Exploration and design of the logistics and hardware for accomplishment of geosciences on the Moon

Paper number

IAC-10.A5.1.3

Author

Prof. Ulrike Rahe, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Coauthor

Ms. Karolina Räntfors, Chalmers Industriteknik, Sweden

Coauthor

Mr. Mikael Rücker, Sweden

Coauthor

Mr. Mikael Sundgren, Chalmers Industriteknik, Sweden

Year

2010

Abstract

New infrastructure is needed that will allow prolonged stays on the lunar surface. The needs of workshops and laboratories have only been briefly addressed as yet, although a key science activity during these missions will be the collection and analysis of lunar rocks. In this paper, we report on a project that explores and designs the logistics and possibilities for accomplishment of geosciences on the Moon and to sets the stage for the integration of a geosciences module in a lunar habitat.

A tenable systems concept view on how lunar geosciences will be conducted during longer stays on the Moon demonstrates how the related logistics chains should be: In the design of the appropriate lunar geosciences hardware, the needs of the geologists as well as the constraints of the lunar environment and the exploration conditions were taken into account. The first part of the research consisted of a broad investigation of the prospective processing of geosciences on the Moon in terms of the whole chain from identification of the samples, selection, protection, labelling, transportation, storage and examination to deliverance back to Earth. Information has been gathered through literature reviews, study visits and user interviews. On that base, three concept solutions can be presented: The first is a glove box to be placed inside of the lunar habitat or a pressurised vehicle, equipped with an analytical instruments. Samples are brought into the glove box via a specially developed transfer container. The second concept consists of a semi-automatic robot that is placed outside of the habitat. By scanning the collected samples it can create virtual representations to be reviewed by a geologist inside the habitat. If the geologist finds a sample particularly interesting, requests of further analytical procedures could be sent to the robot.  The third concept consists of a bag for storing rock samples. As an integral part of the presented system, it protects, stores and tags the collected sample and is handled of both, the robot and the astronaut.
The results of the investigations and development provide a systematic view of the lunar geological science process and three visionary design-concepts that can help in defining the nature of future research activities during space explorations. 

The work has been carried out as a master thesis at the Masters program Industrial Design Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden in collaboration with NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston/Texas in 2009.

Abstract document

IAC-10.A5.1.3.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10.A5.1.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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