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.
郑州轻工业附属中学 河南省郑州市-金水区 China 19 4 / 2 English
3D design software: Fusion 360
With the deepening of human exploration of outer space and the development of space exploration technology, human cognition of the moon has been enhanced, and the construction of lunar camp has become a necessary means for human to further explore outer space. This will accumulate experience for human survival in outer space.
We divided the base module into five parts, which are the central energy supply area and the living area, plant area, vehicle area and medical area distributed around it.
In terms of energy, we designed a kind of solar panel with bionic flower structure and added electrolyte coating technology. On the one hand, the antistatic ability of electrolyte coating prevents lunar dust and static electricity from adhesion and damage; on the other hand, it can maximize the utilization of solar energy through rotatability.
The purpose of our moon camp is to live on the moon and explore deep space. Through the survival and development of astronauts on the moon, the accumulation of skills and experience for human survival on other planets in outer space, and the search for planets where human beings can migrate; At the same time, it can also explore and study the undiscovered scientific value of the moon, such as the analysis of the lunar surface material, and explore the evolution of the solar system, etc.
We decided to set up our lunar camp at Whipple Crater, near the moon’s North Pole at 89.1° N and 118.2° E. First, the Whipple Crater has a high radar reflection signature, which indicates relatively pure ice deposits at least 2 meters thick. These ice deposits are a source of drinking water, as well as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen rocket propellants. In addition, Whipple Crater abuts a large, quasi-permanent sunlit plateau that occupies its northern rim. There, the sun is visible on average 80 percent of the time. Temperatures in this quasi-permanent sunlit region are fairly mild by lunar standards, averaging about -50 ° C, ±10 ° C. This combination of permanent shadows, craters adjacent to a quasi-permanent sunlit plateau, is unique in the lunar Arctic region.
First, in the foundation phase, we will use lunar soil as the main building material. We will implement laser 3D printing of lunar soil through equipment such as a giant 3D printer transported from the Earth to the moon. That is, the lunar soil will be melted and resolidified by laser, solidified by chemical reactions, and mixed with cementing materials. Using 3D printing technology to build. It can meet the needs of the key components required for the lasting operation of the lunar base and is a key supporting technology for the operation and maintenance of the lunar base in the future. In addition, the glass material of the base will be made of the glass material after the fusion of the moon’s unique impact glass and silicate glass, with appropriate melting conditions and melting agents. The glass material can protect the base from cosmic radiation while ensuring high compression resistance. In addition, some special building materials or equipment will be transported from Earth, and when the base is stabilized, it will be replenished by in-situ production to achieve self-sufficiency of base materials, and then selectively expanded.
In addition to using the fusion glass of the lunar impact glass with silicate glass, the radiation resistance of the impact glass against space radiation, and covering other buildings with radiation shielding materials, we will also consider the most appropriate time for the mission.
The lunar soil used in our construction materials has a very good heat insulation, and the constant temperature system inside the base can protect the astronauts from the threat of temperature differences.
First, air filtration equipment will be set up in the base to effectively filter dust particles in the air. Second, personnel will be provided with special protective equipment such as clothes, masks and glasses to reduce their exposure to lunar dust.
A base in the polar regions would reduce the likelihood of meteorites falling, and radar and other equipment would be placed around lunar bases to detect and give early warning of incoming meteorites.
Water:Our base will take water ice as the main water source of the whole base and the water recycling system as the main framework. The Whipple Crater contains relatively pure ice deposits at least 2 meters thick, suggesting that the site’s recoverable water ice resources will be substantial. In addition, the base’s water recycling system will greatly improve the utilization of water resources.
Food:From the early stages, the astronauts will eat food brought from Earth until the first crops mature in the plant module of the base. We will grow a variety of plants in the plant module to keep the astronauts nutritionally balanced and physically and mentally healthy while on the moon.
Air:Firstly, oxygen obtained by electrolysis of water will be the main source of air required by the base. In addition, in addition to ensuring food supply, the plant chamber responsible for planting will also plant some plants suitable for the lunar environment, such as grasses and algae, etc., which can also be a main source of oxygen required by the base through the generation of oxygen and the consumption of carbon dioxide.
Power:We solve the energy problem of our lunar camp in two ways: one is through nuclear fusion at the nuclear power plant in the central energy supply area of our base, and the core material of nuclear fusion, helium III, is extremely abundant on the moon; The second is to generate solar power through bionic solar panels distributed around the base, which will also be a major source of energy for the base. These two approaches can fully meet the energy needs of the base.
Our Moon Camp will take multiple measures to deal with the waste produced by the astronauts on the Moon. Firstly, we will adopt a closed ecological system to process the organic waste of the astronauts through plants and microorganisms. Secondly, we will use advanced recycling technologies to recover water and other reusable materials. Lastly, we will send the waste that cannot be reused back to Earth or bury it on the lunar surface. We will establish a dedicated waste management team responsible for supervising and managing the waste processing process and ensuring that waste disposal meets environmental standards. Through these measures, we will minimize the impact on the lunar environment and ensure that our Moon Camp remains clean and sustainable.
To maintain communication with Earth and other Moon bases, my Moon Camp will use a variety of communication technologies. We will establish a communication network that includes satellite relays, high-frequency radio, and laser communication. We will also use rovers to deploy communication equipment and set up communication hubs at strategic locations. Additionally, we will have a team of communication specialists who will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting the communication systems. By using a combination of advanced technologies and skilled personnel, we will ensure that our Moon Camp remains connected to Earth and other Moon bases at all times.
In my lunar camp, the theme of life science will be the focus of our research, that is, studying the changes of organisms, air, water and other materials in extreme environments, deepening our understanding of living systems, and exploring whether it is possible to survive and reproduce on the moon. Here are some of the experiments I plan to conduct on the moon:
Explore the Moon and its environment: Explore the origin, evolution and future development trend of the moon through the study of its geology, geomorphology and atmosphere.
Energy and materials development: Using the moon’s natural resources, including water ice and helium-3, to conduct experiments in energy development and base building.
Life science research: To study the adaptability and response mechanism of microorganisms, plants and animals in the lunar environment, providing support for deep space exploration and life science research.
Space technology research: to improve the level and capability of space technology and engineering by conducting various experiments on the lunar surface or in orbit, such as testing the performance of new spacecraft and equipment, exploring the solar system and the universe, etc.
Physical Fitness Training: Astronauts need to be in good physical shape to handle the rigors of their mission. This would include strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and flexibility training.
Weightlessness Training: Astronauts will experience weightlessness during their mission, and so they need to be prepared for this sensation. They would undergo simulation training in a zero-gravity environment.
Simulation Training: Astronauts need to master the skills required to operate the spacecraft and lunar module. Simulation training will help them to learn how to work effectively in a low-gravity environment.
MissionSpecific Training: The astronauts will also receive training that is specific to the lunar mission. This would include learning about the lunar surface, geological features, and conducting experiments.
Psychological Training: The isolation and confinement of space travel can take a toll on an astronaut's mental health. Astronauts will receive psychological training to help them cope with these challenges.
As a participant in the Moon Base competition, I believe that future lunar missions require a spacecraft that can safely and reliably transport personnel and cargo to the Moon and explore the lunar surface. This spacecraft needs to have the following characteristics:
High automation and intelligence: The spacecraft needs to have high automation and intelligence capabilities to enable autonomous exploration and operation on the lunar surface.
At the Moon Base, I invented a vehicle called the “Lunar Rover.” The Lunar Rover consists of multiple wheels and can travel on the lunar surface. It is equipped with highly automated and intelligent systems to enable autonomous exploration and operation on the lunar surface.
When exploring the lunar surface, we can search for new destinations, such as craters, mountains, valleys, etc., and explore and collect samples. We can also build bases and conduct scientific experiments to better understand the characteristics and environment of the Moon.
