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Moon Camp Pioneers 2022 – 2023 Project Gallery

 

In Moon Camp Pioneers, each team’s mission is to 3D design a complete Moon Camp using the software of their choice. They also have to explain how they will use local resources, protect astronauts from the dangers of space and describe the living and working facilities in their Moon Camp.

Bright Selene

郑州轻工业大学附属中学  河南省郑州市-金水区    China 19, 18   4 / 2 English
3D design software: Fusion 360



1.1 – Project Description

Lunar Camp—an area where humans live, work, and research on the moon. The construction of the lunar camp lays the foundation for astronauts to carry out scientific research activities such as long-term residence and experiments on the lunar surface; The purpose is to deepen human understanding of the moon, acquire a large number of resources, and carry out research on plant cultivation.  The lunar camp plans to build the lunar camp in two steps, the first step takes 20 years to build the lunar outpost, and the second step takes about 10 years to upgrade the outpost to become a permanently inhabited lunar camp. Even in the future, the lunar camp will become a supply base for human exploration of the solar system.

1.2 – Why do you want to build a Moon Camp? Explain the main purpose of your Moon Camp (for example scientific, commercial and/or touristic purposes).

The lunar camp is a springboard for human beings to go deep into space. The lunar base will become a training camp for human beings to go to deep space. If human beings want to be familiar with the alien environment, they must first understand the lunar environment. It is mainly used for scientific research. As a test station for the exploitation and utilisation of lunar resources, it uses the moon’s own air environment characteristics to carry out environmental tests and experimental production of specific products. , such as special materials and drugs. It is much easier to launch a rocket from the moon than the earth. Relying on the high-efficiency resources of the moon, it can explore more distant spaces.

2.1 – Where do you want to build your Moon Camp? Explain your choice.

Shackleton region at the south pole of the moon (0.0° east longitude, 89.9° south latitude). Because it is likely to be rich in water, and there is a permanent sunshine area, which is conducive to the solar power generation system. The temperature difference is small and suitable for living. It can be used as an address for setting up a large infrared telescope in the future. The low-temperature environment at the bottom of the crater is ideal for infrared observation. Standing on the 5-kilometre-high Malabote Mountain, a permanently clearly visible peak on the earth, can act as a radio relay station for communication with the earth if appropriate equipment is installed.

2.2 – How do you plan to build your Moon Camp? Consider how you can utilise the Moon’s natural resources, and which materials you would need to bring from Earth. Describe the techniques, materials and your design choices.

3D printing technology and new material manufacturing technology. The regolith on the lunar surface has a similar chemical composition to fly ash and can be used as a building material to build lunar camps. In addition, iron, manganese, aluminum, magnesium and other metal minerals on the lunar surface can be extracted and smelted, and 3D printed into a habitable space house.

Lunar robotic operation technology. Lunar robots include lunar patrol probes and lunar work robots. Lunar robots need to have self-maintenance and repair capabilities, and lunar patrol detectors and working robots can maintain and repair each other to ensure the reliability of the working process.

Comprehensive utilization technology of waste resources from lunar bases. After the Earth-Moon vehicle completes the lunar landing, its flight platform mission is completed. Abandoned vehicles can consider unloading various stand-alone aircraft as spare parts for lunar bases, such as batteries and reserve materials for lunar energy stations, gas cylinders can be used as storage tanks for lunar surface gas media, and fuel storage tanks can be used as oxygen storage tanks for lunar oxygen production after cleaning.

2.3 – How does your Moon Camp protect and provide shelter to your astronauts against the Moon’s harsh environment?

At the same time, phase change heat storage material is used as the middle layer to reduce heat loss. The base is equipped with devices to detect meteorites and moonquakes, which can be timely informed and escaped in the face of large meteorites falling and moonquakes.

3.1 – How will your Moon Camp provide astronauts with sustainable access to basic needs like water, food, air and power?

Water(水):1. There is lunar ice in the polar regions, which can be collected and concentrated. Then, using focusing and reflecting devices, solar energy can be used to melt the lunar ice, which can then be collected and purified to extract water resources.2.The transpiration of plants and filtration facilities can be used to recycle wastewater produced.

Food(食物): Establish a closed-loop life support system in the lunar base, with supporting plant cultivation bases for growing crops such as lettuce, peppers, beans, and wheat that have been cultivated. These crops can provide the main source of food for the base personnel, and at the same time, taking care of the plants can help astronauts maintain their mental stability.

Power(能源):To adapt to the lunar environment and provide long-term and stable energy for lunar camps, we used two ways: solar power and fuel cells. The sun on the moon radiates about 1.5 times as much light as the earth. Sufficient sunlight, mainly in the moonlight solar power stations. Fuel cells are the main power source at night.

Air(空气):Considering that an average person consumes around 0.7 kg of oxygen per day, it is important to consider the utilization of plant photosynthesis to recycle oxygen as the primary source of cost-effective oxygen. Additionally, the lunar soil contains abundant titanium and iron ores that are easy to collect. The reduction of these ores using hydrogen gas can be achieved through microwave heating, which results in the production of water. Electrolysis of water will then yield hydrogen and oxygen gases, while the extracted metals can also be used for construction purposes.

3.2 – How will your Moon Camp deal with the waste produced by the astronauts on the Moon?

Lunar camps may employ a variety of methods to dispose of waste generated by astronauts on the moon, including:

Recycling: By recycling resources such as wastewater, waste gas, and waste solids, the amount of waste generated can be minimized and the dependence on the earth can be reduced to some extent.

Storage and burial: Trash and other wastes that cannot be recycled can be stored or safely buried on the surface or deep on the lunar surface.

Recycling: Establish a closed recycling system within the camp that converts the waste generated into useful resources, such as converting human waste and plant waste into fertilizer for use on farms at the lunar base.

Overall, the camp needs to minimize the amount of waste generated and find appropriate disposal options through scientific and reasonable methods to ensure the continued existence and development of the lunar base.

3.3 – How will your Moon Camp maintain communications with Earth and other Moon bases?

The Moon Camp is equipped with a macro base station for transmitting and receiving information to the Earth and the Moon, and the information received by the satellite is then sent to the Earth, thus enabling communication between the Earth and the Moon Camp. Telemetry and telecontrol communications use VHF to communicate with satellites, and data modulation uses FSK. The communication between lunar campsites is realized by wireless access network composed of base station signals for those close to each other, and by satellite signal relay for those far away.

4.1 – What scientific topic(s) would be the focus of the research in your Moon Camp? Explain which experiments you plan to do on the Moon (for example in the topics of geology, low gravity environment, biology, technology, robotics, astronomy etc.).

We mainly study geology and biology. The moon has many unique landscapes and landforms, so we can use them for scientific research, such as geological structure, chemical composition, mineral structure, physical properties and so on. Study of lunar matter: The composition of lunar matter is different from that of the earth, so the lunar matter can be analyzed and studied in detail to understand its composition and properties. The laboratory is also equipped with a range of soil testing equipment, in addition to the unique physical characteristics of the moon, such as solar radiation on the moon surface temperature and structure. The environment on the surface of the moon affects life differently from the Earth, so life science experiments can be conducted to study adaptability and the viability of life in heterogeneous environments.

The site has a special plant culture area to study the growth of plants, to study the growth environment test. At the same time, we also have astronomical telescopes, which are convenient for astronauts to observe space. Space exploration and environmental testing on the lunar surface, as well as experimental production of specific products, such as special materials and medicines, can also be carried out by taking advantage of the moon’s own space environmental characteristics (the moon itself has natural space conditions such as high vacuum, no atmospheric shielding and low gravity).

5.1 – What would you include in your astronaut training programme, to help prepare the astronauts for a Moon mission?

Physical training

Astronauts need physical exercise in the natural gravity environment to maintain physical health and prevent osteoporosis. In addition, they require special physical training in microgravity conditions to maintain balance and coordination. These trainings can also help them adapt to walking on the moon and performing other tasks.

Technical training

In addition to daily mechanical, electronic equipment maintenance and other skills, astronauts also need to master the operation skills of spacecraft and lunar rovers and various emergency handling methods, such as oxygen pressure drops, equipment failures, etc.

Topography learning

In order to better adapt to the lunar mission, astronauts need to understand the basics of lunar surface geomorphology and topography, and learn to use navigation tools as well as the sense of direction and control of vehicles on the lunar surface.

Knowledge of space medicine

Astronauts also need to learn about space medicine to understand the impact of space travel on human health. They need to understand how to deal with various accidents in space and learn basic emergency medical procedures.

5.Teamwork training

In an astronaut training program, astronauts learn how to work together in teams and handle situations appropriately.

Such training programs should be accompanied by ensuring the safety and health of astronauts and meeting their own needs and demands as much as possible.

5.2 – What space vehicles will your future Moon mission need? Describe the vehicles found in your Moon camp and consider how you will travel to and from Earth, and explore new destinations on the Moon’s surface.

Spacecraft: We will need a spacecraft capable of landing and taking off from the lunar surface and to and from Earth. It should also have the equipment and supplies necessary for long-term missions.

Transport on the lunar surface: We can use rovers or other vehicles designed to operate in lunar environments. These vehicles should be able to withstand the harsh conditions on the moon and have the ability to travel long distances.

Explore new destinations on the moon’s surface: We can use remotely controlled unmanned vehicles. These vehicles can be equipped with cameras and other sensors to collect data and images of the lunar terrain.

To and from Earth: We can use spacecraft capable of carrying crew and cargo. The spacecraft should have the necessary life support systems and be able to withstand the rigors of space travel.