MODAA Project Abstract Accepted by the IAC 2026 Conference

Our team-developed project MODAA (Modular Observation Device for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Human Space and Analogue Missions) was accepted for an oral presentation at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Türkiye, 2026.

The research project seeks to develop a light-weight, crew-assemblable lunar telescope concept for crewed space missions to the Moon. Designed to meet mission operational requirements and limitations natural to the lunar environment, the novel concept explores the future of astronomy from the Moon by bridging the gap between concept and application.

Created by crew member Hannah Zipfinger and developed by the MMAARS crew team, MODAA will be presented at the IAC conference in October 2026, aiming to bring the concept designed into a mission-ready device to be tested during Crew Trouvelot’s upcoming analog mission.