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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 19   5 / 3 English
3D design software: Fusion 360



1.1 – Project Description

Our lunar camp project is based on the general background of the human migration plan, and carries out a comprehensive conception of the lunar life science research and other aspects, giving full consideration to the science, humanity and feasibility Our Moon Base Project is a scientific exploration program aimed at establishing the first permanent human lunar base. The project will include: housing construction, production facilities, research facilities, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, as well as basic infrastructure such as water, power, and communication, and will employ techniques such as excavation, mineral extraction, and base construction on the lunar surface.(99)

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 main purpose of establishing a lunar base is to achieve multiple objectives such as scientific research, commercial development, and tourism.

1.Scientific purposes include exploring the physical and chemical characteristics of the moon, understanding its origin and evolution process, and studying its impact on Earth and the solar system.

2.Commercial purposes include utilizing lunar resources such as helium-3, iron, titanium, etc. for mining, energy development, and construction material manufacturing. Establishing a lunar base can provide better infrastructure and support for commercial enterprises, promote the development and utilization of lunar resources, and bring more economic benefits to humanity.

3.Tourism purposes include providing richer tourism experiences and adventure opportunities for humans. Establishing a lunar base can provide safer and more convenient tourism services for tourists, allowing more people to experience the excitement of lunar exploration firsthand. At the same time, lunar tourism can also bring broader perspectives and deeper cultural understanding to humanity.(150)

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

Close to Lunar Base Station: First, the lunar camp should be built close to the lunar base station for easier supply of materials and technology, as well as to conveniently return to Earth.The location for building a lunar base is near the lunar South Pole, This area can provide constant sunlight, relatively stable temperatures, and presence of water. Additionally, there are many lunar craters in this area, which can serve as natural shelters and research destinations.

Avoiding Astronomical Hazards: Second, scientists need to consider the lunar terrain, geology, and continuous solar storms and other astronomical hazards to avoid geological disasters, radiation exposure, and other safety issues.

Close to Utilizable Natural Resources: The natural resources on the moon such as water, oxygen, hydrogen energy, and rare metals, need to be considered, and the camp should ideally be built in areas abundant in these resources.

Terrain and Environment: The barren surface of the moon requires special construction and engineering techniques, therefore, the lunar camp location should be in a flat terrain area, and far away from areas that could produce lunar dust.(137)

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.

Relatively complete and comfortable and safe building materials:

Safety equipment materials: radiation-proof materials, collision-proof materials, and explosion-proof materials, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment in the lunar environment.

Building insulation materials: multi-layer aluminum foil materials, foam materials, etc., used to maintain the temperature of the base.

Energy supply equipment materials: solar panels, batteries, etc., provide electricity.

Internal facilities materials: including air purifiers, bedding, and supplies, which need to be lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.

Cooking equipment materials: stainless steel materials used in high-temperature environments, as well as special materials that can withstand flames and high heat.

Communication equipment materials: materials that resist lunar electromagnetic interference, high-quality antennas, and shockproof shells.(112)

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

1、Build solar panels and batteries to provide a stable power supply for the lunar camp.

2、Construct insulation materials to maintain a stable indoor temperature. These materials can reduce heat loss and relieve the burden on astronauts in temperature control.

3、Build thicker roofs and partition walls to protect astronauts from radiation. These walls can also provide protection against minor meteorite impacts on the moon.

4、Establish a complete environment control system, including air filters and oxygen recycling systems. This will ensure that astronauts breathe clean air while reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.

5、Deploy digital and experimental equipment to monitor the environment and atmosphere, ensuring the safety and physical health of astronauts.(123)

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

Water: There are very few water resources on the moon, so a water recycling system is needed to recycle and treat the water used by astronauts so that it can be reused. At the same time, it is possible to extract water resources from the ice layer on the surface of the moon.

Food: It is impossible to grow crops on the moon, so indoor planting and cultivation techniques such as hydroponics, photosynthesis, and artificial fertilizers are needed to grow and produce food. In addition, it is also possible to transport food from Earth to the moon.

Air: There is no atmosphere on the moon, so an air circulation system is needed to convert the carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts into oxygen and filter harmful substances in the air.

Electricity: Solar energy and nuclear energy can be used to provide electricity on the moon. Solar panels can convert solar energy into electricity, while nuclear energy can provide a more stable power supply.(162)

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

A lunar base will need to have a comprehensive waste management system in place to handle the various types of waste that astronauts will produce. One option for managing human waste is to use a closed-loop system that recycles and purifies urine and feces for reuse as fertilizer, water, or fuel. This is already being tested on the International Space Station and could be adapted for use on the moon.

Food waste can be composted to produce soil for growing plants, which can also help to recycle carbon dioxide and produce oxygen for the base. Packaging materials can be recycled or reused where possible, or compacted and stored for later disposal.

Other types of waste, such as equipment or hazardous materials, will need to be safely stored and disposed of in a way that does not contaminate the lunar environment.(140)

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

1.communication Satellites: The lunar base will use communication satellites to communicate with Earth. These satellites can provide high-speed data transmission and real-time audio and video communication.

 

2.Radio: The lunar base can use radio to communicate with other lunar bases. This communication method can work without satellite support and can communicate between different locations on the lunar surface

3.Fiber Optics: The lunar base can use fiber optic networks to communicate with other bases and Earth. This communication method can provide high-speed data transmission and higher bandwidth.

4.Space Communication Network: The lunar base can use the space communication network to communicate with other bases and Earth. This network can provide global coverage, allowing the lunar base to stay connected with other bases and Earth anytime and anywhere.(125)

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.).

Geology: There are many geological features on the moon, such as craters, mountains, canyons, and volcanic craters. Studying these features can help us better understand the formation and evolution history of the moon, as well as the evolution history of terrestrial planets. In addition, we can also study the mineral resources on the moon to provide references for future mining.

Low-gravity environment: The gravity on the moon is only 1/6 of that on Earth, and this low-gravity environment has many effects on human body and physiology, such as osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Therefore, studying human adaptability and health issues in low-gravity environments can provide important references for future deep space exploration.

Biology: Conducting biological experiments on the moon can help us understand the adaptability and physiological changes of life in low-gravity environments. In addition, we can also study the possible existence of microorganisms and other organisms on the moon to understand the origin and evolution of life

Technology: Conducting various technology experiments on the moon, such as building moon bases, manufacturing spacecraft, and mining minerals, can provide technical support for future deep space exploration and space industry.

Robotics: Using robots on the moon for various tasks such as exploration, sampling, and base construction can reduce human risks and costs, and improve the efficiency and reliability of tasks.

Astronomy: Establishing telescopes and probes on the moon can observe various celestial bodies and phenomena in the universe, such as galaxies, black holes, and interstellar dust, in order to understand the evolution and structure of the universe.(254)

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

The astronaut training program usually includes the following:

Physics and mathematics knowledge: Astronauts need to master physics and mathematics knowledge in order to understand the basic principles and operation of the universe.
Engineering knowledge: Astronauts need to understand the design and engineering principles of spacecraft, including propulsion systems, navigation systems, communication systems, etc.
Life sciences: Astronauts need to understand the physiological and psychological reactions of the human body in microgravity environments, as well as how to cope with the long-term effects of space flight on the body and mind.
Simulator training: Astronauts need to undergo simulator training on the ground to simulate various situations and response methods that may be encountered during space missions.
Spacewalk training: Astronauts need to undergo spacewalk training to adapt to walking and working in space.
Teamwork and leadership: Astronauts need to learn teamwork and leadership to ensure the smooth completion of space missions.
Foreign language proficiency: Astronauts need to master at least one foreign language in order to communicate with international astronaut teams.(175)

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.

1.Future lunar missions will require a spacecraft that can travel on the lunar surface and conduct scientific research. This spacecraft needs to have enough tires and energy to travel and explore on the moon’s surface.

2.The transportation found at the lunar base could be a type of vehicle similar to a lunar rover that can travel on the moon’s surface and carry enough scientific equipment and supplies. This vehicle needs to be durable and adaptable to work in various environments on the lunar surface.

3.For round-trip travel to Earth, future lunar missions may use a spacecraft similar to a space capsule that can travel long distances in space and carry enough fuel and supplies. This spacecraft needs to be durable and adaptable to work in various environments in space.

4.When exploring new destinations on the lunar surface, future lunar missions may focus on finding water and mineral resources on the moon. These resources can be used for future space exploration and development plans, so finding these resources will be crucial in future lunar missions. Additionally, future lunar missions can also explore the geological and astronomical features on the moon to better understand the history and evolution of the moon and the solar system.(205)