The name of our project is “NewGen Leaders”. We chose this name as we consider our idea quite creative and innovative while effectively translates our belief that our generation of children and engaged teenagers will make a difference to the human kind in the coming years. The goal of our mission is the exploration of Helium 3 and its potential. Thus, the Moon will be the perfect place for the use and further exploration of this resource.

Indeed, there are some studies developed by the Fusion Technology Institute in the USA, that indicate that 100 tons of Helium 3 would be enough to generate energy for a year on the whole Earth. Helium 3 would be able to supply the Earth for about 10,000 years. In addition, we think that Helium 3 will undoubtedly become the fuel of the 21st century. Furthermore, we believe the Helium 3 might be the stepping stone to the creation of new forms of energy as it is a very potent, non-polluting fuel without radioactive by-products. In addition, our mission will also help with future space exploration

Our base will be able to receive 8 astronauts, although only 6 at the beginning. Each astronaut will have specific roles and tasks that will include the following: a flight surgeon, biologist, satellite communications engineer, physicist and a rocket specialist, astrophysicist, physician, tech reactor, system operator, mechanical engineer and materials engineers for the study of helium 3. The location of the base was chosen to be closer to the place where we consider Helium 3 exists. The base will be protected from external threats such as micrometeorites, radiation and depressurization as it will be below the lunar surface. However, as a precaution, we will install regolith walls.

Close to the Lunar Poles

Our mission will be based on the exploration of Helium 3. Thus, we chose this location as there are studies that indicate the presence of Helium 3 in the equator. Consequently, and according to the analysis of the rocks brought from the Moon by the Apollo mission, scientists estimate the Moon has 1 million tons of helium-3. The mining process would consist of heating the lunar soil to around 700º C. At this temperature, helium-3 escapes from the rocks and could then be collected. This will be the basis of our study.

The materials we would use would be the aluminium and regolith for their light weight and resistance. Our plans include the construction of the base by excavation robots and 3D printers. Beside that, they would build the structures designed to ensure our survival previous to our landing on the moon. The regolith would be used as a raw material for 3D printing.

Our Rovers would carry the ice to the ice tanks and the main source of water would be this. In addition, we could obtain water from the crew’s urine. The urine would be filtered to reduce toxic substances. We would also use hydrazine to produce water to be used for watering vegetables and cooking food consumed by the crew. The water would be used daily. To avoid wasting water, it should be reused and filtered in a similar way to that of the ISS. In addition, we would take some water from Earth.

The base would be able to provide food to 8 astronauts. However, those supplies would include food brought from Earth (for the first two months); we would also take fertilized fish eggs which would hatch until they arrive at the base. In addition, we would keep the fish in aquariums/swimming pool, so that astronauts would be able to have fresh and tasty proteins, without having to rely solely on pre-cooked meals. We would also bring potatoes, carrots and seeds to be grown on the moon surface, inside our greenhouse. However, we would also receive food supplies from Earth every two months to ensure proper feeding and nutrition.

The main source of energy for our Moon Camp would be the solar panels that would always face the sunlight using a sophisticated rotating sensor system that would detect sunlight like sunflowers do. As a way to guarantee enough energy to the proper working of our base, we would also place on the moon surface two nuclear fusion reactors that would produce about 20 KW of energy.

The main source of oxygen would be the water electrolysis. We would also bring some oxygen reserves from Earth as a precaution and we would use regolith as it releases 40% of oxygen when burned. We would install several devices and vacuum cleaners inside the base and rovers to filter the air as we know the moon dust might be dangerous if it enters the airways of astronauts.

On an usual day, the astronauts would wake up at 6:30, do their personal hygiene, some morning exercise and have breakfast to start working at 8 am. After the system general verifications, they would have tasks distribution according to their specific roles and skills within the mission. For instance, one would have to very the equipment, do some maintenance on the rovers so that they could be used later by the engineers; others would be responsible for collecting the vegetables in the greenhouse and make the general cleaning of the base once or twice a week.

Between 1 and 3 pm, the astronauts would stop for lunch and socialise as that would be paramount to their work and cooperation as a team. In the afternoon, the crew would make the general maintenance and cleaning of the machinery and system to ensure everything would be working properly despite the moon dust. The work schedule would finish by 6 pm and afterwards, the astronauts would be able to enjoy the gym, swiming pool or the launch room.

At 7:30 pm, they would have dinner and have some free time to relax or whach a movie at the moon cimena room and their bedtime would be their own responsibility, but never less than 9 hours of sleep as a way to guarantee proper rest.

The crew would keep regular contact with the control tower located on Earth in order to adjust procedures and strategies whenever necessary. Besides the usual routines, the astronauts would be submitted to frequent medical exams and would be in touch with their families three times per week, as well as, benefit from organised group activities.