2.1 – Where do you want to build your Moon Camp? Explain your choice.
We plan to build our lunar camp in the Antarctic Aitken Basin in the Mare Smythii. The Mare Smythii is located on the back of the moon. Its center is located at 87.7 degrees south latitude and 126.9 degrees west longitude. There are 11 middle scale Yuhai bottom rupture impact craters. There may be some deep depressions or cracks below them, so that water ice can be stored stably there. The selected area has high levels of FTA, OL, and CPX, which can be used to produce oxygen and extract metals such as iron and titanium to meet the potential long-term human living needs. From the perspective of maintaining the energy required for the operation of scientific research stations, this area has the strongest lunar surface light intensity and is one of the most ideal areas for obtaining solar energy during the day on the moon.
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.
For the construction of the base, we plan to build our lunar camp in three steps:
Step 1: We plan to simulate the assembly process on Earth first, and then send the living area module to the moon, using a robot to assemble the base. The materials used come from Earth, such as titanium, aluminum, silicic acid, etc
Step 2: Send the astronauts and subsequent modules to the moon, gradually improving the experimental area, planting area, etc. The planting area may be combined with the crater, which is conducive to the extraction of lunar ice.
Step 3: We plan to extract materials from the lunar soil weathering layer locally and use a large 3D printing device to construct a 1.6 meter thick radiation protection layer outside the necessary modules.
In addition, we plan to supply energy from the Earth belt (solar panels, generators, etc.), oxygen compressors and air purifiers, support structures (including buildings, pillars, connectors, brackets, and expansion hinges, etc.), water supply systems (advanced water purification and recovery equipment), Communication equipment (including communication satellites, communication equipment, computers, network connections, etc.) Life support systems (including life support systems, toilets, beds, catering, etc.), scientific research equipment (including astronomical equipment, laboratory equipment, etc.).
2.3 – How does your Moon Camp protect and provide shelter to your astronauts against the Moon’s harsh environment?
We mainly consider radiation, micro meteorites, and temperature issues regarding the dangers on the moon.
- For radiation issues: We use three modules: basic isolators, elastic cables, and Whipple shielding technology, as well as lunar soil special materials to prevent radiation hazards to astronauts. Then we will add a layer of water layer inside the wall, which can effectively absorb and disperse radiation. This can minimize the harm of radiation.
- For the issue of micro meteorites: We have a special outer layer material protection layer, and the walls are constructed with titanium, which can withstand small meteorites and high temperature fluctuations. In addition, we also use radar to detect (micro) meteorites in case a decision is made in advance.
- For the temperature problem: we use efficient thermal insulation materials such as graphite, glass fiber and aerogel to reduce the heat transfer of indoor and outdoor air, and avoid the impact of outdoor temperature fluctuations on indoor temperature. Utilize fans, air conditioning, and other devices to maintain the stability of the base temperature, and use energy systems such as solar panels to provide the necessary cold and heat sources internally.