Abstract Discussion over how to construct a sustainable lunar base has been ongoing since before the Apollo program, with no clear answers emerging. In this study, a decision support tool known as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to narrow down what the optimal characteristics of a lunar habitat would be. The mathematical basis for AHP, as well as its criticisms, are briefly detailed. AHP is subsequently applied to lunar habitats after the central design characteristics and judging criteria for such characteristics are determined. Ultimately, we determined that inflatable habitats should be slightly favored over rigid habitats for lunar applications and greatly favored over other habitat concepts. Hybrid structures may provide an appropriate compromise between inflatable and rigid habitats. AHP also suggested that utilizing a Vectran restraint layer and deploying the habitat using columnation and compartmentalization are much more desirable than their alternatives. Further, it also suggested that an inflatable habitat should be cylindrical and pressurized to sea level pressure. A sensitivity analysis is conducted on these results. Through this study, the use of AHP to make quantitative, impartial decisions, given complex aerospace problems with many influential criteria and potential options, is demonstrated.

Highlights • Methodology for Analytical Hierarchy Process is explained and critiqued. • AHP is applied to the selection of multiple lunar habitat features. • Sensitivity analysis confirms results of AHP with varying levels of confidence. • Hybrid inflatable/rigid lunar habitats may warrant greater research focus in future. • Deployment method, pressurization, shape, and restraint layer material suggested.