What began as a gray shipping container on a parking lot in Copenhagen’s Sydhavn has now found its way into the heart of European space exploration, as FLEXHab - our largest lunar habitat to date.

Since early 2025, located in Cologne by the LUNA facility, astronauts will prepare for the Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon. For us, it is humbling, surreal and most importantly exciting to see something we designed in Denmark now part of that journey.

Life in 28m²

Inside FlexHab, astronauts will experience living conditions that mirror what they may one day face on the lunar surface. A compact laboratory allows for research and sample analysis, while a small kitchen-living area creates space for meals, conversation, or even watching a film. Four private sleeping cabins line the opposite end of the habitat, modest by everyday standards, but generous for seasoned astronauts.

Every centimeter of the habitat is designed to balance efficiency with human wellbeing, ensuring astronauts can work, rest, and connect with family, all within 28m². Furniture folds away, functions overlap, and materials are chosen with care for what feels human.

Danish Contributions to Space Exploration

One of the first to step inside FlexHab was Danish ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen. He described the space as both “impressive” and “reassuring” - an important confirmation, since living conditions are now seen as a vital part of astronaut training. As he put it, much of a lunar mission will be spent inside the habitat itself, so it is essential to train realistically in a setting like this.

For us, moments like that are meaningful and inspiring. Seeing Andreas explore a habitat in Copenhagen, and knowing it will now help train astronauts for future Moon missions, is something we once only dreamed of.

Looking Ahead

FlexHab is a step towards making long-duration missions possible. For us, it proves how design and architecture can help shape humanity’s next chapter on the Moon and beyond.

You can read more about Andreas' visit at FLEXHab here.