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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.

CX330

郑州轻工业大学附属中学河南省郑州市-金水区 China 19, 18 6 / 3 English
3D design software: Fusion 360

External Viewer for 3D Project

1.1 – Project Description

The vast universe has always been a place we want to explore, and we plan to build a base on the moon for scientific research, to explore the main components of the lunar soil, as well as some of the energy resources available on the moon. At the same time, to verify the feasibility of energy access in the scientific research process.
Our base has two floors, the first floor is the scientific research area: there is a large laboratory and medical module; The second floor is the living area: a basic kitchen and bedroom. Astronauts have to live in a microgravity environment, so having a strong body is essential, we set up a gym for them to exercise, and there are also leisure and recreation pods for the astronauts to relieve the pressure of work.

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 our lunar camp is scientific research. Since ancient times, humans have placed so many dreams on the moon. We’re not just dreaming about exploring the moon now. The moon is rich in energy that we can use. The unique mineral resources and energy on the moon are also important supplements and reserves for the Earth’s resources. The astronauts will explore the availability of these energy sources and improve the lunar camp, which will lay a solid foundation for future “tourism” and “commercial” activities.

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

We want to put the base at the top of the hill between the Sverdrup crater and Shackleton Crater. Here are four reasons:

The polar regions of the moon spend about 70 to 80 percent of their time in sunlight, providing good conditions for a solar power base
Small temperature difference, suitable for survial
There is plenty of ice, which also solves the water proble
The Aitken Basin has a large amount of recoverable resources

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.

Our shell uses titanium magnesium aluminum three kinds of metal alloy, hard corrosion resistant, can resist a certain risk of meteorites.
Our base shell glass with anti-radiation glass, to prevent the strong radiation in space.
The walls of our base are made of lunar soil, which can be used locally and has some insulation, so that the astronauts can live in a constant temperature and comfortable environment.
Technology:
Using 3D printing technology, we will automatically produce building materials from lunar soil, rocks and other resources, thus saving the cost of transporting materials from the Earth to the moon.
We also use holographic projection to show some technological achievements.
What materials to bring:
Food: Astronauts need enough food to maintain their physical health and mental state.
Communication and navigation equipment: Astronauts need to stay in contact with Earth and other astronauts, and need accurate navigation equipment to find their destination.
Tools and equipment: Astronauts need tools and equipment to complete missions and repair equipment.
Personal Protective equipment: Astronauts need proper personal protective equipment to protect themselves from the lunar environment.

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

In terms of science and technology, we use radar monitoring to predict the arrival of natural disasters such as meteorites, so as to make preparations in advance. We also have moss robots that monitor the base throughout the day, alerting the crew to imminent danger.
Our shell uses titanium magnesium aluminum three kinds of metal alloy, hard corrosion resistance, can resist a certain risk of meteorites.
The shell glass of our base adopts anti-radiation glass to prevent the strong radiation in space.
The walls of our base are made of lunar soil, which can be used locally and has some insulation, so that the astronauts can live in a constant temperature and comfortable environment.

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

Water：In August 2018, NASA confirmed the presence of water ice in the surface layers of the moon’s poles, which could have a total mass of more than 600 million tons. On October 26, 2020, NASA confirmed that water also exists in parts of the moon that are illuminated by sunlight, so it could initially be used. Lunar ice is collected by a rover and filtered to the required standard. And a water recycling system. Our Chinese space station recycles 93 percent of its water.
Food：Take some space food and vegetable and fruit seeds, and you can start with survivable vegetables like potatoes, and then grow an ecosystem. When fruits and vegetables are ripe, the seeds can be collected and planted again. To create artificial meat through cell culture and tissue engineering, allowing animal cells to proliferate themselves in the lab.
Power：The pole of the moon is under sunlight about 70 to 80 percent of the time, so we use solar power technology to generate electricity. We have two kinds of solar panels, one is a collapsible solar panel, which can be pulled back to avoid damage in bad weather. The other is to turn the Windows into transparent solar panels, which is both space-saving and aesthetically pleasing.
Air：According to research, the moon actually has plenty of oxygen, but it’s not in gaseous form. Instead, it’s trapped in a layer of rock and fine dust that covers the moon’s surface. The number of oxygen elements in the lunar soil has reached 40%, and more than 99.9% of the lunar plains and highlands contain oxygen elements. And there’s enough oxygen on the surface to support about 8 billion people on Earth for 100,000 years. So we use melt electrolysis to extract oxygen from lunar soil.

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

Recycling: One of the most important ways to manage waste is to recycle as much as possible. This includes recycling water, food and other materials. Our table can turn leftovers into electricity and reuse them.
Incineration: Some types of waste may require incineration to reduce their mass and volume. Incineration systems could be installed at lunar camps to burn waste and turn it into ash that can be safely stored.
Compost: Organic waste can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil. The moon camp will likely have a composting system that uses bacteria to break down organic waste into compost that can be used to grow plants.
Storage: Waste that cannot be recycled, burned or composted needs to be stored. Lunar camps can have special storage containers to safely store waste until it can be shipped back to Earth.

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

Lunar satellites: The moon may have orbiting satellites that carry communication signals between the lunar camp and Earth. This would allow real-time communication between the moon and Earth.
Ground antennas: Lunar camps can use ground antennas to communicate with Earth. These antennas need to be strategically placed to ensure reliable communication.
Radio frequency (RF) communications: RF communications can be used to transmit data between lunar camps and Earth. This would involve the use of specialised equipment to transmit and receive RF signals.
Laser communication: Laser communication is another option for transmitting data between the lunar camp and Earth. This would involve using lasers to transmit data over long distances at high speeds.
Interbase communication: If there are multiple lunar bases, communication between them will be necessary. This can be done in the same way as Earth communication.

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: The Moon is a geologically diverse and complex world. Scientists can use experiments to study the moon’s surface characteristics, mineralogy and geological history. This could include drilling into the lunar surface to study core samples, analyzing the composition of rocks and soil, and making a geological map of the moon.
Low Gravity environment: The low gravity environment on the Moon presents unique challenges and opportunities for scientific research. Researchers can study the effects of low gravity on human physiology, plant growth and materials science. For example, the growth of plants in low gravity and the behavior of materials in low gravity can be studied experimentally.
Biology: The Moon could also be a valuable platform for studying the origin of life and biological evolution. Scientific experiments can be conducted to study the behaviour of microorganisms in low-gravity environments or to investigate the effects of radiation on organisms.
Technology and robotics: The Moon could be an ideal place to test new technologies and robots for space exploration. Experiments could be conducted to test new space suits, rovers and other equipment designed for low-gravity environments. Robotics can be used to explore the surface of the moon and conduct scientific experiments.
Astronomy: The moon is an excellent platform for observing the universe because it has no atmosphere and low levels of light pollution. Researchers can conduct astronomical observations and experiments to study the universe, including studying cosmic rays and searching for dark matter.

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

Physical Fitness: Astronauts need to be in excellent physical condition to withstand the rigors of spaceflight and the lunar environment. The training program would include physical exercises, endurance training, and cardiovascular workouts to help astronauts build strength, stamina, and flexibility.
Spacecraft Operations: Astronauts must be proficient in operating the spacecraft that will take them to the Moon and back. The training program would cover all aspects of spacecraft operations, including launch, docking, and reentry.
Extravehicular Activity (EVA): A Moon mission would require astronauts to conduct EVAs to explore the lunar surface and conduct scientific experiments. The training program would include EVA procedures, such as how to use a spacesuit, how to move around in low-gravity environments, and how to conduct experiments on the lunar surface.
Lunar Geology: An understanding of lunar geology is essential for conducting scientific research on the Moon. The training program would cover the basics of lunar geology, including the formation of the Moon, the composition of its rocks and soil, and the geological features of the lunar surface.
Mission Planning: Astronauts must be able to plan and execute a successful mission. The training program would cover all aspects of mission planning, including mission objectives, timeline, and contingency plans.
Communication: Communication is critical during space missions. The training program would include communication drills, where the astronauts would practice communicating with mission control and with each other.
Psychological Training: Living and working in space for extended periods can be mentally challenging. The training program would include psychological support and training to help astronauts cope with the stresses of spaceflight.

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.

Lunar lander: A lunar lander is needed to transport astronauts and equipment from lunar orbit to the lunar surface. The lander needs to be able to safely land on the lunar surface and take off again to return to lunar orbit.
Engineering Rover: A rover is needed to explore the lunar surface and collect samples. The rover needs to be able to traverse the moon’s rugged, rocky terrain and work in the harsh lunar environment.
Space Launch System: Launching a spacecraft from Earth and placing it into lunar orbit requires a space launch system.
Reentry vehicle: A reentry vehicle is needed to safely return astronauts and samples to Earth. Re-entry vehicles need to be able to withstand the heat and pressure of re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.