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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.

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郑州轻工业大学附属中学  河南省郑州市-金水区    China 17, 18, 19   4 / 1 English
3D design software: Fusion 360



1.1 – Project Description

Our base can provide astronauts with a more comfortable place to live on the Moon, at the same time, it can also provide astronauts with protection, better carry out astronomical observation, sample collection and other scientific activities, and develop the space industry, the exploitation of various mineral resources on the moon can also serve as the first station for human exploration of outer space.

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).

Our lunar camp is mainly used for scientific research. We plan to study the physical properties and related chemical composition of the moon at the south pole of the moon, and try to solve some important problems on earth by exploring these extreme environments that are not found on Earth. The unique mineral deposits and energy resources on the moon are also important supplements and reserves to the earth’s resources. It is particularly worth mentioning that the lunar soil contains helium-3, which is a clean, efficient, safe and cheap new nuclear fusion fuel that can be used for a long time in the future, and has broad development prospects. In addition, the study of the Moon, which has remained in its original state, helps to understand the evolutionary history of the Earth; The lunar surface is a vacuum world, there is no atmosphere, and the establishment of an observatory on the lunar surface can greatly improve astronomical observation capabilities; The high vacuum on the lunar surface, direct exposure to solar radiation, and no global dipole magnetic field, is an ideal place for space physical chemistry experiments and life science experiments.

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

We intend to establish a lunar camp at the south pole of the moon. There is a permanent shadow region at the south pole of the moon, which may contain abundant reserves of water or water ice, which is a key resource for the construction of future lunar research stations. In particular, the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the Moon is not only the largest and oldest basin on the Moon. It spews deep lunar material that is not available in other regions. The study of different areas of the basin will greatly advance our understanding of the internal structure and evolution of the Moon. Previous lunar missions generally worked less than 14 days continuously, but at the south pole of the moon, it is very different. Due to the unique geographical location, the detector can achieve more than 90% of the illumination time through a small range of movement, and the continuous illumination for a very long time provides very favorable conditions for long-term scientific exploration.

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.

The main material of our lunar camp is metal fiber radiation protection material, which will be launched and transported by launch vehicles, and after reaching the moon, it will be covered with a layer of lunar soil radiation protection on the surface of the base. We will first build a testing base on Earth through simulation and micro-bases, so as to test the protection of camp materials against radiation and the feasibility of base construction. Then the theme materials of the camp are sent to the moon by cargo rockets, and then the astronauts and life and research supplies are sent to the camp, and the astronauts can build the camp under the auxiliary command of Earth professionals.

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

  1. Establish a space-earth integrated medical diagnosis and treatment system for astronauts. That is, to formulate long-term flight disease spectrum, establish an orbital diagnosis and treatment capability model, and configure medical monitoring and diagnosis and treatment equipment and drugs. Before the flight, medical isolation and release examinations are carried out; During the flight, the medical supervision mode combining regular and on-demand is adopted, and the on-orbit health evaluation and maintenance technology is established, and medical technologies such as the combination of drugs and non-drugs and characteristic Chinese medicine are applied to ensure the health of astronauts.
  2. Observe, predict and resist the impact of alien stars
  3. Perfect personal emergency evacuation equipment. In the event of an emergency, astronauts can safely slide from an altitude of 52.2 meters through the escape slide to the underground equipment room under the tower within 1 minute, and then run to a nearby safety bunker.

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

On the surface of the moon, there are oxygen-rich minerals, and in the shadow of the moon, there are abundant solid water resources, which can provide sufficient resources for astronauts. The construction of the lunar base is to live in the cabin through the recovery system and water purification system equipped in the cabin to complete the water cycle. Through water purification technology, people’s sweat, urine and other wastewater can be filtered to drinkable level. In addition, most of the food in the cabin is achieved by hydroponics and substrate culture. Promote the healthy growth of plants through the supply of various nutrients.

Food “freeze-dried”

“Lyophilization” means vacuum freeze-drying. The advantage of freeze-dried food is that it can effectively retain its own freshness and nutrients. Lyophilization technology has the characteristics of high nutrition, palatability, high rehydration, ultra-long freshness preservation and convenient use.

Functional foods

It can fully supplement the various nutrients needed by the astronaut’s body. This type of food has more natural antioxidant content, such as proanthocyanidins, Ω-3 fatty acids, plant dietary fiber, etc. Radiation damage can be prevented or improved.

The power system of the lunar camp is mainly composed of solar cell wings and energy storage batteries, which can convert solar energy into electricity . The power system adopts the form of “solar power generation plus power storage”, which is efficient and clean. The core module is equipped with a set of solar cell wings with a power generation capacity of 18,000 watts, The battery adopts ceramic separator, which has good performance to prevent internal short circuit; At the same time, flame-retardant materials are used in the battery pack to prevent combustion caused by high temperatures, which is very safe.

Oxygen is a necessity for human survival, and the lunar base must complete the production and circulation of oxygen on the moon.

The regolith of the moon, there are many rocks and minerals on the lunar surface, silica, alumina, iron oxide, magnesium oxide are the main components of lunar minerals. Electrolysis of minerals in the lunar regolith can produce more oxygen.

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

Household waste and feces will be vacuum-sealed, dehydrated and stored. When cargo spacecraft provide materials for the space station, this household waste will be loaded into the empty cargo spacecraft, which will then separate from the space station, slow down and then enter the atmosphere, where the high heat generated by air heating will burn it. Solid manure residues are treated biologically or chemically for use as fertilizer or directly to landfill. Take astronauts’ urine, sweat, and other excrement, which are actually sources of water. Urine alone contains 96% water. After multiple layers of purification of this wastewater from the human body, purified water can be obtained, and substances other than water are collected and packaged. As for astronaut feces, which are basically food scraps, there is currently no recycling value, and after collecting the feces, it is dehydrated and dried, then compressed and packaged in a sealed bag to save storage space.

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

To complete the space-ground call, the space station, the Skylink relay satellite and the ground station need to participate together.

In the core cabin of the camp, more than 10 wired and wireless network cameras, wired and Bluetooth headsets, mobile phones, PADS, and laptops can be used as network terminals. These terminals connect the collected image and voice data to the in-cabin Ethernet switch via wired or wireless Wi-Fi, and transmit it to the ground through the trunk link through the high-speed communication processor. Just as on the ground, we have to make calls and text messages through a mobile phone antenna, and most of the contact between the space station and the ground is completed by the relay antenna on the core module.

With a relay antenna, it is like handing over a “mobile phone” to the space station, and can get in touch with the ground in real time.

In fact, there are two sets of networks in the cabin, one is the communication network and the other is the load network, the two sets of networks are physically together and logically separate, and the data is uniformly collected to the relay antenna terminal on the cabin, transmitted to the ground through the relay satellite, and can be contacted in real time with other camps.

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 will focus on scientific topics in biology, geology and astronomy.

We study the changes in astronauts’ physical condition in space and make medical adjustments that are appropriate for astronauts’ physical changes. At the same time, it will also conduct research on cells, and the growth and changes of light on plants and cells in space. and studying the benefits of exercising in a plantation room for astronauts. At the same time, more in-depth investigation and research will be carried out on the soil geography of the moon. The lunar surface is a vacuum world, there is no atmosphere, and the establishment of an observatory on the lunar surface can greatly improve astronomical observation capabilities; The high vacuum on the lunar surface, direct exposure to solar radiation, and no global dipole magnetic field, is an ideal place for space physical chemistry experiments and life science experiments.

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

Basic theoretical training. For example, atmosphere, astronomy, geophysics, space dynamics, communications, computers, etc., improving the basic knowledge of these majors can lay a solid foundation for the future. Of course, it also includes self-rescue training for astronauts.
Physical training. Spacecraft and spacecraft are special environmental factors, and astronauts must train to improve their tolerance. The training content is common such as long-distance running, climbing, and swivel chairs.
Overweight endurance training. When a rocket takes off, it usually has great acceleration. Simulating such training can keep the astronaut’s mind clear, so that he can adapt to and complete the mission.
Weightless training. During orbital flight, spacecraft are often in a microgravity environment, in which astronauts often experience dizziness, which affects operations. Therefore, weightless yellow essence must be simulated to allow astronauts to eliminate the fear of weightlessness.
Reaction training in extreme environments. In some possible dangers on the moon at any time, even very extreme situations, astronauts need to remain calm, quickly analyze the situation and make correct judgments. This requires honing tenacious will and establishing strong beliefs in life in daily life.

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.

The Lunar Orbit Survey Vehicle is primarily to image and map the Moon for scientific research and to prepare humans for the round trip between the Moon and Earth. The lunar exploration robot “Polar Exploration Rover” will conduct scientific surveys of lunar volatiles at the south pole of the moon, and the data generated will provide information for future lunar in situ resource utilization technologies. On the lunar surface, we will demonstrate precise landings, gain experience and continuously improve accuracy to enhance the landing capabilities of humans and robots in the future. It will also be used to transport other large cargo, directly supporting manned lunar missions.

The lander and rover provide an excellent platform to demonstrate technologies that will enable more powerful lunar mission capabilities and can be applied to missions to Mars beyond the Moon. Examples include ground-based robotic mining systems and next-generation power reserves. Multiple landers will provide a global view of the moon and its resources. Rovers will be used to explore the surface more broadly, carrying instruments to conduct experiments and obtaining detailed information on the availability and extraction capacity of available resources, such as oxygen and water.