  Revived interest in lunar exploration is heralding a new generation of design
solutions in support of human operations on the Moon. While space system design
has traditionally been guided by prototype deployments in analogue studies, the
resource-intensive nature of this approach has largely precluded application of
proficient user-centered design (UCD) methods from human-computer interaction
(HCI). This paper explores possible use of Virtual Reality (VR) to simulate
analogue studies in lab settings and thereby bring to bear UCD in this
otherwise engineering-dominated field. Drawing on the ongoing development of
the European Large Logistics Lander, we have recreated a prospective lunar
operational scenario in VR and evaluated it with a group of astronauts and
space experts (n=20). Our qualitative findings demonstrate the efficacy of VR
in facilitating UCD, enabling efficient contextual inquiries and improving
project team coordination. We conclude by proposing future directions to
further exploit VR in lunar systems design.
