ISRO Moon mission: Indian Space Research Organisation will try to build igloo-like shelters. Source: istockphoto.com/Smitt

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) — India’s space agency — is exploring options for erecting structures on the moon to safely house astronauts.

Imagining future manned missions to the moon, the researchers are looking at dome-shaped, igloo-like structures that would protect astronauts from the extreme temperature swings of the vacuum environment.

"The ISRO, along with academic institutions, is doing experimentation on potential structures for lunar habitation," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh said.

“Various options are being studied about the requirements and complexities of habitats. The study is more towards futuristic developments," Singh said.

As the ISRO considers housing options for astronauts in future manned missions to the moon, for now, they are preparing for a second unmanned mission to the moon to explore its unexplored south pole.