In ecology, the term habitat summarises the array of resources, physical and biotic factors that are present in an area, such as to support the survival and reproduction of a particular species.
In the aerospace context, a habitat refers to a structure or environment that is designed to support human life and activities in space or other planetary environments. This can include living quarters, work areas, and other facilities that are necessary for the survival and well-being of astronauts or other personnel.
Examples of habitats in the aerospace context include:
- The International Space Station (ISS), which is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. It serves as a research laboratory, and provides living quarters for the crew members.
- The NASA's Deep Space Habitat (DSH) which is currently under development, it is designed to be a long-duration habitat for missions beyond low Earth orbit, such as to the Moon or Mars.
- The NASA's Gateway, a proposed modular habitat that will be built in lunar orbit, to serve as a jumping-off point for missions to the lunar surface and as a hub for research and other activities.
- The Bigelow Aerospace's BA 330, a commercial habitat module that is designed to be attached to the International Space Station or used as an independent habitat in low Earth orbit.
- The Mars habitat concept, which is a concept for a self-sustaining settlement on Mars, which includes living quarters, greenhouses, and other facilities that would be necessary for the survival of the inhabitants.
Habitats in aerospace are crucial for long-duration spaceflight, as they provide a safe and comfortable environment for the astronauts to live, work and conduct research in. Habitats are also essential for missions to other planets, as they provide a safe haven for the crew to live and work, and also to shelter from extreme conditions of space such as radiation, temperature and pressure variations.