Application of Automation and Robotics to Lunar Surface Human Exploration Operations
Major results of a study (RLSO, 89) applying automation and robotics to lunar surface base buildup and operations concepts are reported. The study developed a reference base scenario with...
Manifesting for a Lunar Robotic, Oxygen-Producing Base
Using robotic systems and human supervisory control, a lunar base reasonably be established to achieve full production within five years. Intermittent human presence works in coordination...
A Robotics Testbed for In-Space Assembly Tasks
The operations testbed of the Center for Space Construction at the University of Colorado is described. This testbed serves as a centralized testing environment for interdisciplinary research...
Explosive Metal Working for Space
As the United States looks towards larger and larger lift vehicles for the transportation of the space station and other large payloads, the application of explosive metalworking becomes...
Prefabrication of Ceramic Segments by Compaction and Microwave Fusion Technology
Material source and environmental impacts are two major concerns in the application of conventional concrete technology in lunar base construction. In this study, the simulated lunar soil...
Unusual Spacecraft Materials
For particularly innovative space exploration missions, unusual requirements are levied on the structural components of the spacecraft. In many cases, the preferred solution is the utilization...
Space Construction: A CSI Perspective
This paper outlines the control structure interaction (CSI) problem for space construction engineers. An overview of the Control Astrophysics and Structures Experiment in Space (CASES)...
Dynamics of Composite Tubes
A displacement-based stiffness method is used to study the characteristics of dispersive wave propagation in laminated composite cylindrical tubes. It is assumed that the tube is composed...
Space-Based Control of the Climate
The expected global greenhouse warming of 2 ?C may be reversed by a space-based screen that intercepts 3% of the incident solar radiation. Space-based devices may also mitigate the ozone/UV...
Antarctic Testbed for Extraterrestrial Operation and Technology
A remote and harsh environment, Antarctica has areas which are more similar to the Moon and Mars than anywhere else on Earth. The physical similarities, coupled with strong parallels between...
A Center for Extraterrestrial Engineering and Construction (CETEC)
The Center for Extraterrestrial Engineering and Construction (CETEC) has been envisioned as an organization, a center of knowledge and information, and a set of experimental test facilities....
Composting for Lunar Agriculture
Alternative technologies for the microbially mediated biological oxidative transformation (composting) of human wastes and other organic wastes are presented. Batch mode and continuous...
Commercial Launch Facility Economic factors
Launch facility construction, maintenance and modification costs remain a largely invisible part of the cost of putting mass into orbit. The government can lease launch facilities to commercial...
Power for Magma Electrolysis
This paper summarizes qualitative issues of electrical power distribution for near-term lunar facilities. The issues to be discussed were developed during a conceptual study of a Lunar...
Design Considerations for a Ceramic Fabric Radiator
The design of an Advanced Ceramic Fabric (ACF) thermal management device for use in both interplanetary and near-earth space must consider several important aspects of the environment....
A Prototype Model for Human/Automation Trade-offs
Future space construction missions will involve both human and machine constructors. Selection of the optimum constructor mix requires a model of constructor capabilities and requirements....
Hedratecture and Artificial Gravity
There is a need, according to the National Commission On Space, to develop three critical space facilities: A Space Base, A Variable-Gravity Research Facility, and a Lunar Surface Outpost....
New Interdisciplinary Engineering Design Course in Planetary Materials and Resource Utilization
A new senior/graduate-level course addressing topics of planetary materials and resource utilization was given at Michigan Technological University in the spring of '89. The...
Working on the Moon: The Apollo Experience
Work experience gained during the Apollo missions suggests that lunar base productivity can be enhanced through careful attention to suit design, repair capabilities, equipment design...
Application of Statistical Distribution Theory to Launch-on-Time for Space Construction Logistic Support
The Center for Space Construction (CSC) has acquired historical launch vehicle data for analyzing space launch vehicle logistic support of space construction. This analysis will include...
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