Moon Park -A Research and Educational Facility

Abstract

Early in the 21st century, a permanent base will be set up on the moon and industry will begin operations. Moon Park is an integrated facility that will create Lunar Base conditions to promote lunar colonization. It will be utilized also for selection and training of the Lunar Base crew, and for the education of those in the public who are interested in the moon and the outer planets. Moon Park project is now proposed as a candidate for International Space Year program. The major objective of the studies is validation of CELSS by applying to simulated crew activities. Moon outpost environment is simulated to study behavior and psychological problems. Minimum and optimum number of crew will be determined by role assignment of members and behavioral stability of group. Stability of closed ecosystem should be considered in this evaluation. Requirement for habitation space volume relates to duration of stay and psychological factors of crew member living in confined space. Moon Park will give criteria for designing a manned outpost for lunar and planetary exploration. The first meeting of Lunar Habitation was held on 10 June in Tokyo. Experiences of Antarctic research expedition of Japan were discussed at the meeting.