Energy Analysis of High Temperature Lunar Manufacturing Processes
This paper presents an energy analysis methodology to optimize the power system requirements for high temperature manufacturing processes on the moon. Power requirement and power system's...
A Summary of the NEPSTP Nuclear Safety Program
The Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program (NEPSTP) is sponsored by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) to demonstrate and evaluate the Russian-built TOPAZ II nuclear...
TOPAZ II System Description
The TOPAZ II single-cell thermionic space reactor power system was designed, built and tested by the former Soviet Union (Russia). It has been purchased by the United States (U.S.) for...
TOPAZ II Qualification and Nuclear Testing Program
This paper presents an overview of the Topaz II qualification and nuclear test program. The program combines the joint efforts and resources of Russian and American specialists and organizations...
A Comparison of Propulsion Systems for Space Exploration
There are three promising propulsion systems that might be used for space missions: chemical, direct nuclear, and nuclear electric. Selecting the best system for a mission involves comparing...
Propulsion Systems for Future Space Exploration
There are many types of propulsion that are being considered for future space travel needs. These include nuclear, solar sail, magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, and laser propulsion...
Propulsion Systems: Present and Future
Propulsion is the very essence of space travel. There are many types of propulsion. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Propulsion systems are constantly being improved just...
Is It Possible to Colonize Mars?
Is it possible to colonize the planet Mars? A planet that is believed to be the most clement planet in the solar system, next to Earth. Despite the fact that it is a very clement planet,...
A Space Station of Mars
While we are putting stations on the moon and in orbit in this fast changing world of growing scientific knowledge we must look past the step we are currently on to the steps beyond. The...
Construction of a Lunar Base
The United States' space program has the capabilities to build a lunar base, but must build an infrastructure which allows the easy transportation of the construction materials. Once this...
Lunar Mining
Mining the moon for materials that can be used for the advancement of space research would be very profitable. It would be necessary to develop equipment for mining. There would be a need...
Biosphere II - Its Effects on Space Colonization
In the middle of the Arizona desert, a strange sight can be seen. A small world with ecosystems and different climate zones, just like Earth, is enclosed in glass and steel. The 3.15 acre...
Living in Space
Living in space will be the key project for the survival of the human species in the future. The world is becoming more polluted, suffering under the lack of living space, and if people...
For the Realization of Lunar Concrete
Since most of the raw materials required to make concrete exist in lunar rocks and soils, concrete is considered as one of the most suitable materials for lunar structures. Author's research...
Production of Lunar Concrete Using Molten Sulfur
A study has been undertaken by the authors and supported by NASA to study the feasibility of using lunar regolith with different binders such as molten sulfur, epoxy or hydraulic cement...
Methodology for Comparing Lunar Settlement Designs
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...
Habitat Configuration Evaluation Criteria for Moon/Mars
The purpose of this paper is to identify the methodology, evaluation criteria, criteria definitions for evaluating surface habitat configuration concepts for the Moon and Mars. The main...
Science Operations and Engineering Impacts to Lunar Outpost Design
Recent work by scientists and engineers at the Johnson Space Center ha led to a better understanding of the requirements and interfaces needed at an initial lunar outpost to enable scientific...
Thermal Regeneration of Spent Lithium Hydroxide
Exploration of planetary surfaces will require portable life-support systems to provide a continuous supply of breathable air. These systems will need to be regenerable in order to support...
A Generic Inflatable Structure for a Lunar/Martian Base
The first steps in the human expansion into space, which inevitably will occur during the next century, consist of the establishment of a human-tended base on the Moon followed by human...
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