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Construction Challenges on Planetary Surfaces

by H. A. Franklin, Bechtel Group Inc, San Francisco, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space III

Abstract:

In July 1989 those who advocate a vigorous U.S. space program received a significant boost from the President's declaration that we should return to the Moon, this time to stay, and then go onwards to Mars. Achieving these objectives will demand that engineers of many disciplines advance new technology threshholds just to establish permanent facilities in orbit and in the inhospitable environments of planetary surfaces. This paper discusses some of the construction problems expected in establishing both the early lunar base presence as well as later permanent facilities. The point of view presented is that of a large EC company that has been engaged in the engineering and construction of major terrestrial facilities in remote and difficult locations around the world. Features of the constructibility and construction logistics processes are discussed as the central issues to be faced and resolved in the construction of lunar base facilities leading to permanent habitation.

Subject Headings: Space construction | Space colonies | Space exploration | Aerospace engineering | Logistics | Moon | Flight | United States

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