The Design of a Permanent Lunar Research Station
The advancement of the United States efforts in space exploration and research requires the establishment of a permanent manned lunar research station. This paper explores the possible...
Evaluating Lunar Base Conceptual Designs
A large number of competing lunar base conceptual designs have been proposed in recent years. The range of assumptions and technologies used in these designs makes comparison difficult....
Design and Technology Assessment of Three Lunar Habitat Concepts
Three manned lunar habitat concepts, designed to support a crew of four for 28-30 days, are presented. Two concepts are based on Space Station Freedom structural elements and the third...
The Feasbility of Using Solar Optics for Lunar Base Lighting
This paper is a summary of research conducted to establish the feasibility of using solar optics in reduced gravity environments, particularly a lunar base. The research was funded by...
Tensile-Integrity Structural Concepts for the Lunar Surface
This paper suggests the use of tension cable structures of a particular type, Tensegrity structures, for a lunar base. Tensegric shells can be a system of bars and cable net. The shell...
Structural Characterization of an Articulated-Truss Joint
A first generation space crane articulated-truss joint was statically and dynamically characterized in a configuration which approximated an operational environment. The articulated-truss...
Analysis of Space Crane Articulated-Truss Joints
Three articulated-truss joint concepts for the space crane are studied to evaluate their static structural performance over a range of geometric design parameters. Emphasis is placed on...
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....
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...
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...
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...
In-situ Release of Solar Wind Gases from Lunar Soil
A concept is described which has the potential to perform the in-situ heating of the lunar regolith in order to release the solar wind gases. The poor thermal conductivity of the lunar...
Isotopic Separation of ?He/4He From Solar Wind Gases Evolved from the Lunar Regolith
The potential benefits of 3He when utilized in a nuclear fusion reactor to provide clean, safe electricity in the 21st century for the world's inhabitants...
Sulfur as a Lunar Resource
Sulfur on the Moon may prove to be a satisfactory replacement in some uses for lighter volatile elements and their compounds. Although sulfur is not richly concentrated on the Moon, it...
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