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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.

Grupo64ESO23

Colegio San Antonio de Padua  Martos-Andalucía    Spain 16   6 / 0 English
3D design software: Tinkercad



External URL to the team’s project (e.g. website or PDF):


https://www.tinkercad.com/dashboard?type=tinkercad&collection=designs

1.1 – Project Description

The Moon Camp lunar base consists of an oxidized rocket in the center, which serves as the spine of the habitable rooms surrounding it. Each of the four rooms is encapsulated by a stainless steel dome and equipped with life lines and life support systems to keep the astronauts housed there alive.

The central rocket, once used to carry astronauts to the moon, now provides storage space and a common meeting place. Its cylindrical shape and impressive size serve as a symbol of permanent human presence on the moon. Solar panels cover much of the outer surfaces of the rocket and room domes, generating power for the entire base.

Each room has its own kitchen, bathroom, living and working area. The astronauts spend their days conducting scientific experiments, exploring the lunar environment, maintaining the base and gradually improving it. Communicating with each other through grunts and gestures, they have formed a close-knit community in this extreme isolation.

Although small and relatively primitive, the Moon Camp lunar base is a symbol of human determination and innovation. It is built on the ruins of earlier technology, using what was at hand to create a permanent home where humans can live and work in a place never before inhabited. It is a silent testimony to our pioneering spirit of exploration and discovery.

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 want to build a permanent lunar camp to explore the scientific and commercial potential of the Moon. The Moon possesses valuable resources that could be crucial for humanity’s future.

A lunar camp would be a platform for long-term scientific research. We could study the origin and history of the Moon, discover more details about its geology and geophysics, and monitor celestial phenomena like eclipses. Instruments deployed on the Moon would provide a unique perspective of Earth and space.

Moreover, the Moon could be a source of valuable commercial resources in the future, such as water, minerals and solar energy. A camp would establish the necessary infrastructure to explore and sustainably exploit these resources. We could demonstrate technologies like lunar mining, water and fuel production on the Moon, and reusable spacecraft landings.

These activities would pave the way for a permanent human presence on the Moon and beyond. A lunar camp would lay the foundations for possible lunar colonies, long-term research bases and perhaps even the industrialization of the Moon.

A lunar base would foster international collaboration and innovation in robotics, space technology, energy, materials and sustainable infrastructure. It would be an inspiring achievement that elevates humanity’s status as explorers of the solar system. For these reasons, we believe it is worth establishing a lunar camp for scientific and commercial research purposes.

The base would be a beacon of human perseverance and the ambition of exploration. Although small, it is evidence that humanity has established a permanent presence on another world. The Moon Camp lunar base will be remembered as a key achievement in the annals of space exploration.

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

I would like to build my lunar camp in the southern polar region of the Moon. This region remains in the cold of the lunar shadows and possibly harbors crucial resources such as frozen water. A polar camp would be ideally situated to study this environment and access these vital resources.

The south polar region is almost permanently in darkness, so we could have a cold place to store samples, conduct temperature-sensitive experiments and study the stars and space weather. The period of darkness damages copper, so the surface is attraction for valuable metals such as gold. The presence of permanent ice also means that the region is seismically stable. This would allow larger and more complex research facilities.

A polar camp would selectively thaw ice to access water resources and other volatiles. This would provide a viable water supply and fuels for the lunar base and future missions. Solar energy would be the main energy source for the base as solar panels would work more efficiently in the polar region.

The southern polar region also has unique geological features on the Moon such as the presence of numerous volcanic craters. A polar camp would be the ideal place to explore this singular lunar landscape and gain a better understanding of the Moon’s geology and evolution.

For these reasons, I would like to establish a permanent lunar camp in the southern polar region of the Moon. It would be an ideal platform to study the polar environment, access vital resources and achieve a better scientific knowledge of the Moon as our neighboring planet. A polar lunar camp would lay the foundations for sustainable human exploration of the Moon and beyond.

In summary, the southern polar region’s frozen resources, stable terrain, unique features and perpetual darkness make it an attractive and practical location for a long-term lunar base. A polar camp could unlock the scientific and economic potential of the Moon for future human space exploration.

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.

I want to build a polar lunar camp using as sustainable technology and materials as possible. First, I will transport all construction materials to the Moon using reusable spacecraft. No expensive or short-lived lunar construction equipment will be used. Instead, I will focus efforts on 3D printing, robotics and automation technologies that enable efficient structure assembly with the resources available on the Moon.

The camp will be built in prefabricated and assembled modules to facilitate assembly and disassembly. The main structure will be built with lunar regolith and 3D printed local materials. Specialized robots powered by solar energy will help in the design, mixing and placement of regolith to create durable structures. Frozen ice will be accessed through robot-controlled thermo-drilled boreholes to obtain water and life support.

Solar panels will cover all outer surfaces and the power system will rely on hydrogen fuel cells. A hydroponic greenhouse will use solar energy to grow food. Zero-waste technologies will process organic and inorganic waste into renewable fertilizers and fuels. Excess electricity will be stored in recyclable lithium-ion batteries.

Rooms will be built using prefabricated containers and 3D printed insulating materials. Heating will be provided using synthetic fuel generated with lunar resources. Robotic systems will perform maintenance, repair and camp upgrades. Transportation will rely on solar-powered all-terrain vehicles with four-wheel drive.

In summary, my vision is to establish a self-sufficient and sustainable polar lunar base primarily using lunar resources and innovative technologies for its construction and operation. The camp will serve as a platform for long-term research, resource exploration and technology validation to pave the way for lunar colonization. I hope it will inspire humanity in its constant exploration journey beyond Earth.

The central guiding principles of my approach are self-sufficiency, sustainability and validation of innovative technologies. The base will serve as a platform for advancing science, space exploration and human settlement beyond Earth. I hope the construction of a sustainable polar lunar camp will inspire future generations to continue discovering the potential of our solar system.

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

The protection and sheltering of astronauts against the harsh lunar environment in a polar lunar camp will be crucial. Here are some of the measures I will take:

• Rooms will be built within pressurized containers to maintain adequate atmospheric pressure and breathable air. The exterior of the rooms will be built with 3D printed insulating materials to retain heat and indoor temperature.

• Life support systems will provide oxygen, water, carbon dioxide removal and contaminant filtration in the air. These functions will be self-sufficient based on hydroponic plants and microalgae cultivated in the base.

• Each room will have a generator that produces synthetic methane from lunar resources to generate heat. This fuel will also be used for transportation vehicles. Refrigeration systems will rely on frozen ice extracted from the ground.

• Spacesuits and portable life support systems will be used during surface excursions to protect against vacuum, ultraviolet radiation and micrometeoroids. Spacesuits will have oxygen containers and amenities enabling prolonged work.

• Insulation measures such as doors, thresholds, vehicle protective sleeves, etc. will be implemented. This will protect from fine lunar dust that can enter rooms and components. A polar shield will provide additional protection against solar and cosmic radiation.

• Strict biological controls will help prevent contamination and ensure astronaut health in the extreme isolation of the polar lunar base. Astronauts will also receive specialized medical training to handle emergency situations.

• The base will be designed to be fully modular and reconfigurable. This will allow astronauts to relocate modules and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Camp robotics and automation will facilitate constant construction, maintenance and upgrades.

The central guiding principles of my approach are providing protection, comfort and self-sufficient livelihoods to astronauts in this hostile environment. Establishing a safe, climate-controlled and pressurized habitable environment primarily using lunar resources is fundamental for any long-term human settlement on the Moon. Protection against external hazards will enable astronauts to live, work and explore safely in this new space home.

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

The polar lunar camp will be self-sufficient in supplying water, food, air and energy to astronauts using primarily lunar resources. A plant-based life support system will use photosynthesis to produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from room air. Cultivated microalgae will provide most of the oxygen while plants will also produce food such as vegetables, fruits and grains.

Water will be extracted from frozen ground ice using robotically controlled temperature-drilled boreholes. Water will be purified and reused in the closed system cycle. Liquid and solid wastes will be processed to produce plant fertilizers and energy generation fuels. Nothing will be wasted.

Energy will be generated using hydrogen fuel cells combining hydrogen and oxygen produced in the base. Solar energy will also provide power, and panels will cover all available external surfaces. Excess energy will be stored in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for nighttime use.

Food will be hydroponically grown using balanced nutrients and sunlight. Nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits such as spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries will be cultivated. Animal protein will come from worms and insects cultured as a sustainable protein source. Nothing will be wasted and waste will be reincorporated into the system.

The production of synthetic methane from lunar resources such as silicon oxide and hydrogen will provide most of the energy. It will be used primarily to generate heat, transportation and production in the base. Excess hydrogen will be stored and used for fuel cells and emergency spacecraft escape.

The closed-loop approach to using camp resources enables sustainable access to fundamental basics for survival. Nothing is wasted, and waste is reintroduced as vital resources. This self-sufficient ecosystem approach with the lunar environment will foster long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.

In summary, the polar lunar camp will establish a closed-cycle system using exclusively lunar in-situ resources to supply basic necessities and support human life. Resources will not be depleted and everything will be reused and repurposed continuously with no dependence on Earth. This approach is fundamental for permanent long-duration settlement on another world. The sustainable access to life’s basics will enable continuous exploration and scientific discovery.

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

The lunar camp will adopt a zero waste approach to managing waste produced by astronauts. Nothing will be wasted and everything will be reintroduced into the closed-loop system.

Organic waste such as food scraps, feces and urine will be composted to produce nutrient-rich fertilizers for plants. Inorganic waste such as plastics, metals, glass and paper will be recycled and reused in manufacturing supplies. Anything that cannot be recycled will be incinerated to produce carbon dioxide for plants and energy.

Spacesuits and other disposable parts will be dismantled and recycled. Materials will be reused in manufacturing new equipment. Excess treated water will be used to grow food or produce fuel.

Hazardous waste such as chemicals and radioactive materials will be hermetically encapsulated in sealed containers for safe and isolated disposal. Waste disposal will be strictly controlled to minimum volume and mass before space debris launches at a point far from Earth and the Moon.

No residue will be eliminated on the lunar surface. Everything will be reintroduced into the lifecycle to keep the system closed and optimize resource use. This zero-waste management approach based on the circular economy is fundamental to long-term sustainability in limited resource environments like the Moon.

Responsible production and elimination of waste is essential to not contaminating the Moon and keeping it habitable for future generations. Thorough treatment of all waste produced by the polar lunar base will mitigate impact on this fragile and pristine environment. Nothing will be wasted, everything will be reused.

In summary, the lunar camp will establish a closed-loop system using exclusively lunar resources to supply basics and support human life without producing any residues. Waste management will be meticulous and system-wide, keeping the Moon in its pristine condition and fit for continuous human exploration and settlement. The circular approach will maximize resource efficiency and self-sufficiency in this isolated outpost of humanity beyond Earth.

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

The polar lunar camp will maintain safe and reliable communications with Earth and other lunar bases using a combination of wireless and wired technologies.

A broadband wireless network based on millimeter waves will be implemented for internal base communications and between vehicles. Massive antennas will provide full coverage. Communications with Earth and other bases will be handled through high gain parabolic antennas and repeaters retransmitting signals between access points.

An underground fiber optic cable will provide a secure secondary channel for critical communications. Signals travel faster through fiber optics and are immune to electromagnetic interference. It will provide higher bandwidth and lower latency.

Directional microwave radio links will eliminate signal attenuation and minimize interference. Solar concentrators will transmit strong signals using photovoltaic panels. Repeaters will boost the signal and extend the range of links between bases.

The high-gain radio station on the Moon will provide broadband connection with Earth servers and mission control centers. Lunar capsules will carry data packets and mail with visiting spacecraft. This will provide a direct high-capacity communication channel.

In combination, these technologies will offer reliable, secure and high-performance connections to handle all types of information, from mission control commands to exchanging large volumes of scientific data. Communications will remain open to provide an emergency escape channel. The polar lunar base will have robust and resilient connectivity enabling science, exploration and long-term human habitation on the Moon.

Secure connection with Earth and information exchange with other lunar bases are fundamental to the success of any long-term human lunar mission. The robust communication capabilities of the polar lunar base will enable scientific discoveries, pioneering exploration and establishing a durable human presence on the Moon.

In summary, the lunar camp will establish redundant communication systems using a mix of technologies to ensure permanent connectivity with mission control on Earth and other lunar facilities. Reliable and high-performance communications will be essential for continuous space exploration, scientific research and space colonization from the Moon. A permanently open channel will provide an emergency link and maintain contact with the home planet. The polar base will serve as a communication hub for future lunar missions and space exploration.

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 polar lunar camp will focus on fundamental scientific topics to explore the Moon and expand our understanding of science. Research will cover lunar geology, low-gravity environment, space biology, technology, robotics and astronomy.

Lunar geology will be studied by exploring the surface with robotic rovers and rock sampling. Scientists will analyze rock compositions, ages and origins to understand the Moon’s geological history. Deposits of ice in permanent south pole craters will be studied. Radiometric geochronology will date the Moon’s formation.

The effects of reduced lunar gravity on astronauts, vehicles and materials will be investigated for future space exploration. Biomechanics, metabolism and bone health studies will determine safety guidelines. Robotics and experimental vehicles will enable high-risk exploration.

Biological research will include studies of protein crystal growth, cell structures and RNA/DNA. Grafted experiments will cultivate human tissues and organs for future medical treatment. Microbes and ecological worms will decontaminate waste and recycle nutrients.

New technologies like metal 3D printing, 3D printed tissues, nuclear fusion energy and nanofabrication will be tested in collaboration. This will help develop lunar industries and colonization. Robotic experiments will validate technologies for materials handling, construction, mining and manufacturing on the Moon.

Infrared cameras, radio interferometers and optical telescopes will be used for lunar astronomical observatories. They will provide an attenuated view of Earth, Sun and deep space. Near-Earth objects like asteroids will be studied to defend against collisions. Useful lunar resources such as silicon dust will be mapped for future space missions.

In summary, scientific research at the polar lunar base will cover fundamental disciplines expanding our understanding of science and enabling space exploration and colonization. Pioneering experiments will validate essential technologies and provide key insights for moving humans beyond Earth. The polar lunar base will contribute scientific discoveries inspiring human exploration and opening a future in space.

In summary, the lunar camp will establish scientific research on fundamental topics advancing our knowledge and capabilities for exploration, development and space inhabitation. Experiments will validate technologies, gain insights and make breakthroughs enabling more ambitious goals. The polar lunar base will drive innovation fueling further space missions and human discovery beyond Earth. Continual advancements in science and technology will be essential to open space for future generations as a realm for work, discovery and the expansion of life itself.

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

An integrated astronaut training program is fundamental to preparing candidates for exploring the Moon. It would include theoretical education and practical training in essential disciplines for the lunar mission.

Basic sciences such as physics, engineering and mathematics will provide the basis for understanding the lunar system, vehicles, equipment and technologies. Astronauts will learn descriptive geometry and space navigation to explore the lunar surface. Familiarity with geology, composition, gravity and lunar cycles is critical.

Intensive physical training will include cardiovascular endurance, strength and bone resilience exercises to handle lunar microgravity. Astronauts will perform lunar jump and hop simulations to experience mobility in one-sixth Earth’s gravitational force.

Medical training will cover the effects of radiation, isolation, confinement in reduced spaces and lunar gravity on the human body. Astronauts will learn to monitor their health and that of others, and treat emergencies in the field.

Psychological training will include stress management, team problem solving, sleep management and prolonged social isolation. Astronauts will develop resilience to survive in extreme environments and achieve high-risk goals.

Professional training will cover all aspects of lunar activities, from exploration to infrastructure construction. Astronauts will master equipment handling, lunar vehicles, scientific equipment, life support systems and descent and ascent spacecraft.

Full mission simulations and training in exclusive space environments will train astronauts to handle emergencies, solve complex problems and survive in the field. Training missions on Earth will include geological studies, sample collection, vehicle assembly and cabin construction.

Finally, collaboration and team training will build a spirit of joint exploration. The ability of astronauts to work together, trust and depend on each other in dangerous environments is fundamental to the success of the lunar mission.

In conclusion, a holistic astronaut training program will achieve physical, technical, medical and mental preparedness to face the unique challenges of exploring and working on the lunar surface. Astronauts will return to Earth ready to expand our knowledge, inspire people and open a new chapter of human exploration beyond Earth.

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.

My polar lunar camp will require several spacecraft for transporting to the Moon, exploring the lunar surface and transporting astronauts.

A descent and ascent spacecraft will carry astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back. It will provide transport capacity for equipment, supplies and samples. It will be reusable to maximize efficiency.

Exploring lunar rovers will survey the south pole and surrounding craters. Geological rovers will collect samples and conduct scientific studies. Exploration rovers will transport astronauts for spacewalks. Rovers will be fully autonomous for remote or human control operations.

A lunar orbiter will orbit the Moon while a lunar orbiting spacecraft will provide an orbital control and surveillance base for surface activities. Radio relays will enable communications between the orbiter, surface and Earth. Orbiter sensors will map the surface for exploration and discovery.

A spacecraft transport vehicle will carry the crew and supplies from Earth to lunar orbit and back. It will be reusable to reduce costs and waste. Future explorations may use reusable rockets for space access and a lunar launcher for ascent from the surface.

Equipment will reduce weight for atmospheric reentry. Radiation shielding will provide a safe environment for the crew in deep space. Together, these vehicles will provide safe access to the Moon, south pole exploration and return to Earth to continue discovery. They will achieve the ambitious goals of the polar lunar camp in exploration, science, technology and human habitability.

In summary, spacecraft with different purposes and reusability potentials will be required to establish an outpost on the lunar surface, conduct pioneering science and exploration missions, and maintain safe connections with Earth. An integrated fleet of vehicles will guarantee transportation, survival and logistical support capable of expanding human knowledge and settlement beyond Earth. Robotic and human-crewed spacecraft working together will open the Moon to new frontiers of discovery expanding our place in the universe.

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