The images are reminiscent of science fiction films: a mighty, rotating construction is enthroned on the lunar surface.
A team from Kyoto University and a Japanese construction company have published plans for residential developments on the moon.
Renderings show a 3D model of the structure called The Glass. The name of the project goes back to the cup shape of the residential complex and means “The Glass”.
Through artificial gravity, the living conditions on earth are to be simulated as far as possible.
For this purpose, the 400 meter high structure is set in rotation. In order to achieve gravity comparable to that of Earth, the system has to make a full revolution every 20 seconds. At the point with the largest diameter, the artificial gravity generated in this way should come closest to conditions on earth.
But the building, should it ever be built, is a dream of the future. A feasibility study is still to be carried out.
The construction of the huge complex should take 100 years and not start before the beginning of the 22nd century. So the people behind the concept will probably never see the fruits of their labor if it is realised.
However, once the concept has been implemented, “space trains” will connect the earth and the moon – as well as Mars, on which the researchers are also planning a facility. The trains should also be equipped with artificial gravity.
Artificial gravity could potentially alleviate or even prevent the undesirable side effects of a long stay in space, such as back problems or muscle atrophy.
If that happens, some people – those who dare to leave Earth to live in the futuristic structure – may see Earth in the sky instead of the Moon in the future.