Owen Swischuk

The Endurance is a cutting-edge lunar habitat designed to support a crew of four astronauts for missions lasting 30 to 60 days. Engineered to fit within the payload constraints of the Falcon Heavy, the habitat stands 7 meters tall with a diameter of 4.4 meters. This ambitious project was undertaken by a team of seven Industrial Design students in a RISD-NASA sponsored studio.

Our mission was to conceptualize a practical moon habitat for near-future lunar expeditions, leveraging existing hardware and launch systems to create a realistic and achievable design. Through extensive research into space habitats like the ISS and Skylab, we adapted key insights to accommodate lunar gravity and the unique scale of the Endurance. A central focus was ensuring clear distinctions between public and private areas while mitigating exposure to lunar regolith and unwanted odors into the sleeping and dining spaces.

My contributions were centered on the top deck, where I took the lead in designing the crew quarters and changing area. Additionally, I collaborated on the galley, private communications booth, and personal hygiene facilities. This deck was envisioned as the primary hub for leisure and privacy, offering astronauts a reprieve from the demands of lunar exploration.