Methodology for Comparing Lunar Settlement Designs

by Keith Trivelpiece,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

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

Abstract:

This paper examines a methodology used to compare divergent lunar settlement proposals. It is suggested that the methodology be added to other selection tools for determining which is the best lunar base design. this method involves both quantitative and qualitative analyses. It is critical that a lunar base consider radiation protection, safely containing an atmosphere, meteorite protection, and efficiently building the structure that accomplishes these tasks. The quantitative portion uses a spreadsheet to total the mass of the three major components of a proposal; namely, the equipment start up cost, the raw material from earth, and the indigenous materials. Inferences can then be made from these figures.The most critical of these is a unit cost per person to build a particular construction method.

Subject Headings: Space colonies | Space construction | Construction materials | Lunar materials | Construction methods | Structural safety | Radiation

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