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.
Miina Härma Gymnasium Tartu-South- Estonia Estonia 14, 15 5 / 3 English
3D design software: Tinkercad
Building a settlement on the moon is a huge challenge for mankind, and it will require a great deal of cooperation between a wide range of specialists.
Our lunar settlement will be built in a cave in the lunar soil and two levels underground. Astronauts will have everything they need on the Moon. The project will take into account the mineral resources available on the ground and what will have to be taken from the Earth. There is also a programme for the astronauts’ health, both mental and physical.
The main purpose of building it would be to establish a human presence on the moon for scientific research and exploration, as well as for potential commercial purposes such as mining and tourism. The moon camp could serve as a base for conducting experiments on the moon’s environment, studying the moon’s geology and natural resources, and testing technologies and methods for future space exploration missions. Additionally, the establishment of a permanent lunar base could pave the way for human colonization of other planets and celestial bodies in the future.
Our lunar camp is designed to be as practical and sustainable as possible, taking into consideration the challenging conditions of living on the moon. One of the most important features of our camp is its location in underground caves. By building the main part of the base under the surface, we can benefit from the natural insulation and protection that the moon’s surface provides. This also serves as a shield from the harsh radiation and small asteroids that constantly bombard the moon’s surface.
Constructing our camp in underground caves allows us to utilize the natural resources available on the moon, such as the lunar soil and ice, to create a self-sufficient habitat. Lunar concrete made from lunar dust is a material being experimented with to create solid blocks for roads, launch pads, and habitats. The moon’s dust, which contains 40% oxygen, could potentially be used as an air source for astronauts. Additionally, inflatable habitats made from durable materials like kevlar and Mylar are lightweight and easy to use.
Our Moon Camp is designed to protect and provide shelter to astronauts against the harsh environment of the Moon. The main part of the base lies under the surface, utilizing the natural insulation and barrier of protection provided by the underground caves. This provides a great level of protection from the radiation and small asteroids that are common on the Moon’s surface.
Additionally, our Moon Camp is constructed using durable materials such as kevlar and Mylar, which are lightweight and able to withstand the extreme temperatures and harsh conditions on the Moon. The inflatable habitats are also designed to be easily expandable, allowing for additional living space and providing flexibility in case of emergencies.
To further protect our astronauts, our Moon Camp is equipped with airlocks that prevent the escape of air and maintain the pressure within the base. This is essential for the survival of the astronauts in the vacuum of space.
Moreover, the lunar concrete made from lunar dust is used to create solid blocks for roads, launch pads, and habitats. This reduces the need for transporting building materials from Earth, making the Moon Camp more self-sufficient and cost-effective.
In summary, our Moon Camp provides an effective shelter and protection for astronauts against the harsh lunar environment by utilizing the natural insulation and protection of underground caves, using durable materials, airlocks, and lunar concrete.
To provide sustainable access to basic needs like water, food, air, and power for astronauts in our Moon Camp, we plan to utilize the resources available on the Moon. Lunar concrete made from lunar dust can be used to create solid blocks for roads, launch pads, and habitats. Volcano tunnels offer protection from radiation and meteorites. Inflatable habitats made from durable materials like Kevlar and Mylar are lightweight and easy to use.
The Moon’s dust, which contains 40% oxygen, could potentially be used as an air source for astronauts. Water can be extracted from the Moon’s polar ice caps, which were discovered in the past decade. It’s important to recycle recyclable items on the Moon to stay longer in the camp. Anaerobic composting can be used to get fertile soil for crops, and methane gas can be used for heating and fuel.
Solar energy can be harnessed using solar panels, which can be placed on the surface of the Moon to provide power. This is a sustainable way of generating electricity since the Moon receives constant sunlight. Additionally, the Moon’s low gravity can be used to generate power through piezoelectricity, which is the conversion of mechanical pressure into electrical energy.
Overall, the sustainable utilization of resources available on the Moon will be key to providing astronauts with the basic needs required to live and work on the Moon.
Creating a lunar module is a very clever way of minimising the amount of rubbish created by astronauts being there. Any food that is taken along in packaging must be able to be recycled, for example as filament for a 3D printer. In addition, the astronauts’ urine will be sent to the water circulation system and purified. As the clothes are not washed, the reprocessing of the clothes will also result in the production of fillings or sound insulation material that are essential for the lunar project. Self-grown plants will also be selected so as to minimise waste and will be used to make compost for subsequent plants.
Communication is essential for any space mission, and our Moon Camp is no exception. To ensure that our astronauts can maintain contact with Earth and other Moon bases, we have implemented various communication methods.
The first and most important method we have is through the use of satellites. We have deployed a network of communication satellites in lunar orbit to relay messages between the Moon Camp and Earth. These satellites will act as a bridge between the Moon Camp and the Deep Space Network on Earth. The Deep Space Network is a collection of large antennas that NASA uses to communicate with spacecraft beyond Earth’s orbit.
In addition to satellites, we also have a direct line of communication between the Moon Camp and Earth through radio communication. Our Moon Camp is equipped with a powerful radio transmitter and receiver that can communicate with Earth directly. The radio communication is capable of transmitting voice and data and allows for real-time communication between the astronauts and mission control on Earth.
To ensure that our Moon Camp can communicate with other Moon bases, we have implemented a system of laser communication. Laser communication uses lasers to transmit information at a very high speed, providing faster and more reliable communication than traditional radio waves. We have set up a network of laser communication stations on the Moon’s surface, allowing our Moon Camp to communicate with other Moon bases that are within line of sight.
Finally, we have implemented a backup communication system that relies on autonomous rovers. These rovers are equipped with communication equipment and can move around the Moon’s surface to establish communication links with the Moon Camp or other bases. This system provides an additional layer of redundancy to ensure that communication is always possible, even in the event of a system failure.
In conclusion, maintaining communication is critical for the success and safety of our Moon Camp. By utilizing a combination of satellites, radio communication, laser communication, and autonomous rovers, we have established a robust and reliable communication network that will enable our astronauts to stay connected with Earth and other Moon bases.
The scientific research in our Moon Camp will focus on various fields such as geology, biology, astronomy, and physics. The moon offers a unique opportunity to conduct experiments that are impossible to perform on Earth due to the different conditions on the lunar surface.
In the field of geology, we plan to study the composition of the moon’s surface and the rocks that make up the crust. We will collect samples from different regions of the moon to understand the geological processes that shaped the moon’s surface. We will also analyze the samples to look for evidence of water and other minerals that could be used for future missions and settlements on the moon.
In the field of biology, we plan to study the effects of low gravity and radiation on living organisms. We will bring different types of plants and microorganisms to the moon and observe their growth and development under these conditions. This will help us understand the potential of using lunar soil and resources to grow food and support life on the moon.
In the field of astronomy, we plan to use the moon as a platform to observe the universe. The lack of atmosphere on the moon provides an ideal environment for telescopes and other astronomical instruments to observe the cosmos. We will study the stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects to deepen our understanding of the universe.
In the field of physics, we plan to study the behavior of matter and energy under low gravity conditions. We will conduct experiments to test theories of fundamental physics and to develop new technologies for space exploration and other applications.
In conclusion, our Moon Camp will provide a unique opportunity to conduct research in various fields of science. The experiments we plan to do will deepen our understanding of the moon and the universe, and pave the way for future missions and settlements on the moon.
Astronauts need to be trained in many different ways, both physically and mentally. Exercise alone is not enough: we must also think of activities that would allow the astronauts to unwind while they are far away, so that they do not feel depressed, anxious or lonely. This can be done by watching films, listening to music, playing board games and possibly talking to family.
The same equipment already used by astronauts on board the ISS is suitable for physical exercise:
The Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) is an exercise device designed by NASA to allow for more intense workouts in much lower gravity (Multiple different workouts in one bar).
Astronauts strap into harnesses that allow them to run on a treadmill and perform other exercises.(TVIS)
3. The Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation Stabilization (CEVIS) is similar to a stationary mechanical bicycle and is connected to the ISS with wire tethers
It is essential to have a lunar vehicle, so that astronauts can travel around the Moon’s surface to more distant points and carry out research. For this mission, the vehicle is not yet complete, as the first mission is more about building a lunar passport rather than immediately driving a vehicle around the lunar surface. However, if a vehicle is to be planned, it is essential that the vehicle can accommodate at least two passengers. Its wheels must be made of metal and its entire body must be covered with metal. The solar panels on the back of the vehicle must also be able to be covered to allow them to last longer and to protect them from lunar dust.
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