An Analysis of an Inflatable Module for Planetary Surfaces
Design and construction of a structure on planetary surfaces requires addressing a host of issues not encountered on Earth. A modular quilted inflatable structure consisting of thin membranes...
Prototype Lunar Base Construction Using Indigenous Materials
A lunar base must be designed to withstand harsh lunar conditions, which include severe internal pressure loads and a high radiation level. Yet to provide for economical and rapid future...
Cylindrical Fabric-Confined Soil Structures
Using the local soil as a structural material can greatly reduce the transport requirements for constructing Lunar and Martian surface structures. A fabric-soil structural concept which...
Hedratecture in Severe Climates
There are still vast areas of the world that are almost untouched by human activity. There is need to make access to these regions with special new structures and there is also a need...
Experimental, Physical and Numerical Modeling of Lunar Regolith and Lunar Regolith Structures
An extensive series of laboratory strength and deformation experiments have been performed on a lunar regloith simulant. Results of these experiments are compared to results from experiments...
Lunar Base Requirements for Human Habitability
This paper presents some of the requirements for lunar surface habitation. Emphasis is placed on human factor and environment-behavior requirements that impact on habitability for medium-duration...
Applying Lessons from Extreme Environments to Solve Problems on Earth and in Space
Extreme environments on Earth and in space test human abilities to adapt, survive and undertake difficult and often dangerous tasks. Hardships and challenges posed by such environments...
The Challenge of Constraining Mass for Planetary Construction
This paper discusses the issue of minimizing the mass required to be delivered from earth for planetary construction. New machinery, methods and concepts are discussed....
Directions for Lunar Construction: A Derivation of Requirements from a Construction Scenario Analysis
This paper provides an initial trade-off study among several lunar construction options available to the Space Exploration Initiative. The relative time effectiveness of Extra-Vehicular...
Constructing Radiation Shields with Textiles for Lunar Applications
The problem of radiation shielding on the lunar surface is significant. The mass required for adequate shielding is enormous and economics would dictate the use of lunar soil for this...
Uses for Lunar Crawler Transporters
This article discusses state-of-the-art crawler transporters and expresses the need for additional research and development for lunar crawlers. The thrust of the paper illustrates how...
Building Lunar Roads?An Overview
Outposts and permanent installations on the moon will need a network of surface roads connecting them. The problem of creating such roads is more challenging than on Earth in most ways,...
Construction of a Far-Term (2020+AD) Lunar Base
Several case studies have been performed which provide interesting insights into the design and operation of a lunar base. Yet few of these studies have addressed the specific steps which...
Mass and Energy Tradeoffs of Axial Penetration Devices on Lunar Soil Simulant
Axial penetration of the lunar surface was performed to collect soil samples with drive tubes and drill cores on the six successful Apollo missions. Although the pile-driving and drill...
Construction Challenges on Planetary Surfaces
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...
The Application of Open System Architecture to Planetary Surface Systems
This paper investigates the issues that future planet surface activities must confront, defines the basic concepts that provide the basis for establishing an Open System Architecture,...
Lunar Resource Base
A lunar base that exploits local resources to enhance the productivity of a total SEI scenario is discussed. The goals were to emphasize lunar science and to land men on Mars in 2016 using...
Indigenous Planetary Construction Material Through Soil Modification
This paper will discuss the theory of soil modification and its potentials for producing planetary construction materials. The authors will also present the results of prelimnary experriments...
Mechanical Properties of Lunar Soil and Simulants
Investigation of the physical and mechanical properties of lunar soil carried out by the USSR and the USA; both in situ and on returned samples, has resulted in considerable information...
Structural Materials from Lunar Simulants Through Thermal Liquefaction
Thermal liquefaction that allows development of intermediate ceramic composites from a lunar simulant with various admixtures is used to develop structural materials for construction on...
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