spacehome

Spacehome is a term used to describe a human residence intended for permanent or long-term living beyond Earth's surface. It encompasses space habitats such as orbital stations, surface settlements on the Moon or Mars, and free-flying habitats in cislunar or deep-space environments. The concept emphasizes self-sufficiency, resilience, and the ability to operate independent of Earth for extended periods.

Key design concerns include closed-loop life support, water and oxygen recycling, food production, radiation shielding, thermal control, and reliable energy supply, typically via solar power or nuclear sources. Habitats are envisioned as modular, scalable, and capable of withstanding microgravity or reduced gravity, micrometeoroid impacts, and radiation. Transportation and logistics, communication latency, and maintenance are central planning challenges.

Historically, spacehome ideas have evolved from early space station concepts and lunar exploration proposals to contemporary discussions of sustainable off-Earth living. While no permanent spacehome exists as of now, ongoing research in life support, regenerative agriculture, and in-situ resource utilization supports incremental progress toward this goal. Public-private partnerships and international collaboration are common features in modern space settlement planning.

Within fiction and speculative design, spacehome is used to explore social, economic, and governance issues of living off-planet, including resource ownership, governance, and cultural practices. Real-world discussions remain focused on safety, ethics, cost, and incremental milestones, such as long-duration stays on ISS, lunar missions, and technology demonstrators.