A Multiphase Operational and Environmental Assessment of Lunar Surface Habitation, Lunar Gateway Transit Systems, and Acceleration Pathways for Sustained Human Habitation of the Martian Surface

This study evaluates the operational, environmental, and habitation-system requirements for sustained human presence on the lunar surface, the performance of the Lunar Gateway as a transit and staging architecture, and the pathways required to accelerate readiness for Martian surface habitation. The protocol examines habitat resilience, radiation exposure modeling, life-support continuity, EVA logistics, behavioral health in isolated environments, and systems-engineering workflows across lunar, transit, and Mars-analog environments. Special emphasis is placed on the identification, extraction, processing, and utilization of lunar water-ice deposits as a critical resource for life-support, radiation shielding, and in-situ propellant production. Findings will inform future mission design, habitation module development, and interplanetary operational frameworks.