Inflatable Habitats.& Science Activities at the Lunar Base
An inflatable habitat made of composite fabric landed on the moon and was deployed there. A metal floor was used to ground the module. The habitat had two levels and was designed with high ceilings and stair steps.
The habitat was either covered with lunar regolith or 'radiation shielding'. There is a solar storm shelter for the crew to retreat to when a solar flare occurred. An airlock allowed crew to clean up before entry into the base. Supply and service modules for storage and life support equipment were attached to the habitat. Office space, a space suit area, computer areas, medical facilities, a gymnasium, laboratories for astronomy, geochemistry, petrology and life sciences were included in this base design..
The "planetary surface habitat and airlock unit" can also be used to evaluate materials, lightweight structure technologies, astronaut interfaces, dust mitigation techniques, and function with robotics and other lunar surface equipment.
Inflatables can be used as connectors or tunnels between crew quarters and can provide radiation shelter if covered with lunar regolith (soil).
As a starting point inflatable structure made of multilayer fabric for ground-based evaluation of emerging technologies such as flexible structural health monitoring systems, self-healing materials and radiation protective materials. Attached to the structure is a smaller inflatable structure that serves as a demonstration airlock. Both are essentially pressurized cylinders, connected by an airtight door.
Basic science is one of the primary functions of the first lunar bases, and will offer scientists an opportunity to demonstrate science techniques and data analysis in the field. Once a base is operational, various scientific studies and experiments can commence.
"Environmental Science: Environmental monitoring instruments both inside and outside the base were set up. Data sheets were kept near each station and as participants passed the station they recorded the time, read the instruments, and recorded the environmental data. Back in the lab data was displayed as graphs showing changes and relationships between the parameters.
Astronomy: During the winter months in which the simulations were conducted, the skies were dark by the time the base became operational. An 8-inch reflecting telescope was set up near the cave entrance to examine star clusters, planets, and nebulae. Young Astronauts identified planets, stars, and constellations.
Cartography: Maps are important for planning many activities. Compasses, tapes, and inclinometer measurements were used to map the interior of the cave and surface in order to find the surface projection of the underground lunar base.
Sand/Dust Analysis: Samples of the cave sands were collected from the vicinity of the base. In the lab they were examined by microscope and other analytical techniques (flotation; magnets; spectral analysis). To counter the dust contamination, it was decided a dry, anti-static lubricant was needed. One of the researchers (Walden) suggested an aerospace lubricant developed by Ball Corporation and marketed as a vinyl phonograph record preserver called "Sound Guard." This lubricant appeared to alleviate some of the problems caused by the dust.
Geology: Simple geological analysis tools were used at the base site. Young Astronauts collected samples of rocks, sand, and cave-wall mineralization which were then subjected to oxidizing and reducing thermal reactions. Some elements could be analyzed by examining the spectral characteristics of the samples.
Sample Collection: Geological and biological samples were collected, collection sites and contexts were described, and the samples were identified by reference to books or experts. Collections could be organized according to criteria selected by the collectors.
Time-Motion-Design Studies: In the process of constructing the lunar base and using the components for housekeeping, science studies, etc., design and procedural changes would be suggested by experience. This was a version of time-and-motion efficiency studies and human-engineered design work. Thanks to the modular construction system of the facility, designs could be changed easily. Lightweight system components could be physically rearranged even after construction in order to improve efficiency or answer to other needs. Other problems were best addressed by modifying the work procedures or reassigning personnel."
just throwing another subject related to sample collectio and habs (although going away from the hab design itself, maube this is interesting for a general hab-guideline)
- contamination
this is a huge problem since Man arrives somewhere. we can bring our own bacteria, viruses, various particles, etc. when collecting samples, how can for one be sure we were not there already, and that what we're measuring is not partially what we brought ourselves?
true for both robotic and human missions
btw, is there someone in charge of collecting ideas, making minutes, etc?
hello friends ,
their is new technology of powerplant on our or outer planets , this is antimatter technology.
in this technology the gamma-rays resulting from the collision between atoms of matter and antimatter are used to heat the working fluid which the turbine and work of turbine is used for to generate electricity. the further research is going on....
for more details search antimatter in goole.com
thank you
To ensure the fruits of exploration, science and discovery are directed an ethically appropriate and consider manner, we must examine the motivations and hesitations of the individuals and states involved in space activities as well as those on the peripheries of space: particularly nations without the capital to participate and benefit first-hand. For example, are we talking about creating a lab/base/colony/habitat that could enable off-planet laboratory facilities to conduct exploration and experimentation that might otherwise be impossible on earth. Would this eventually facilitate dangerous, difficult, politically and ethically challenging experimentation and exploration? It is important to recognize the responsibilities that are associated with “the development of independent life-bearing, and more important life-evolving environments" as they may profound implications for Earth. Contamination is indeed a very serious consideration as it cross-contaimination and potential destruction. Particular attention must be paid to these matters at the outset in order to plan effectively and to garner new insights and knowledge for wider reaching solutions to terrestrial concerns.
I think there will be two significant problems with a settlement on the moon.
The first was discussed by Harrison Schmitt when I heard him speak at a conferance in April, moon dust gets EVERYWHERE. He talked about actually having an allergic reaction to it. If this habitat is going to be rather large and perminent there must be a way to insure that NO moon-dust gets inside or the consequences could be very dangerous. We could ultimately have severe lung problems with these scientists and explorers.
The second problem that I think needs to be addressed is the reduced gravity. If this station is to be permenant, after a long enough time it will become near to impossible to bring the explorers home. My idea to solve this problem is just a random thought, but perhaps there needs to be a rotating habitat that orbits the moon and can simulate gravity. Thus the inhabitants of this settlement on the moon could have some sort of gravity rotation to keep their bones and bodies in shape. Perhaps there should just be something similar to that in the hab. Either way i think it is an important thing to consider and really the only difference between a moon habitat and similar places in the Antarctic.
Studies from the Apollo era indicate the need to further research the consequences of Lunar Dust in terms of size distribution and reduced gravity on dispersion into lung. The "allergic response" is to lunar dust particles smaller than 20 um. Particles smaller than 10um pass easily into body, and any smaller than 2.5um into alveolar surface, and more invasively, anything smaller than 0.5um passes directly into the blood! This can cause all sorts of "allergic reactions" from inflamatory response, athlerosclerosis, accumulation in liver and spleen, and systemic effects such as changes in bone marrow and an accumulation of white blood cells as an autoemmune response. Obviously we need to investigate the potential for translocation of particles to other sites within the body too and how to mitigate aginst this.
One approach may be through material architectures, suit design and electrostatic repellant principals. Nevertheless, while we know the corrosive wrath of Lunar dust we still need to conduct further research to characterize the jaggered shape, surface area, and composition of dust particles and examine the variation in dust toxicity from site to site on the moon and determine the potential for human exposure to dust within the habitat no matter what material we choose.
Heppenhaimer proposed as a luxurious circular pool for use in space in 1977. it was a glorious vision but the scale required to hold a body of open water through centrifugal induced artificial gravity was was too large to be feasible - from memory he had calculated something like a 200m dia. at a rotation rate that would make us ill. I am most inspired by the potentials for combining aqueous architectures and Centrifuge Induced Artificial Gravity principals all the same. Both provide a vibration and radiation protected environment to perform omni-directional resistive exercises and stretching and terrific psychological countermeasure or hydrotherapy.
BradChad's comments about Antarctica have inspired me to think of designs for solid water, or at least contained bodies of water, on slower rotation. An innovative idea may be to consider using centrifugal principals and the specifity of weight, temperature and salintiy to 'float' and 'weight' various components to reduce mass and spin requirements...??? Anyone want to do some figures for me if I email some designs? We could be onto something here...How exciting!! I'll do some brainstorming...
I like your line of thinking to combine aqueous and centrifuge principles. I think that would have a great potential for keeping human bodies in shape as well as the simple pleasure of being able to float or swim in water. I'm not sure how the gravity would change the interaction but I think its a great idea. The only problem you might run into would be to keep this 'water' clean and sanitary. I suppose you also might have trouble keeping it liquid depending on what environment it were used in.
Great ideas Aquanaut!
-brad
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