Solutions for Construction of a Lunar Base – ISU SSP21 Lunar Team Project

Paper number

IAC-21,A3,2B,17,x67165

Author

Mrs. Charlotte Pouwels, The Netherlands, ILEWG "EuroMoonMars"

Coauthor

Dr. Adam Abdin, France, CentraleSupélec

Coauthor

Mr. Stefan Amberger, Austria, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Mrs. Emily Apollonio, United States, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Mr. Gautier Bardi de Fourtou, France, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Dr. Karl Bolmgren, Sweden, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

Coauthor

Mr. Gianmarco Ciocca, Austria, University of Vienna

Coauthor

Ms. Monica Ekal, Portugal, Institute for Systems and Robotics

Coauthor

Mr. Alan Garcia, Spain, ISU

Coauthor

Mrs. Adina Godeanu, Sweden, International Space University

Coauthor

Ms. Damiana Irrera, Italy, Politecnico di Milano

Coauthor

Mr. Leonard Carl Luigi Lidgard, Italy, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Mr. Giorgio Lorini, Italy, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Mr. Shay Monat, Israel, Tel Aviv University

Coauthor

Mr. Joao Montenegro, Portugal, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Mr. Aiden O'Leary, United States, Orbit Fab

Coauthor

Mr. ORI ONN, Israel, Alumi, ISU

Coauthor

Ms. Laura Pauzié, France, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Ms. Alexandra Sokolowski, The Netherlands, International Space Univeristy

Coauthor

Mr. Zhuang Tian, The Netherlands, International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University

Coauthor

Mr. Alberto Za, Italy, International Space University (ISU)

Year

2021

Abstract

Returning to the Moon and establishing a permanent human presence is the next step in human space exploration. This necessitates the development of lunar infrastructure capable of sustaining a permanent human presence. This team presents a supporting framework for rapid, cost-efficient, and supporting construction of a permanent and modular lunar base within the scope of what is technically feasible today in space law paradigms.

The proposed lunar base concept uses the SpaceX Starship Human Landing System as base infrastructure which will be placed horizontally on the lunar surface and transformed into a habitable volume. A crew of modular rovers will aid astronauts by supporting the construction process. Countermeasures are presented to protect the astronauts from the effects of exposure to radiation, lunar dust, extended hypogravity are identified. Psychological and psychosocial factors are included to enhance individual well-being and crew dynamics. Physical and cognitive workloads are defined and evaluated to identify countermeasures, including specific spacesuit parameters. 

The construction is to be organized as a multi-national public-private partnership to establish an international authority, a concept that has been successful on Earth but has yet to be applied to space activities on a multi-national level. A public relations and communications strategy built around the value proposition is provided as a way to ensure sustained public, private, and political support for the project. A roadmap is provided, incorporating each part of the construction from human and technical perspectives. Other aspects which are critical to mission success include the cultural significance of the project, legal aspects, developments, budget, financing, and potential future uses. These solutions rely mainly on existing technologies and limited modifications to the lunar lander vehicle, making it a viable solution for the construction of a lunar base in the near future.

Abstract document

IAC-21,A3,2B,17,x67165.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,A3,2B,17,x67165.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.