concluded with team presentations, allowing students to explain how their individual systems could work together as part of a larger lunar settlement architecture. Through the workshop, participants developed experience in interdisciplinary teamwork, systems thinking, human-centered design, and technical communication.