Reliability and effectiveness of laser scanners in future construction efforts on the Moon and Mars

Abstract

The exploration and conquest of the Moon and Mars is very likely in the near future. Therefore the erection of lunar and Martian structures, suitable for permanent human presence is increasingly discussed by the scientific community. Various concepts have been proposed for creation of lunar and Martian permanent bases. Techniques ranging from 3D printing of concrete, through utilization of natural caves to inflatable pressurized tensile structures are considered. In authors' opinion a fast, accurate and remote measuring technique will be necessary for successful completion of majority of extra-terrestrial construction tasks. The terrestrial laser scanning technique should be used for the lunar and Martian construction projects. To assess the suitability of terrestrial laser scanning techniques which are going to be used on the Moon and Mars, initial measurements should be conducted on Earth. Unfortunately extra-terrestrial soils are not available for general research. The only feasible solution is to use lunar and Martian soil simulants to practice construction technologies, techniques and strategies. The main aim of this research programme is radiometric and geometric analysis of TLS point clouds collected during the measurement of lunar and Martian soil simulants targets. The conducted research programme was focused on the analysis of a laser beam dispersion and absorption in soil simulants. It should be noted that the dispersion and absorption of a laser beam for the scanned surface is a key factor in TLS remote measurements. The advantages and limitations of TLS technique for possible lunar and Martian applications was discussed. Areas of subsequent research were pointed out. In the first section the brief state-of-the-art was given in context of the conducted research programme. Subsequently, in section two used specimens and equipment was described. The third section of the paper was dedicated to present the conducted research programme. The achieved results were shown in section four in the form of tables and graphs. Finally, in section five the discussion was carried out and followed by a list of drawn conclusions. It was proved that TLS technique can be used to effectively scan LSS and MSS, thus scanning on the Moon and Mars is enabled.