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A group of students from IES Viera y Clavijo interested in the Moon Camp challenge have realized a project in which we explain the astronauts process of adaptation to the Moon. From their arrival to the definitive settlement in it. That is, how and where they will live and what facility they will have. Our objective for this project is mainly investigating the lunar nature and discovering how we can favor us from it, either studying its mineral or discovering if it could be habitable. Therefore, we have carried out a lunar base and possible measures of resources extraction such as water food or energy. This project is intended for at least seven people who will have at disposal five main rooms; gymnasium, central area, leisure area, laboratory and warehouse.

The Moon Camp should be located in a place with good conditions for transport operations, with a large number of natural objects, and features of scientific interest and natural resources, such as oxygen, since the abundance of certain minerals varies dramatically on the lunar surface. We have considered that the best place to locate the base is near the “Shackleton” crater at the South Pole since it is exposed to the sun most of the time; the solar panels will receive power almost continuously and their proximity to other craters could provide communications to the first crater. This is potentially valuable for astronomical observation. An infrared instrument would benefit from low temperatures, and a radio telescope for protection against radio spectrum interference from Earth.

To the realization of this Project we have to keep in mind that the materials used will have to be light and versatile, besides to hold high temperaturas. Also, we have to transport the materials with facility and these have to be able to protect the crew members. We have thought to create modulate stations, so it can be adaptable to the necessities that could appear. Between the material that we have considered are aluminium, polyester laminates reinforced with fiberglass and above it we can apply solar panels and fiberglass.

At the same time the oxygen generator works, the nitrogen obtained from it mixed with the carbon dioxide acquired from the astronauts breathing and through the Sabatier’s reaction, it is produced water and methane. The methane due to its high volatility is expelled outside the base. Besides, we will use the water of the poles that the Moon has to the obtaining of its. This water will be subdued to a process of adaptation to the consumption.

Apart from the meals that are strictly prepared for the astronauts, part of the diet will be based on the hydroponic crops. These crops totally get by without soil for the development of themselves, but we have to consider that not all sorts of plants can live in these space conditions, so they will take specific seeds such as cabbage, radish, mustard green, aloe vera and neem seeds, which have the capacity of surviving in these conditions.

Our main source of energy production will be the solar concentrators that we are going to use and locate near the base, these are some type of solar collectors capable of concentrating solar energy in a reduced area, increasing energy intensity. To do this, we will need to produce electrical energy from the photovoltaic panels that will be mobile to protect them in the event of storms. As a standby team in case there is a problem with the panels, we will use the spaceship’s power.

As we have said before, we use the electrolysis process to separate oxygen from hydrogen from the poles of the moon, with this you can obtain between 2.3 and 9 kg of oxygen per day, which is enough to keep astronauts alive. Furthermore, the plants used to obtain food also produce O2 and CO2 (which is separated into two by a carbon cell), which it uses as a support but not as the main method.

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The Planetary Defense Office would manage periodic campaigns of observation in search of asteroids, studying them and taking part in the possible mitigation measures. The office will divide the work in three areas:

Observation.
Each night, the future fly eye telescopes network (Flyeye), will make a firmament scan in search of enormous rocks, tagging those which can entail a threat and putting them in the knowledge of the researchers.

Data provision.
All the valuable information will be sent to the Minor Planet Center (MCP), that act as the principle information exchange place about astronomical observations.

Mitigation.
When an asteroid could be dangerous, all the emergency response agencies of the planet will receive the information about the risk that this rock would suppose. Also, the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) would try to mitigate it, making a test in 2022, trying to divert one through a collision.

Our crew members will be formed by seven people which two of them will be doctors and psychiatrist, three engineers: teleco, farming and aerospace, one astrobiologist and one chemist. These people will have to get knowledge about mining, logistics, ect.

We will divide the astronauts stay in three areas: first one, it will last the first months/years, it will focus in building the base, crops, etc. After the first stage, the crew members will have to start to achieve our objectives; the use of lunar resources. It will send out all the necessary materials for this investigation and they will have to analyze all what it is possible: fuel, minerals, etc. After all of this, it will start the possible life in the Moon.

During first days, the crew members will have to recognize the close land, taking and analyzing samples, the will have to build the greenhouse for the crops and the electricity and air installation. All of this with the difficulty of the lunar gravity. They will to organize to have the necessary routine for guaranteeing the health of the astronauts. For this, they will have at disposal an adaptable gymnasium, a meditation room, a reading room and a leisure area, with connection to establish telecommunications with their family and friends, besides games. During the mission, the crew members will be developing their life in the Moon and informing about all their advance and evolution to the team in the Earth.