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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.

Infinite Space

郑州轻工业大学附属中学  河南省郑州市-金水区    China 17, 18, 19   5 / 1 English
3D design software: Fusion 360



1.1 – Project Description

“Infinity Space” is a camp with infinity symbols as design elements, indicating that “Infinity Space” has infinite possibilities, and its buildings and structures will withstand the test of time and risk. Its main purpose is scientific research, to study the surface of the moon Geological, chemical and physical characteristics. Infinite Space includes scientific research area, living area and supply area. At the same time, we use the characteristics of infinite symbols to realize automatic docking with shuttle docking technology. The docking accuracy is high and the operation is simple. It is suitable for astronauts to connect camps on the moon. . At the same time, as an outpost, Infinite Space will prepare for the more ambitious missions of mankind in the future.

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).

We set up the lunar camp mainly for scientific research, as an outpost with laboratories, as well as a training ground and staging area for humans to explore, through camp life, their ability to adapt on an alien body with no atmosphere and extreme temperature changes, as well as to study the mineral resources on the Moon, helium-3, water ice, etc., in preparation for more ambitious human missions in the future!

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

We decided to build Infinite Space in Rex Scarborough Crater. First, the camp is located on the front of the moon, close to the earth, and the communication of the base can be more reliable and stable, which is very important for daily operations, scientific research and safety management. Second, the terrain of the camp is relatively flat, and there are abundant metal resources such as iron, magnesium, and aluminum nearby, which are suitable for building and maintaining base facilities, and can also support other aspects of lunar mining and construction. Third, the camp is close to the equator of the moon, relying on its 80%~90% light cycle to maintain the normal operation of the base. So set up a lunar camp here.

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.

In terms of the appearance of the base, we built Infinite Space with the infinite symbol as the design element. Its unique appearance makes it have excellent expandability and structural stability, and ensures its good space utilization and environmental protection. 3D printers are used in construction to manufacture the structure and shell of the infinite symbol base, and the metal resources such as iron, magnesium, and aluminum near the Rex Scarborough crater are used to make alloys to make the outer metal layer, the moon Vehicles, equipment and building structures, etc., while using polystyrene foam (EPS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lamp insulation materials brought from the earth to keep the temperature inside the camp stable, and shielding materials for isolating radiation , In addition, by processing and extracting moon dust and glass fiber to make optical fiber, it is used for the transmission of data and energy throughout the base.

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

Astronauts on the moon need to face environmental hazards such as low-gravity environment, high temperature changes, solar radiation, and space debris.

Facing the low-gravity environment: The camp has a space gym. Maintaining fitness every day can effectively prevent the physical effects of osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular dysfunction caused by the low-gravity environment.

Facing extreme temperature, radiation protection and space vacuum: Infinite Space is a well-sealed moon shadow camp space station, which protects astronauts and equipment from the impact of external vacuum, and at the same time uses polystyrene foam (EPS) and polytetrafluoroethylene brought from the earth. Polyethylene fluoride (PTFE) lamp insulation materials are used to keep the temperature inside the camp stable, and shielding materials are used to isolate radiation. At the same time, we have set up intelligent control systems and health monitoring and medical equipment to monitor the ambient temperature and detect the health of astronauts in real time.

Facing space debris: choosing the Rex Scarborough crater to build a base reduces the probability of meteorites falling. At the same time, the radar of the base will continuously detect the situation above the base so that the astronauts can take emergency measures.

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

Water: Infinite Space built a water supply chamber and a water resource catcher. The water supply room processes the obtained water and ice resources into water through pyrolysis, evaporation and cooling methods, and uses water circulation equipment to connect each cabin to collect urine, sweat, etc., so as to achieve water circulation.

Food: Build a lunar micro-ecology in Infinite Space: Potato seeds, Arabidopsis seeds, silkworm eggs, soil, air, water, etc. will be placed in the lunar micro-ecology, and the appropriate temperature and humidity in the ecosphere will be ensured. The natural light on the surface of the moon is introduced through the light guide to create a plant growth environment. Light promotes plant growth to supply silkworm food and oxygen, silkworm growth provides carbon dioxide needed for plant growth, and silkworm dung is also a good fertilizer, thus forming a good ecological circle to obtain food.

Electricity: Infinite Space has a photovoltaic power generation system and a nuclear energy system. Photovoltaic power generation equipment uses solar panels to convert solar energy into electrical energy and directly uses solar energy for heating to obtain electricity during the moon and day; the nuclear energy supply room uses nuclear reactors and radioactive isotopes to generate nuclear energy to generate a large amount of energy in a small space for the entire The base is running. At the same time, we have safety detection devices to prevent radiation leakage.

Air (air): Infinite Space has an oxygen-generating room. By processing ilmenite and ferrous oxide in the lunar soil, these materials are heated to 1600 degrees Celsius to 2500 degrees Celsius, and then electrified, and various elements in the lunar soil It will be ionized, including itching ions, and the ionized oxygen ions will combine with each other by themselves to form oxygen.

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

Disposing of the waste generated by astronauts on the moon is a key issue, because these wastes not only have an impact on the environment, but may also pose a threat to the health and safety of astronauts. Garbage and waste are recycled for plant growth or other industrial uses, and waste that cannot be recycled can be compressed and stored to reduce its volume. Infinite Space to minimize the impact of waste on the environment and astronauts, and to provide a healthier and safer environment for lunar camps.

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

Infinite Space uses space communication with the earth, using technologies such as laser communication or microwave communication, to establish a space communication link between the moon and the earth. This communication method has the advantages of high speed, high bandwidth, and low latency, and can meet the needs of real-time communication and large data transmission;

Infinite Space uses fiber-optic communication with other moon camps: a technology that uses optical fibers to transmit data. Infinite Space builds a fiber optic communication network through the general control room to connect different lunar camps. Optical fiber communication has the advantages of high speed, high bandwidth, and low latency, and can also meet the needs of real-time communication and large data transmission.

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.).

The science theme of Infinite Space focuses on engineering technology and biology, because the environment on the moon is completely different from that on the earth, such as low gravity, high temperature difference, strong radiation, etc., it is necessary to develop engineering technologies that adapt to the lunar environment, such as energy technology, construction technology, transportation Transportation technology, etc., in order to provide technical support for humans to conduct scientific research and establish bases on the moon. . At the same time, in the future plans for human beings to establish bases on the moon, conduct deep space exploration and settle down, long-term survival on the moon is essential. Biological research can provide a basis for solving basic survival problems such as food, oxygen and water on the moon. solutions, and provide a reference for the future establishment of ecosystems on other planets.

Biological experiment:

(1) Planting experiments: plant plants on the surface of the moon, study the adaptability of plants in environments such as low gravity and high radiation, and explore the feasibility of food production on the moon.

(2) Animal experiments: study the adaptability of small animals on the moon, explore the feasibility of raising animals on the moon, and provide reference for the establishment of an ecosystem in the future.

(3) Microbial experiments: study the survival and reproduction of microorganisms in low-gravity, high-radiation and other environments, and explore the feasibility of researching and utilizing microorganisms on the moon.

Engineering Technology Experiment:

(1) Energy technology experiment: study the application of solar energy and nuclear energy on the moon, and explore the feasibility of realizing self-sufficient energy on the moon.

(2) Construction technology experiment: study the feasibility of lunar construction materials, and explore the feasibility of building human habitation and scientific research bases on the surface of the moon.

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

To help astronauts prepare for missions to the moon, I would include the following in an astronaut training plan:

(1) Space adaptation training: Astronauts need to adapt to living in a weightless environment for a long time, as well as adapt to space radiation and other environmental factors. Therefore, they need to undergo space adaptation training, including weightlessness training in space simulators, radiation protection training, etc.

(2) Physical and physiological training: Astronauts need to have good physical and psychological qualities in order to be able to withstand the high pressure and high risks in the space environment. Therefore, they need physical training, mental training and reaction training.

(3) Mission training: Astronauts need to master the operation skills of the equipment in the space capsule, including space suits, oxygen supply systems, storage and use of food and water, etc. In addition, they also need to conduct mission simulation training, such as the take-off and landing of spacecraft, and walking on the surface of the moon.

(4) Teamwork training: Astronauts need teamwork in space missions, so they need teamwork training, including team building, communication, and conflict resolution.

(5) Space science knowledge training: Astronauts need to understand the space environment and planetary science knowledge, including the geological, chemical and physical characteristics of the moon.

(6) Emergency Response Training: Astronauts need to respond quickly and take action in emergency situations, so they need to conduct emergency response training, such as troubleshooting, fire, sudden illness, etc.

Through these trainings, astronauts can be prepared to face the various challenges and risks of the mission to the moon and ensure the safety and success of the mission.

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.

For future moon missions, a strong and reliable spacecraft is required to support long-term living and working on the lunar surface, as well as rapid evacuation if necessary. A vehicle capable of navigating the rugged terrain of the moon, such as a lunar rover or robotic explorer, is necessary at the moon base to transport astronauts to different exploration sites.

For travel to and from Earth, a spacecraft with sufficient fuel and power to ensure the safety and comfort of astronauts is necessary. When exploring new destinations on the moon’s surface, a combination of robotic explorers and astronaut collaboration can increase efficiency and reduce risk.

Safety must be a top priority, with necessary technical support and rescue measures in place to ensure the success and safety of the mission.