This article explains exactly how NASA is going to test their inflatable moon habitat. NASA plans to test these bases in some of the coldest parts of Antarctica so that they are able to see as to how low of below freezing temperatures this habitat can with stand. However this inflatable habitat idea is only one or a few plausible concepts. NASA has also said that they hope to have astronauts back on the moon and performing more explorations by the year 2020.
The design of these habitats has been taken into much consideration, because these bases have to be able to withstand long amounts of time on the moon and they must be easily constructed and deconstructed for transportation. because of these specific requirements most companies that are trying to get this goverment funded contract are failing even before they start due to design flaws.
i forgot the link so here
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/nov/HQ_07251_Inflatable_Lunar_Habitat.html
I think that testing a habitat in Antartica will not properly test it for the moon. Seeing as that is the harshest climate on earth, I guess it will ahve to work. It is also amazing to note that 125 pounds of ahrdware and fuel have to be used to launch one pound of supplies to the moon. This was a basis for the prototype being tested.
I don’t quite understnad why we need a protable habitat on the moon. What does NASA want to do up there? Anotehr question is the cost. Alot of money must be going into these concepts. Other then those questions, I think that this is an amazing accomplishment.