Lunar Resources: What is Known and Expected

by Alan B. Binder, Lockheed EMSCO, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space

Abstract:

The lunar regolith is the source of a number of basic materials which can be utilized in lunar construction. These materials include those which are obtained directly from the regolith and others which are obtained after some small amount of processing. Uses of such materials include: radiation shielding made from loose or bagged regolith; reinforced slabs, beams, etc., made from the lunar equivalent of cast basalt and anhydrous glass; cords, cables, cloth, etc. made from spun glass fibers; and products made of ceramics and cement. More extensive processing of the regolith will produce oxygen for propellant and life support and large quantities of iron, aluminum, magnesium, calcium and titanium.

Subject Headings: Lunar materials | Space construction | Construction materials | Materials processing | Regolith | Cables | Space life support systems

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search