Indigenous Resource Utilization in Design of Advanced Lunar Facility |
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Authors: | Larry S Bell Michael G Fahey Todd K Wise Paul C Spana |
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Affiliation: | 1Dir., Sasakawa Int., Ctr. for Space Arch., Coll. of Arch., Univ. of Houston, Houston, TX 77204‐4431
2Pres., Lunar Tech. Inc., 707 Walnut St., Ste. 212, Houston, TX 77002
3Tech. Staff, Advanced Programs, Space Systems Div., Rockwell Int. Corp., Mail Code AD38, 12214 Lakewood Blvd., P.O. Box 7009, Downey, CA 90241‐7009
4Exhibit Designer, Children's Museum of Houston, 3201 Allen Pkwy., Houston, TX 77019‐1894
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Abstract: | The most important consideration in the establishment and support of a permanently manned lunar base will be resource utilization. Seven potential lunar construction materials were analyzed with respect to their physical properties, processes, energy requirements, and resource efficiency. Reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of each material led to the selection of basalt as the primary construction material for initial use on a lunar base. The team conceptualized a construction system that combines lunar regolith sintering and casting to make pressurized structures. The design uses a machine that simultaneously excavates and sinters the lunar regolith to create a cylindrical hole. The hole is then enclosed with cast basalt slabs, allowing the volume to be pressurized for use as a living or work environment. Cylinder depths up to 4–6 m in the lunar mare and 10–12 m in the lunar highlands can be achieved. Advantages identified in the construction system include maximum resource utilization, relatively large habitable volumes, interior flexibility, and minimal construction equipment needs. The conclusions of this study indicate that there is significant potential for the use of basalt as a low‐cost alternative to Earth‐based materials. It remains to be determined, during lunar base phasing, whether this construction method should be implemented. |
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Keywords: | Moon Structural design Resource management Construction Construction materials Basalt |
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