CATs&DOG® · GEOMETRY-DRIVEN CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS
Limited modules. Diverse infrastructure.
From the Moon to Earth.
The Moon as a demanding testbed. Earth as the place for scale and impact.
CATs&DOG® is a geometry-driven construction-system framework investigating how limited repeatable modules, standardised interfaces and distributed production could reduce system-level complexity while enabling diverse, adaptable infrastructure across both established and off-grid construction environments.
The Moon provides a demanding testbed for validating the system under extreme constraints. The longer-term aim is to translate what works into scalable, resource-efficient construction on Earth.
TRL 2–3 · Geometric feasibility demonstrated · Engineering validation required
THE CORE SYSTEM PROPOSITION
Can limited modules reduce complexity without limiting what we build?
CATs&DOG® investigates whether a limited geometric and component vocabulary can support diverse infrastructure while improving efficiency across design, production, logistics, assembly and the infrastructure lifecycle.
Current studies begin with two mirrored 30–60–90 triangular geometries. Through repetition, mirroring, orientation and combination, they can generate a broad family of patterns, surfaces, enclosures and infrastructure configurations.
This geometric foundation has been explored through physical paper studies and digital models. The next challenge is to translate it into an engineered construction system with defined modules, connections, materials, production methods and assembly processes.
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Limited repeatable modules
A restricted component family intended to reduce unnecessary variation in manufacturing, tooling, storage and inventory.
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Standardised interfaces
Consistent connection logic intended to allow components and system layers to work together across different configurations.
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Diverse configurations
Geometry that can generate different forms, scales and functions without requiring an entirely new construction system for each application.
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Distributed production
Production methods being investigated for manufacturing closer to the construction site using available materials, equipment and resources.
Current boundary: The two mirrored triangles are the demonstrated geometric foundation—not yet finalised construction units. Module architecture, interfaces, structural behaviour, materials and production processes require engineering validation.
CURRENT EVIDENCE AND MATURITY
What has the geometry demonstrated—and what must engineering validate?
CATs&DOG® is currently at approximately TRL 2–3. Folded-paper studies, digital models and a detailed 3D-printed prototype demonstrate the geometric system, design-stage configurability and a preliminary flat-to-form assembly concept—not yet a structurally validated construction system.
DEMONSTRATED
A coherent geometric foundation
Current physical and digital studies have demonstrated:
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a consistent design vocabulary based on two mirrored 30–60–90 triangular geometries;
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repetition, mirroring, orientation and combination across multiple configurations;
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open, partially enclosed and enclosed geometric forms;
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substantial design-stage diversity from a limited geometric foundation;
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continuity of the underlying geometric logic across different forms and scales;
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physical exploration through folded-paper studies;
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digital exploration and configuration through three-dimensional modelling;
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fabrication of detailed flat modules through 3D printing;
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folding and mechanical connection of flat modules into spatial components;
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repeated assembly of these components into a larger enclosure configuration;
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preliminary exploration of component subdivision, interfaces and assembly sequences; and
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translation of the original geometric logic into a more detailed flat-to-form physical prototype.
TO BE VALIDATED
An engineered construction system
The next development stage must define, engineer and validate:
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module, panel and interface architecture;
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candidate materials, fabrication methods and manufacturing tolerances;
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structural behaviour, load paths, failure modes and safety margins;
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connection strength, repeatability, durability and accessibility;
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human, robotic and hybrid handling, assembly and disassembly processes;
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inspection, maintenance, repair and component-replacement strategies;
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performance under relevant lunar conditions, including vacuum, thermal cycling, radiation, dust and reduced gravity;
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packaging, transport, deployment and surface-logistics requirements;
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lifecycle cost, material use, operational efficiency and resource requirements; and
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comparative performance against clearly defined alternative construction systems.
THE CENTRAL ENGINEERING QUESTION
Can the system-level benefits of limited component diversity outweigh the number, performance requirements and complexity of the connections?
Reduced module diversity creates meaningful value only if connections, tolerances, assembly operations and failure modes can be managed effectively. This question connects the geometry to structural engineering, materials, manufacturing, robotics and lifecycle performance.
A FOCUSED LUNAR VALIDATION PATHWAY
Can lunar infrastructure grow, adapt and remain serviceable across multiple missions?
CATs&DOG® proposes the Moon as a demanding proving ground for infrastructure designed around limited resources, phased deployment, local operations, repair, replacement and cumulative reuse.
Lunar infrastructure faces severe constraints in transported mass, available tooling, logistics, resupply and human operating time. Under these conditions, efficiency cannot be measured only at first deployment.
The long-term value of a construction system will also depend on whether it can be assembled in stages, inspected locally, repaired selectively, reconfigured for new requirements and expanded without replacing the entire system. CATs&DOG® investigates how geometry, repeatable components and standardised interfaces could support this lifecycle approach.
01
Support critical operations
Explore protective, supporting and spatial infrastructure around landing, mobility, construction, logistics and other evolving lunar activities.
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Deploy in phases
Begin with a limited set of components, tools and operations, then add capacity as mission requirements and local resources develop.
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Inspect, repair and replace
Enable localised intervention so damaged or outdated components can potentially be accessed and replaced without rebuilding the entire structure.
04
Expand and reconfigure
Allow infrastructure to evolve as new missions, equipment, users and operational requirements are introduced.
PROPOSED FIRST STEP
A focused demonstrator could examine assembly logic, interfaces and service operations before attempting construction at architectural scale. The programme should translate the existing geometric studies into defined components and measurable engineering requirements.
A focused engineering and technology
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demonstratormodule and interface architecture;
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representative manufacturing and assembly;
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structural and connection behaviour;
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human and robotic handling;
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repeated servicing, replacement and reconfiguration.
Development boundary: MoonPort and related lunar surface operations are proposed validation contexts—not current CATs&DOG® deployments or confirmed customer programmes. Specific applications must be selected with mission stakeholders and assessed against their operational requirements.
ONE SYSTEM LOGIC, MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
Can one construction-system logic support multiple forms of lunar and space infrastructure?
CATs&DOG® is being developed as a system architecture rather than a single habitat, structure or product. Its potential value lies in applying a limited geometric and component vocabulary across different infrastructure requirements.
The near-term focus remains a defined lunar engineering and technology demonstrator. However, if the core principles of repeatable modules, standardised interfaces, phased assembly and localised replacement are validated, the same system logic could support more than one lunar surface application.
Each pathway would require its own requirements, materials, structural analysis, manufacturing approach and environmental validation. The shared value would be the underlying architecture—not an assumption that one physical solution fits every use case.
01
Lunar surface infrastructure
Explore modular protective, supporting and spatial systems that can be deployed progressively around landing, mobility, logistics, construction and habitation operations.
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Large space structures
Investigate whether repeated geometric elements and standardised interfaces could support larger assembled structures while reducing dependence on highly specialised one-time deployment mechanisms.
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Future manufacturing and assembly
Explore infrastructure that can be manufactured, assembled, inspected, replaced and upgraded incrementally as robotic capability and the use of local resources develop.
What could remain consistent across applications?
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a limited family of repeatable geometric components;
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standardised and accessible interfaces;
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phased assembly and capacity growth;
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inspection, repair and selective replacement;
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disassembly, reconfiguration and reuse;
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compatibility with human, robotic and hybrid operations;
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digital configuration and lifecycle information; and
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progressive integration of locally sourced materials and manufacturing.
MOON-TO-EARTH LEARNING
Validate under constraint. Transfer only what proves valuable.
The Moon concentrates constraints in mass, energy, tooling, logistics, maintenance and resupply. These conditions can expose inefficiencies that are less visible in conventional construction.
If CATs&DOG® demonstrates measurable improvements in component diversity, assembly operations, servicing, material use or lifecycle performance, selected principles may later inform circular, modular and resource-constrained construction on Earth. Any terrestrial value must be validated against Earth-specific requirements rather than assumed from lunar relevance alone.
FROM GEOMETRIC CONCEPT TO ENGINEERING DEMONSTRATOR
Who should help define, engineer and validate the next stage?
CATs&DOG® is seeking a focused group of research, engineering, industrial and mission stakeholders to translate the current geometric and physical studies into a measurable engineering and technology demonstrator.
The immediate objective is not to assemble a large consortium around an undefined ambition. It is to identify the minimum combination of capabilities required to define a credible use case, establish engineering requirements, develop the component and interface architecture, manufacture representative elements and conduct comparative testing.
Participation should therefore be based on a specific technical, operational or validation contribution. The scope, roles, intellectual property arrangements and funding pathway would be defined jointly before formal collaboration begins.
01
Mission and operational requirements
Lunar infrastructure operators, space agencies and mission-system specialists who can help identify a relevant use case, operational constraints and measurable success criteria.
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Robotic and human assembly
Robotics and operations specialists who can assess handling, positioning, connection, inspection, replacement and reconfiguration processes.
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Structural and connection engineering
Engineers who can translate the geometric system into load paths, component architecture, accessible interfaces, connection strategies and defined failure modes.
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Testing and comparative validation
Research institutes, analogue facilities and industrial laboratories able to evaluate components and assemblies under relevant structural, operational and environmental conditions.
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Materials and manufacturing
Partners with expertise in candidate materials, flat or modular fabrication, additive manufacturing, forming, tolerances and production repeatability.
Proposed collaboration sequence
A staged path toward evidence
Step 1 — Select the use case
Identify one focused lunar infrastructure application and the mission stakeholders affected by it.
Step 2 — Define requirements
Translate operational needs into measurable structural, manufacturing, assembly, servicing and lifecycle requirements.
Step 3 — Build the demonstrator
Engineer and manufacture representative components, interfaces and assemblies at an appropriate scale.
Step 4 — Test and compare
Evaluate performance against defined requirements and relevant alternative construction-system approaches.
CURRENT POSITION
Early-stage collaboration and validation development
CATs&DOG® currently offers a documented geometric foundation, digital configurations, folded-paper studies and a detailed flat-to-form 3D-printed assembly prototype. Structural engineering, material selection, construction-scale manufacturing, environmental testing and mission-specific validation remain to be completed with qualified partners.
Discussions at this stage are exploratory and do not imply a confirmed programme, customer relationship, consortium membership or endorsement.
