Demonstration of concept for fabrication of lunar physical assets utilizing lunar regolith simulant and a geothermite reaction

NASA's anticipated return to the Moon by 2020 and subsequent establishment of a lunar base will necessitate the development of methods to utilize lunar resources for various construction and resource extraction applications. In this study the design of a lunar physical asset utilizing in-situ r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta astronautica 2010-07, Vol.67 (1), p.38-45
Main Authors: Faierson, Eric J., Logan, Kathryn V., Stewart, Brian K., Hunt, Michael P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dome
Habitat
ISRU
Moon
Regolith
SHS
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Summary:NASA's anticipated return to the Moon by 2020 and subsequent establishment of a lunar base will necessitate the development of methods to utilize lunar resources for various construction and resource extraction applications. In this study the design of a lunar physical asset utilizing in-situ resources available at the lunar surface was examined. The design incorporated a voussoir dome type of architecture that has been in use for centuries on Earth. Production of the desired dome elements was accomplished by initiating a geothermite reaction in a mixture of lunar regolith simulant and aluminum powder. Shaping of voussoir elements was accomplished during the reaction using a custom fabricated silica-slip crucible to contain the geothermite reactant mixture. The product of the reaction retained the shape of the crucible.
ISSN:0094-5765
1879-2030
DOI:10.1016/j.actaastro.2009.12.006