Concepts for Lunar Outpost Development

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a qualitative investigation to identify concepts for design and construction of near‐term lunar facilities. Accomplishing such construction will require an adaptation or transfer of current terrestrial technology and methods. Discussions on modularization, geosynthetic materials, aluminum materials, static load analysis, and dynamic load analysis provide illustrative examples of how terrestrial technologies can be adapted to lunar applications. These discussions provide support for the development of a phased lunar construction strategy. The initial stage of construction is characterized by small self‐supporting accomodation and laboratory modules. The assembly facility stage is characterized by the construction of a large pressurized module‐assembly facility. The module production stage is characterized by the fitting together of terrestrial or low earth‐orbit subassemblies into completed modules within the module assembly facility. The completed modules are also tested and moved to their final location in this stage. The lunar materials stage is characterized by the construction of facilities with maximum use of lunar materials.