Our project assumes the creation of a lunar base near the pole, allowing for permanent stay of the crew consisting of 4 to 6 people. The crew will conduct scientific research (astronomy, geology, biology) and jobs to enable the construction of a larger station in the future. The station has a modular, three-level structure. Under the surface of the Moon, we plan to place a residential module, a gymnasium, a research laboratory, a plant cultivation section (greenhouse), an energy module and water extraction module. On the surface there will be a small laboratory and an astronomical observatory, an entrance to the base, solar panels, a shed for lunar vehicles and a landing place. The levels will be connected by a freight elevator and a pipe with rungs to allow access to the surface in case of power failure.

Shackleton crater

The Shackleton Crater is located near the south pole of the moon. Its interior is still in the shade and according to research it contains water resources in the form of ice. We plan to place the base outside the shade, on the outskirts (continuous light from the Sun) so that light can be used to produce electricity. The temperature here is also better if compared to places closer to the equator (fluctuations: -50 to 0 degrees Celsius). This location will also allow constant communication with the Earth.

The water will come from two sources: from the recovery (as in space stations) and from the melting of ice from inside the crater. The water will be used to produce oxygen and fuel in the process of electrolysis, hence the need for constant replenishment.

The main source of food will be vegetable and fruit crops in the greenhouse. Part of the food, e.g. freeze-dried meat, will be supplied from Earth to supplement the missing ingredients. Chlorella breeding can also be established. This is algae, for which water and sunlight are sufficient to grow. Chlorella is rich in many nutrients needed for life. It is easy and simple to grow even on the moon.

Solar cells will be the main energy source. The south pole provides all-day exposure to light, so two sets of solar cells set at an angle of 180 degrees will ensure continuous electricity production. The energy will be stored in batteries and fuel cells in case of failure. Some of the energy will also be obtained in the gymnasium through dynamos connected to bicycles.

Oxygen in the air will come both from the electrolysis of water and from plants in the greenhouse. Each module will have an individual oxygen supply and carbon dioxide absorbers in case of failure.

At the beginning, we will send a vehicle to the Moon with robots that will prepare the ground, dig a hole for the underground part. For the construction of the Moon Camp we are going to use a dug-out regolith, from which we will make the main components of the base (walls, floors, ceilings). Then we will deliver materials that cannot be produced on the Moon for example: metals, plastic, as well as electronic parts. We will extract ice from the crater, from which we will get water, and from it oxygen and hydrogen as fuel. We will then send a crew to the base with food and seedlings to the greenhouse.

The main part of the base will be placed underground to protect the crew from radiation and micrometeorites. The entrance to the base will be secured by an airlock, which will isolate the base from the external environment (vacuum, temperature). However, some of the works will have to be performed outside and therefore there will be a changing room in front of the lock with a set of suits allowing the whole crew to work in space. Each module of the station is connected by a tight door to the adjacent modules and equipped with several suits, which will enable survival in case of damage.

7:00 a.m. Wake-up and breakfast.
9:00 a.m. The first hardware check. The astronaut first goes to the warehouse to get his suit. All faults must be repaired or replaced. Then he writes report and the state of wear.
10:30.a.m. Free time. The astronaut can go to the gym or relax. He can choose reading a book, watching satellite TV, listening to music or playing games. At the camp gym there is: a stationary bicycle, a treadmill, pull-up rods, dumbbells and lifting weights.
12:30 p.m. Work in the biological laboratory. Depending on the day, the astronaut can sow plants, pick fruits, and water the crops with recycled water. In the garden, small, not demanding, adapting to any weather, oxygen-efficient plants such as fern will be grown. After finishing scheduled work, he has time for himself.
1:15 p.m. Office work. In the laboratory astronaut examines lunar materials, which are kept in storage and sends the results to ESA headquarters.
2:30 p.m. Lunch.
3:00 p.m. Lunar walk. A group of several people set off to the surface of the moon for new samples for research. Astronauts create mines and boreholes, look for meteorites, explore the area.
7:00 p.m. The astronaut makes a second inspection of the equipment’s wear and tear, and then complies a report.
8:00 p.m. Return to the base. The astronaut takes off his suit, washes himself and eats dinner. Washing is done with a disinfectant and a small amount of water.
8:30. p.m. Time off.
10:00 p.m. Rest and sleep.