73𝑟 𝑑 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) - Baku, Azerbaijan, 2-6 October 2023.

Copyright 2023 by the authors. Published by the IAF, with permission and released to the IAF to publish in all forms.

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ECHO V2: Conceptual Design of a Modular Inflatable Habitat

Module for Sub-surface Analog Space Missions
Joshika Sachithanandan1,* , Charlotte Pouwels1 , Eleonora Zanus1 and Marc Heemskerk1
1 Habitat department, ICEE.Space, Czech Republic
* Speaker
+ Email: info@icee.space

Abstract

Space exploration is inherently risky, demanding thorough preparation and precautionary measures to minimize
potential dangers. Analogue space missions, such as CHILL-ICE conducted by ESA BIC start-up ICEE.Space, offer
a cost-effective approach to develop and assess space technologies and operations on Earth, ultimately reducing
associated risks. These analogue missions entail establishing temporary habitats in space-like environments,
where analogue astronauts stay throughout the mission. Current space analogue habitats primarily serve survival
and research purposes in fixed locations, often lacking the desired modularity and comfort for space exploration.
ICEE.Space’s ongoing efforts focus on designing a modular inflatable habitat that not only ensures survival but also
prioritizes comfort and privacy. Building upon the successful ECHO V1 habitat co-developed with the Wilson
School of Design, ICEE.Space conducted pre-phase A studies, informed by feedback and observations from past
missions, to establish objectives for the new habitat, known as ECHO V2. These objectives include introducing
ergonomic features, scalability, modularity, reducing habitat assembly time, and enhancing multi-functionality. This
paper focuses on the design methodology used to redesign the habitat to meet these new objectives. The process
involves generating requirements based on existing research and reviewing ICEE.Space’s Minimum Viable Product
(MVP) to determine the path forward for the next-generation ECHO habitat, which will undergo validation during
CHILL-ICE III within Iceland’s lava tubes. One notable challenge observed in previous missions was the extensive
time (approximately 7 hours) required for habitat setup during an 8-hour Extravehicular Activity (EVA). To address
this issue, ICEE.Space explores the concept of origami-inspired support structures, proposing two design concepts:
bistable spring-loaded overthrow mechanisms and detent-based latching mechanisms to facilitate swift structure
deployment and folding. The paper qualitatively evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of these concepts.
Another critical consideration is the interior’s multifunctionality. Feedback from analogue astronauts indicated
that reconfiguring space in previous missions was time-consuming and outweighed the benefits of having distinct
setups for different times of the day. ECHO V2 seeks to resolve this by creating a reconfigurable space that can be
easily adapted with minimal time and effort, including the incorporation of two connected habitats with a shared
airlock. Ensuring efficient scheduling, especially to mitigate CO2 build-up, is also of utmost importance. The
paper concludes with suggestions to enhance the habitat’s ergonomic features and support psychological well-being.
With these proposed redesigns, ICEE.Space takes a significant step toward providing a secure, comfortable, and
versatile mission infrastructure for testing in extreme environments, contributing to advancements in space exploration.

Keywords: CHILL-ICE, analogue astronaut missions, space habitat, lava tubes, testing

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 1 Introduction whereas space missions experience communication
delays due to vast distances.
Analogue missions are carefully planned scientific cam-
paigns conducted on Earth in specifically chosen envi- • Space Radiation: Analogue missions can not repli-
ronments that closely replicate the challenging conditions cate the effects of space radiation due to Earths at-
encountered in outer space. These Earth-based missions mosphere, necessitating extrapolation of data for as-
serve as practical stand-ins for space exploration, deliber- sessing radiation impact in space.
ately mimicking the physical and environmental obstacles
encountered in space, such as the barren, rocky landscapes • Duration: Analogue missions are often limited in
reminiscent of Mars or the hidden underground caverns duration, while space missions, especially to distant
resembling lunar lava tubes [1]. The significance of ana- destinations, extend for months or years, presenting
logue missions within the broader context of space explo- unique challenges.
ration arises from several critical considerations. Firstly,
• Psychological Factors: Analogue missions simulate
the sheer complexity and financial barriers associated with
aspects of isolation and confinement but may not
conducting experiments or tests directly in space neces-
fully capture the psychological challenges of space
sitate the use of terrestrial analogues as a crucial inter-
travel.
mediate step. The substantial investments in terms of
both time and resources required for experiments con- • Resource Availability: Analogue missions rely on
ducted in space make it impractical and cost-prohibitive Earth’s resources for resupply, unlike space missions
to rely solely on extraterrestrial platforms. Moreover, the with critical resource constraints requiring recycling
controlled and relatively safe environment of Earth pro- systems.
vides an ideal arena for the development and evaluation
of cutting-edge technologies, particularly those carrying • Equipment and Technology: Analogue missions
uncertain risks of failure. This, in turn, facilitates the use terrestrial equipment, which may differ from
refinement and maturation of these innovations. Space specialized space mission equipment, affecting the
agencies like National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- fidelity of the simulation and the replication of space-
tration (NASA) recognize the pivotal role played by ana- specific challenges.
logue missions in preparing astronauts and equipment to
These assumptions underscore the need for careful
meet the rigorous demands of space travel.
interpretation and adaptation of findings from analogue
It is important to recognize that Analogue Astronaut
missions to address the distinctive realities of space
(AA) missions involve certain assumptions and differ-
exploration. Furthermore, analogue missions play a
ences when compared to real space missions. Here are
crucial role in validating and advancing upcoming space
some of the key assumptions made for analogue astronaut
technologies, typically within the Technology Readiness
missions [1]:
Level (TRL) 3-6 range, where standardization is key to
• Earth’s Environment: Analogue missions occur on ensure scientific validation. The specific TRL depends
Earth, with access to its atmosphere, gravity, and re- on the attributes of the technology or product being
sources, whereas space missions operate in the vac- evaluated. This enhances their usefulness in ensuring the
uum of space with microgravity or variable gravity smooth transition of innovative technologies into actual
conditions. space missions.
• Safety and Accessibility: Analogue missions have
Globally, numerous organizations and initiatives are com-
easier access to Earth’s emergency medical care,
mitted to exploring various facets of space missions
while space missions lack ready access to such ser-
through analogue methodologies. Examples include
vices.
ICEE.Space, which focuses on modular analogs in ex-
• Real-Time Communication: Analogue missions treme environments such as Construction of a Habitat In-
maintain real-time communication with Earth, side a Lunar-analogue Lava-tube - Iceland (CHILL-ICE),

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that can be situated anywhere in the world, and with a spe-
cial focus on using inflatable habitats within lava tubes.
An example of other well-known habitats are: Biosphere
2, (USA), Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simula-
tion (HI-SEAS), Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS),
Lunar Analog Research Station (LUNARES), Flashline
Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS), NASA Extreme
Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO), Crew Test
Facility (CTF), C-Space Project (China),Cave Astronaut
Training, ESA (CAVES), Concordia Station (Antarc-
tica), Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS,
USA), European Astronaut Training Centre (EAC), Habi-
tat Marte (Chile), Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analogue
(Mars Society), Austrian Space Forum (OeWF, Austria)
(AMADEE), Desert Research Station (DRS, Oman), Mars
Analog Research Station (MARS, Poland), Arctic Re-
search Station "Ice Camp Barneo" (Russia),Space Science
and Engineering Centre, Russia (SSEC), Scientific Inter-
national Research In an Unique terrestrial Station, Russia
(SIRIUS) [1].
1.1 Assumptions Earth habitats vs space
Analogue astronaut habitats are constructed on Earth to
simulate the living and working conditions that astronauts
would encounter in space habitats. These analogues serve
as testbeds for technology development, human factors
research, and training. However, there are several key
assumptions and differences between analogue astronaut
habitats and actual space habitats. Here are some of the
main assumptions made for analogue astronaut habitats in
comparison to space habitats:
• Terrestrial Environment: Analogue habitats are
situated on Earth’s surface and are subject to Earth’s
gravity, atmospheric conditions, and environmental
factors. Space habitats, on the other hand, operate
in the vacuum of space or on celestial bodies with
microgravity or different gravitational forces.
• Access to Resources: Analogue habitats rely on
Earth’s resources, including air, water, and food,
which are readily available and can be resupplied
as needed. Space habitats face the challenge of re-
source scarcity and must rely on closed-loop life sup-
port systems for recycling and conserving resources.
Only a few existing Earth habitats try to include this.
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• Safety and Accessibility: Participants in analogue
missions have easy access to medical care and emer-
gency services in case of health issues or emergen-
cies. Space habitats are remote and have limited ac-
cess to medical facilities, requiring onboard medical
equipment and procedures.
• Real-Time Communication: Analogue missions
maintain real-time communication with mission con-
trol and support teams on Earth. Space missions in-
volve communication delays due to the vast distances
between space habitats and mission control centers.
• Radiation Exposure: Analogue habitats do not fully
replicate the space radiation environment, which
poses a significant concern for space habitats. Space
agencies must extrapolate data from analogue envi-
ronments to assess radiation risks.
• Duration:Analogue missions are often of limited du-
ration due to logistical and budget constraints. Space
missions, especially those to distant destinations like
Mars, may extend for months or years, requiring so-
lutions for long-term habitation.
• Psychological Factors: While analogue missions
simulate aspects of isolation and confinement, they
may not fully replicate the psychological challenges
of long-duration space missions, including isolation
from loved ones and the psychological impact of
space travel.
• Equipment and Technology: Analogue habitats use
terrestrial equipment and technologies, which may
differ from the specialized equipment used in space
habitats. These differences can affect the realism
of the simulation and the ability to address space-
specific challenges.
• Gravity Conditions: Analogue habitats typically
operate under Earth’s gravity, while space habitats
may experience microgravity or varying gravitational
forces depending on their location.
• Resource Resupply: Analogue habitats can rely on
regular resupply from Earth for consumables and
equipment, whereas space habitats must operate with
a degree of self-sufficiency and resource recycling.
3
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Fig. 1: Inflatable Structures overview: (1) Von Braun’s Space Station, (2 4) Goodyear Aerospace’s toroidal space station, ’Moby
Dick’ habitat module, and D021 airlock, (5) Volga airlock, (6) TransHab, (7) BEAM, (8) JSC module with integrated hatch, (9 10)
ILC/NASA expandable and toroidal habitats, (11) NASA’s MASH inflatable airlock, (12) NextSTEP-2 cis-lunar habitat and
airlock concept )[2])

These assumptions highlight the importance of careful
interpretation and adaptation of findings from analogue
astronaut habitats to address the distinct challenges and
requirements of space habitats.
1.2 Modular inflatable habitats
Modular inflatable habitats, see Figure 1, is an upcom-
ing technology that is finding more strength in the current
space market. Firstly, the compact design during launch
and subsequent expansion in space significantly reduces
the volume needed for launch, leading to cost savings,
especially for missions to distant destinations like Mars.
Moreover, these habitats incorporate multiple layers of
flexible materials, providing enhanced protection against
cosmic radiation, a critical factor for astronaut health dur-
ing extended deep space missions. The spacious interiors
of inflatable habitats also contribute to astronauts’ psycho-
logical well-being, alleviating the challenges associated
with confinement and isolation. Their modular nature
allows for versatility, accommodating various mission ob-
jectives, and their quick deployment in space enhances
mission efficiency. Additionally, safety features, scala-
bility, reduced environmental impact, and potential cost
savings further highlight the importance of these habitats
in the context of space exploration .
2 Minimal Viable Product - ECHO
In 2021, ICEE.Space introduced the first modular in-
flatable habitat, known as Extreme Cave Habitat One
(ECHO), see Figure 2. This project was the result of col-
laboration between ICEE.Space and the Wilson School of
Design and KPU in Canada. The purpose of this habitat
was to meet specific requirements tailored to the chal-
lenging lava tube environment where it would operate for
the CHILL-ICE I mission. These requirements included
the ability to set up and dismantle the habitat within 8
hours due to the limited lifespan of Astronaut suit oxy-
gen tanks during an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) . The
habitat also had to be portable for a two-person team,
even on steep 38-degree slopes, with a maximum weight
limit of 50 kg. When packed for transport, the habitat
should occupy less than 1 cubic meter of space and be
freestanding, not relying on specific ground conditions.
Furthermore, it needed to provide a minimum of 8 cubic
meters of habitable space following NASA guidelines for
tolerable habitability and 21 cubic meters for performance
habitability. Additionally, the habitat had to be designed
for future mission reuse, include an airlock for simulating

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Fig. 2: ECHO "Extreme Cave Habitat One" Minimal Viable Product (MVP) for the CHILL-ICE I mission in collaboration with
Wilson School of Design KPU.

ingress and egress, and maintain a dry interior in a humid
cave environment. The design of the habitat featured an
inflatable structure supported by airbeams, aiming to sim-
ulate space-like conditions, though certain factors such as
gravity and vacuum effects were not considered for this
mission [3][4] [5] [6].
3 Design Methodology
3.1 Feedback analysis
With the feedback received from the CHILL-ICE I and
II missions, some points for improvement were noted, as
listed below:
1. Insulation: Though insulation measures maintained
temperatures higher than the cave’s, attaching the
Mylar balloons required additional manual effort
from the AAs. Assembly time needs to be re-
duced/eliminated as far as possible.
2. Humidity: ECHO V1 faced humidity issues, with
seepage often occurring inside the habitat. Humidity
control measures, ideally passive, must be taken to
combat this issue.
Some requirements based on the cave geology, en-
3. Space Optimisation: Despite being designed for
vironmental conditions, and overarching goals for the
three persons, the space often felt restricted, pointing
towards the need for space optimization. Addition-
ally, it was observed that some spaces were not fully
utilised; this needs to be rectified by studying how
each section of the habitat can be used for more than
one purpose.
4. Modularity: While not an original requirement,
modularity is a point of improvement that will help
adapt the habitat to varying mission durations and
crew capacities.
These pain points are used as the foundation upon which
the requirements are generated for the redesign of the
ECHO habitat, as detailed in the next section.
3.2 Requirements
For any engineering design process, a set of requirements
is crucial to drive and constrain the design. Based on
the feedback received from the AAs, surveys conducted,
and lessons learnt during past ICEE.Space analogue
missions, requirements are generated for redesign of the
ECHO habitat.

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Fig. 3: Two analogue astronauts on a simulated EVA with the MVP ECHO I habitat in the background, during the CHILL-ICE II
mission.

habitat remain the same as before. 5. Pressurisation: pressurised habitat to improve sim-
ulation objectives and airlock procedure.
1. 8 hour (dis)assembly: The duration of an EVA,
oxygen tank lifespan. 6. Multifunctionality: Spaces serve more than one
purpose, to maximise available volume
2. Water-resistant: To withstand the humidity within
the cave With these requirements in mind, the habitat team pro-
ceeds with the next step: generating design concepts and
3. <=32 kg per person: For a 3-person mission, each modifications to ECHO V1, to create a more comfortable,
person carries no more than 32 kg multi-functional, and ergonomic habitat.
4. Redeployable: transportable, mobile habitat for use
in various locations 3.3 Dimensions
Similar to the previous CHILL-ICE missions, CHILL-
5. Standalone: independent of ground conditions and ICE III will also be conducted in the lava tubes of
attachments Iceland. The Surtshellir lava tube, one of the longest in
the country, is chosen for the mission.
Additional requirements for the redesign of the habitat are
as follows.
The lava tubes were formed as a result of volcanic
1. Habitable volume for a 4-person, 14 day lunar eruption and consequent magma flow across the length
night mission of the tube. At the widest point, Surtshellir is about 15 m
wide and 10 m high at its highest point. However, these
2. Maximum area of 6.5 x 4 m2, with a minimum dimensions can vary greatly throughout the tube. The
height of 2.2 m: dependent on cave dimensions porous lava rock allows water vapor from surrounding air
3. Airlock entry close to the ground: Enable easy to seep into the caves, which condense within the cool
rover access interiors, leading to a highly humid environment within
the cave. These condensed droplets also form icicles on
4. Modularity: Should be extendable for longer mis- the cave walls, posing a hazard to passerby, or, in this
sions or accommodate more people case, the analog astronauts during an EVA.

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Fig. 4: 2D map of a section of the Surtshellir lava tube where ECHO I was positioned during CHILL-ICE II.

crease lines that have to be deployed, the process could

For the CHILL-ICE missions, the lava tube and potentially take longer than 8 hours.
various entry points were scoped out during surveying
trips by the geology team at ICEE.Space. Inflatable: A redesign of the inflatable structure
concept is considered as the original ECHO design[8] did
The estimated habitat volume is found to be as fol- satisfy all of the requirements for the past missions and
lows: Two modular units of 6.5 m in length and 4 m in the habitat development process would be more efficient
width is proposed, with an airlock of 2 m x 1.5 m. The if building on a foundation that is known to work. The
minimum height for the airlock and habitat units is 2.2 m inflatable habitat is redeployable and can be transported
to allow comfortable movement for the analog astronauts and set up wherever required, within 8 hours as tested in
during ingress/egress as well as within the habitat. CHILL-ICE I and II. It also does not need to be attached
to the ground i.e., is independent of ground conditions.
4 Next generation - ECHO
4.1 Outer Structure Design Options While both design options are capable of being
mobile and structurally stable, only the inflatable concept
For the redesign of the ECHO habitat, two outer structure
has been proven to be deployable in <=8 hours i.e., has
concepts are explored–an origami-inspired foldable
"flight" heritage. Hence, this is the concept chosen for
structure and a modified version of the original inflatable
further detailed design of ECHO V2. Ripstop nylon is
ECHO habitat to adhere to new requirements, see Figure
chosen for the inflatable outer structure. It is a tough
5 and 6 .
woven fabric that is lightweight, water resistant and
resistant to rips and tears, making it suitable for the
Origami: An origami-inspired structure is consid-
humidity and the rough terrain in the lava tubes. It is also
ered for its increased foldability and ease of deployment
widely available at an affordable rate.
due to its pre-defined crease lines. It is, therefore,
redeployable, as requirements state. The crease lines
also allow for efficient load transfer and, therefore, high
structural stability[7]. However, at the required scale,
origami patterns can be quite complex to manufacture,
and consistent, reliable deployment could be a challenge
with limited resources. Additionally, due to the numerous

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Fig. 5: Top view of new CAD ECHO design.
Fig. 6: Isometric view of new CAD ECHO design.
4.2 Detailed Design Considerations
This section delves into the details of the ECHO V2
habitat that make it habitable and functional while
addressing concerns identified in previous missions.
While origami is no longer being considered for the
entire outer structure, it still has potential to improve the
foldability and modularity of the ECHO habitat.
Foldability: To avoid haphazard folding/deflation
of ECHO, it is proposed to have simple, pre-defined
folding lines that serve to guide the folding such that the
outer structure material falls flat into a defined shape
rather than a pile that has to be refolded manually.
To enable this, two design options are proposed.
First is the usage of a shape memory alloy, nitinol.
Shape memory materials can be deformed into a certain
configuration, and when heated above a glass transition
temperature 𝑇𝑔 , will revert to its original configuration
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before deformation[9].
Nitinol wires can be used in pairs across the fold-
ing lines, one wire that remembers its deployed shape,
and another wire that remembers its folded shape. The
second wire, in both cases, can be folded manually
due to the high elastic nature of nitinol wires. Another
option to facilitate better folding is to use bistable joints.
Bistable joints have two stable positions–one is the fully
deployed position and the other, is the folded position.
In the pre-defined folding lines, the presence of these
joints would allow the structure to quickly snap into
position to its fully deployed state as well as snap back
to a pre-defined folded position during disassembly.
While this method as is currently would require manual
flipping of the joints between its stable states, using shape
memory alloys to make the joints is also an option. This
would allow for the process to be controlled via a power
supply rather than requiring extensive manual effort. At
the current design stage, both aforementioned folding
concepts are still being explored to identify one that is
feasible to execute, keeping in mind safety and available
time and resources.
Modularity: One of the key requirements for the
habitat is for it to be modular such that multiple units can
be attached to one another. For this feature too, folding
principles are considered. It is proposed to have a flexible
airlock that also functions as an attachment point at the
front of each habitat module. This allows the attachment
of multiple modules to create a larger habitat that can
house more analog astronauts and allows for contortion
of this larger habitat to fit within complex cave geometries.
An accordion-like bellows design is proposed for
the airlock, as shown in Figure 7.
Insulation: In feedback from past missions, it was
noted that though the Mylar pillows strapped onto the
interiors of the habitat improved insulation significantly,
it required manual effort from the analog astronauts to
cover the entire habitat with the pillows. With the present
redesign effort, pre-installed insulation is considered to
reduce AA effort as much as possible.
8
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Fig. 7: Proposed Airlock Design - Accordion Bellows [10].
Two materials, aerogel and thinsulate, are identified as
suitable insulation. Aerogel is an ultralight synthetic ma-
terial with extremely low density and low thermal con-
ductivity [11]. It is also hydrophobic, contributing to the
required water-resistant nature of the habitat. However,
it is extremely expensive making its purchase unfeasible
with the available resources.
Fig. 8: Aerogel [11].
Thinsulate, developed by 3M, provides similar properties
of a lower magnitude but at an affordable rate [12]. It
is lightweight and moisture-resistant. Though primarily
used for extreme weather outerwear, it is also used in some
automobiles for insulation and is, therefore, considered
suitable for the ECHO habitat. Additionally, there are
multiple variations to choose from that provide increased
flexibility, warmth, water resistance, flame resistance, and
so on. It is proposed to stitch the Thinsulate material
into the outer structure. The Thinsulate is cut up and
stitched along the fold lines of the habitat such that they
do not deter the folding and deployment of the habitat
itself. The thickness of the Thinsulate is considered to
be low enough to not inhibit folding, but this concept still
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needs to be validated with a small-scale prototype.
Fig. 9: Thinsulate [12].
Lighting: In long-duration space missions, astronauts
are exposed to unusual light and dark cycles that can
disrupt their circadian rhythms. Such is also the case
during an analog mission like CHILL-ICE.
There are a number of ways to use circadian light-
ing on such missions. One approach is to use light
that mimics the natural light-dark cycle on Earth or
the Lunar/Martian cycle to study the analog astronauts’
response to it. This can be done by using LED lights
programmed to emit different colors and intensities of
light. Additionally, lights conducive to different activities
can be used, such as lights with high blue wavelengths
during the day to improve alertness and focus and
gradually reduce the blue light towards the end of the
day. This functionality will be embedded in the ECHO
V2 habitat in the form of LED strips controllable by the
Mission Control Center(MCC).
Humidity Control: To address the issue of the cave’s
humidity, the use of a small portable dehumidifier is
proposed. Also, the material proposed for insulation,
Thinsulate, provides the added advantage of being
moisture-resistant i.e., capable of absorbing any conden-
sation that might occur.
Monitoring Environmental Factors: To ensure the
safety of analog astronauts, it is necessary to monitor mul-
tiple environmental factors within the habitat to ensure it
remains habitable and comfortable. Sensors are placed
within the habitat to measure:
• Pressure
9
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• Temperature selected candidates will have undergone rigorous train-

• Humidity
• CO2
• Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC)
MCC will monitor data from these sensors around the
clock and will intervene to inform the analog astronauts
and advice them on remedial measures.
Multifunctionality: With the limited volume available,
it is crucial to utilise it to the maximum extent and
do so while not adding significantly to the analog
astronauts’ physical effort. With this planned reorgani-
sation of space, the aim is to study how modifying the
same constrained volume can engineer sensory aware-
ness and spatial perception to support mental health and
performance and increase comfort and general well-being.
ing prior to be able to handle the extreme environment
and high research workload. For the CHILL-ICE III mis-
sion scenario, the ECHO habitat will be upgraded from
research station (maximum five day capability) to full sub-
surface pressurized inflatable habitat. ECHO will be val-
idated in the field on the aspect shown in Table 1s:
Once the ECHO habitat successfully completes CHILL-
ICE III, it will be launched to the market for operational
activities.
6 Way forward
By September 2024, the aim is to have a fully functioning,
field-tested ECHO V2 habitat ready for the market. To get
to this stage from the current design phase, a few mile-
stones have to be reached. The way forward is outlined in
Figure 10.

Limited time and a tight schedule require that the

changes made to the interior layout be quick and im-
pactful to allow maximum results with minimum effort.
Some elements and spaces that can be repurposed are as
follows.
• Sleeping area: Mattresses can double as a bench for
eating and working. Alternatively, they can also be
foldable, so they can be put away quickly to make
room for other arrangements.
• Toilet: When the toilet is not being used, it can be
utilised for a moment of privacy from the rest of the
crew. It can also double as a storage space.

• Airlock: When not in use, can double as a storage

space.
Such repurposing of the available interior volume along
with the controllable circadian lights help induce a certain
artificial rhythm and routine in an environment where it
cannot naturally be found.
5 CHILL-ICE III - Test Readiness
In August 2024, ICEE.Space will return to the lava tubes of
Iceland to conduct the CHILL-ICE III analogue astronaut
mission. This mission will simulate a sub-surface lunar
night survival of 14 Earth days with a crew of four. The
Fig. 10: Way Forward
A detailed digital representation of the habitat is devel-
oped simultaneously with design and interior functional-
ity choices. These design considerations are integrated
with the habitat in the prototyping phase, to evaluate how
different elements fit together and if any alternate solu-
tions need to be found. The prototyping phase also allows
the team to identify any blind spots that may have not
been considered in the initial design phase. The prototype
will then be tested either at the Czech Aerospace Research

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Copyright 2023 by the authors. Published by the IAF, with permission and released to the IAF to publish in all forms.
Table 1: ECHO acceptance tests before market release Q3 2024.
Trade-off Parameters
Functional testing Stability, strength, stiffness, airflow, power
consumption, creep, duration
Integration Testing Component, sub-system, system and integra-
tion verification.
Environmental test- Carbon Dioxide monitoring and removal, hu-
ing midity control, temperature control, toxic
cave fumes
Performance testing Damages to the habitat and its systems.
User Acceptance User feedback via questionnaire.
Testing
Center in Prague or at a test site in the Netherlands. The
various tests are described in Table 1. Finally, the ECHO
V2 habitat will be field-tested during CHILL-ICE III, a
14-day mission in the lava tubes of Iceland. The results
of this field test will help ICEE.Space assess the habitat’s
readiness for launch in the analog space market.
7 Conclusion
The new ECHO V2 habitat design by ICEE.Space ad-
dresses the key challenges of existing space analogue
habitats, including ECHO V1, by focusing on comfort
and privacy, modularity, reduced assembly time, and im-
proved multifunctionality. An initial design is proposed
that allows for two detachable habitat units connected by
an accordion-like flexible airlock. This allows easy adap-
tation of the habitat for different cave geometries and mis-
sion requirements. With input from analogue astronauts in
previous CHILL-ICE missions, new features like inbuilt
IAC-23,E5,6,6,x79800
Description
During the functional testing the complete integrated habi-
tat will be evaluated on different aspects that are critical to
verify if the product functions are according to the prede-
termined requirements.
This type of testing evaluates how different components
or modules of the product work together. It ensures that
data and functionality are properly integrated and that the
product functions as a cohesive whole.
During the Environmental testing the complete integrated
habitat will be evaluated on different aspects that are crit-
ical to verify if the product functions are according to the
predetermined requirements. Throughout the CHILL-ICE
III mission all habitat data will be closely monitored, a
risk assessment present, and health thresholds will be es-
tablished prior as according with ERB approval. In case
of environmental system failure, the crew and rescue team
will be notified.
The ECHO Performance test will evaluate how reliable
the product performs in an extreme environment during a
simulation with a crew of four. This includes the habitat
response to heavy usage by four analogue astronauts during
14 days. In addition, the scalability of a second habitat is
tested to analyze the increase in loads on the environmental
and functional systems.
UAT involves end-users testing the product during the sim-
ulation to determine if it meets their and market needs and
expectations.
insulation and humidity control, reduced (dis)assembly
time, circadian lighting, and improved usage of available
volume are added. Overall, the proposed redesign of the
ECHO V2 habitat has the potential to significantly im-
prove the quality of life for analogue astronauts and make
space exploration safer, more comfortable, and more pro-
ductive. By September 2024, the ECHO V2 will have
been field-tested in Iceland during the CHILL-ICE III
mission, helping identify areas of improvement before the
product is launched in the market.
Company overview
ICEE.Space is an innovative startup focused on advancing
human space exploration through its activities in space
testing, research, and development. The activities in-
volves conducting analogue missions in isolated, con-
fined, and extreme environments, such as the CHILL-ICE
project, offering commercial analogue astronaut training
11
 73𝑟 𝑑 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) - Baku, Azerbaijan, 2-6 October 2023.
Copyright 2023 by the authors. Published by the IAF, with permission and released to the IAF to publish in all forms.

and testbeds for lunar research and extreme Earth envi-
ronments. In addition to these mission-based endeavors,
ICEE.Space is committed to contributing to the devel-
opment of state-of-the-art European space technologies,
encompassing space suits, inflatable habitats, and remote
power and communication systems. The overarching ob-
jective is to facilitate a broader understanding of space
research and analogue missions, enhancing safety and ac-
cessibility for a wider audience.
Acknowledgements
First, we would like to thank the Wilson School of De-
sign/Kwantlen Polytechnic University for co-developing
the ECHO MVP for the CHILL-ICE I mission and pro-
vide the ICEE.Space team with the necessary knowledge
to design for extreme environments. Second, we would
like to thank the ESA BIC Czech Republic team for
supporting ICEE.Space in this endeavour in establishing
this innovative idea for the space sector.
SIRIUS Scientific International Research
In an Unique terrestrial Station,
Russia
SSEC Space Science and Engineering
Centre, Russia
TRL Technology Readiness Level
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 73𝑟 𝑑 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) - Baku, Azerbaijan, 2-6 October 2023.
Copyright 2023 by the authors. Published by the IAF, with permission and released to the IAF to publish in all forms.

[12] 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation.

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