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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.

Artemis

Newton Free School  Tbilisi-Tbilisi    Georgia 16, 15   3 / 3 English
3D design software: Fusion 360



1.1 – Project Description

Our moon camp base is called “Artemis”.  It will have capacity for 3-9 astronauts. Our camp is divided into 4 sections:

First, our main part of the camp, which is living space. It consists of three parts: bedroom, cafeteria and fitness room. 

Second, our laboratory, which we will use it as scientific research as well as obtaining resources such as water for living. 

Thirdly, our so-called “greenspace”, which we will use for hydroponic farming. 

Fourthly, our laboratory#2, which we will use for exploring space and inventing technologies to use on the moon.

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 moon can enable scientists to explore space more fundamentally, since it will be a shorter distance from the moon. Along with this, camp will give us an opportunity for scientific research, which could lead to new discoveries. 

This will be our camp’s main goal and purpose to explore space and permit different kinds of future space missions, as well as scientific research where our crew will research the moon’s environment.

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

Shackleton crater which is near the south pole of the moon. Craters rim gets almost continuous sunlight, while the crater is shadowed which means it’s a potential location for water ice and other 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.

We are planning to send robots from earth to moon and use resources found on it to build our camp. We decided that since taking materials from earth will be time consuming as well as not many materials can last long on the moon, we are going to use lunar regolith (65%) aka moon dirt and sulfur (35%). As for our corridors since we’re using no gravity resistible, transparent glass, we will heat up lunar regolith within a susceptor-assisted microwave oven.

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

Several factors such as lack of atmosphere, extreme temperature variations, high levels of radiation and risk of meteoroids endanger astronauts and here is how we will deal with it.

Lack of atmosphere – camp will be designed with an airlock system to have air for astronauts to breathe. 

Extreme temperature variations – the moon camp will have a thermal control system.

High levels of radiation – as mentioned before the moon camp will be designed by regolith and it will be located at the rim of a crater.

Risk of meteoroids – camp will have a protective outside layer and since our camp will be inside a crater meteoroid risks are low.

 

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

Creating a moon camp that sustains human life requires careful consideration of various factors. Such as providing water, food, power and air for astronauts.

 Water – astronauts can get water by extracting it from lunar regolith (which will be only small amount) or by melting ice inside a crater. Alternatively, recycling systems could be used to collect and purify urine and wastewater, providing reliable source of water for moon camp
Food – astronauts will use hydroponic farming for growing plants and use led lighting to simulate sunlight. It is also possible to fertilize plants with human waste.
 Power – astronauts will use solar panels for electric power. Although by night we get less power than at day, we will use solar inverter to have power 24/7 
 Air- As mentioned before, the moon camp will have an airlock system, which will also prevent any dust entering living quarters

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

We will deal with the waste produced by astronauts on the moon through a closed-loop that recycles and reuses materials whenever possible. Human waste and food waste can be recycled and used as fertilizer for farms. Plastics and metals can be recycled and reused whenever possible. And waste which cannot be recycled will be transported back to earth.

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

Moon Camp can utilize various communication technologies to have communication with Earth and other Moon bases. Most efficient solution is satellite communication, which can offer high-speed data transfer and enable real-time communication. If satellite communication isn’t possible, moon camp can also use radio communication. Which is reliable for long – distance 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.).

Research focus of our group will be exploration and resource utilization: exploitation of water, ice, regolith and minerals. We will use in-situ analysis experiments, since they are more time efficient and analyze lunar resources more fundamentally.

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

Astronauts need to develop reflexes and problem-solving skills. Since dire situations can happen, they must be prepared and find solutions

Firstly, astronauts will have to be in excellent physical and mental condition, therefore they will undergo physical and psychological training. They will also be trained in how to utilize a space suit and perform certain tasks, such as repairing equipment and collecting samples. Along with this they will have to be trained to deal with emergency procedures, such as fire, medical emergencies, etc. 

Secondly, they will have fundamental knowledge in lunar geology, science, navigation and operations, as well as knowledge about how to recycle and manage water, food production and air maintenance.

Lastly and most importantly, they will be taught communication and teamwork, since it plays a major role in succeeding on space camp.

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.

Space craft for earth-moon transportation, it will be needed to transport astronauts and equipment from earth to the moon and back. 

We will also have a lunar rover, which will be designed to explore the moon’s surface and travel long distances. It will carry instruments and equipment and be powered by solar panels.