Lunar Resources Research Articles

Development of Intelligent Construction Robots for In-situ Lunar Resource Utilization

Abstract: With the development of technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence, robotic lunar construction has gradually become a reality. In recent years, many countries have conducted research on lunar construction, among which lunar in-situ resource utilization construction is the most promising option for lunar construction, and intelligent robot construction is the main method of in-situ resource utilization construction. This paper analyzes the trend of intelligent construction and the necessity of lunar construction, and concludes that lunar construction robots have great development prospects and value. Using "ISRU, intelligent construction robot, 3D printing" as keywords, using the method of literature analysis, literature retrieval is conducted on China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar databases, and the types of lunar bases, the acquisition of lunar resources, the classification of intelligent construction robots, and the 3D printing technology and Fully adaptable robot assembly and construction technology in lunar in-situ resource utilization are analyzed. The concept, classification, function, auxiliary 3D printing technology and materials required for 3D printing are analyzed in detail. The assembled mortise and tenon structure, fully adaptable assembly robot technology and underground construction technology are described in detail. The intelligent construction technology involved in lunar in-situ resource utilization construction (ISRU) and how to adapt to the lunar environment for construction are systematically analyzed, and the challenges faced in realizing robotic lunar construction are briefly outlined. It provides ideas for scholars studying intelligent construction robots.

Vacuum laser zone refining of titanium towards lunar metallurgy: Experimental and numerical study

The development of in-situ utilisation technologies for lunar resources is crucial for future human deep-space exploration. This paper presents a novel vacuum laser zone refining technique aimed at in-situ separation of titanium and iron. The experimental and numerical simulation results indicate that increasing laser power while reducing the melting speed significantly increases the temperature gradient of the melt pool, thereby enhancing molten flow velocity. These factors effectively redistribute the elements at the solid-liquid interface, improving Fe and Ti separation efficiency. Additionally, increasing the number of refining passes can also significantly improve the separation efficiency of Fe and Ti. Under the conditions of 1000 W laser power, 0.05 mm/s melting speed, and 5 refining passes, the separation efficiency of Fe reached 76.5 %. Notably, the maximum molten flow velocity reached 0.157 m/s, which ensured a uniform distribution of Fe in the melting zone. Hence, the proposed vacuum laser zone refining technique is a promising approach for efficient separation of titanium and iron from titanium–iron alloys, providing potential support for deep-space exploration efforts.

Lunar Exploration Based on Ground-Based Radar: Current Research Progress and Future Prospects

Lunar exploration is of significant importance in the development and utilization of in situ lunar resources, water ice exploration, and astronomical science. In recent years, ground-based radar (GBR) has gained increasing attention in the field of lunar exploration due to its flexibility, low cost, and penetrating capabilities. This paper reviews the scientific research on lunar exploration using GBR, outlining the basic principles of GBR and the progress made in lunar exploration studies. Our paper introduces the fundamental principles of lunar imaging using GBR and systematically reviews studies on lunar surface/subsurface detection, the dielectric properties inversion of the lunar regolith, and polar water ice detection using GBR. In particular, the paper summarizes the current development status of the Chinese GBR and forecasts future development trends in China. This review will enhance the understanding of lunar exploration results using GBR radar, systematically demonstrate the main applications and scientific achievements of GBR in lunar exploration, and provide a reference for GBR radar in future lunar exploration missions.

Analyzing strain localization of Chang'E-5 lunar regolith through discrete element analysis

The current understanding of the geotechnical behavior of lunar in-situ resources, particularly lunar regolith (LR), is significantly limited due to its scarcity. To address this gap, this research utilized the morphological characteristics of LR particles obtained from the Chang'E-5 (CE-5) mission to construct numerical simulants using the discrete element method (DEM). This approach was then employed to investigate the mechanical properties of LR. Firstly, high-definition lunar particle images from the CE-5 mission were selected to capture the morphological characteristics and grain size distribution. These morphological characteristics were linked with the rolling resistance parameter and incorporated into the three-dimensional (3D) micromechanical contact model. Additionally, a flexible boundary condition was employed in the triaxial simulation to ensure the evolution of strain localization. The relative particle translation gradient (RPTG) concept was utilized to capture the onset and development of strain localization during the shear process. The results indicated that the numerical lunar simulants can effectively reproduce the mechanical response of LR. Furthermore, at the particle scale, particle shape characteristics play a crucial role in particle rotation and translation during the shear process. This study may establish a foundation for lunar resource exploration and utilization techniques.

Development of a Lunar Vehicle with a Hybrid Rocket Engine Produced Using Lunar Resources

Development of a Lunar Vehicle with a Hybrid Rocket Engine Produced Using Lunar Resources

Integration of ceramic matrix systems into coreless filament wound fiber-reinforced composite lightweight structures for lunar resource utilization

Integrating ceramic matrix systems into coreless filament winding (CFW) enables the creation of sustainable, heat- and fire-resistant fiber composite lightweight structures. This study introduces a chemically bonded ceramic matrix system based on metakaolin, tailored for space applications utilizing lunar resources. The system employs acidic activation for processing with basalt/mineral fibers and alkaline activation for carbon fibers composites. Initially, the constituents of the matrix system are outlined, alongside potential synthesis pathways from lunar resources. Various formulations, incorporating different additives, are proposed. Through coupon compression testing, the most performative formulations for each activation type are selected for further investigation. The addition of zirconium silicate resulted in a higher compressive strength without significantly affecting the compressive modulus. The study then proceeds to experimentally characterize the matrix system’s viscosity. Subsequently, the processability of the proposed matrix system with CFW is demonstrated through the fabrication of generic medium-size lattice samples. Finally, these samples undergo destructive structural testing in compression. While emphasizing material development aspects, the investigation concludes that the feasibility of the proposed concept is validated through the successful fabrication and testing of generic CFW samples, affirming its potential use in space-related structural applications.

Bio-Inspired Strategies Are Adaptable to Sensors Manufactured on the Moon.

Bio-inspired strategies for robotic sensing are essential for in situ manufactured sensors on the Moon. Sensors are one crucial component of robots that should be manufactured from lunar resources to industrialize the Moon at low cost. We are concerned with two classes of sensor: (a) position sensors and derivatives thereof are the most elementary of measurements; and (b) light sensing arrays provide for distance measurement within the visible waveband. Terrestrial approaches to sensor design cannot be accommodated within the severe limitations imposed by the material resources and expected manufacturing competences on the Moon. Displacement and strain sensors may be constructed as potentiometers with aluminium extracted from anorthite. Anorthite is also a source of silica from which quartz may be manufactured. Thus, piezoelectric sensors may be constructed. Silicone plastic (siloxane) is an elastomer that may be derived from lunar volatiles. This offers the prospect for tactile sensing arrays. All components of photomultiplier tubes may be constructed from lunar resources. However, the spatial resolution of photomultiplier tubes is limited so only modest array sizes can be constructed. This requires us to exploit biomimetic strategies: (i) optical flow provides the visual navigation competences of insects implemented through modest circuitry, and (ii) foveated vision trades the visual resolution deficiencies with higher resolution of pan-tilt motors enabled by micro-stepping. Thus, basic sensors may be manufactured from lunar resources. They are elementary components of robotic machines that are crucial for constructing a sustainable lunar infrastructure. Constraints imposed by the Moon may be compensated for using biomimetic strategies which are adaptable to non-Earth environments.

Lunar Electrochemistry Enabling Microgrid Energy Storage on the Moon

This talk will cover an atypical paradigm of large scale energy storage technology - the need for scalable energy storage using resources available at the point of use for sustained human presence in space exploration. For Lunar surface power reliability, large scale energy storage enables increased safety factor for power generation downtime, but the launch mass of energy storage makes scalable storage to the level of microgrids or grids unappealing. This is compounded by a central paradox of safe energy storage, that achieving high energy density intrinsically carries greater safety risk in storing greater energy in a smaller mass or volume. In situ resource utilization aims to solve both these problems, enabling safe and scalable energy storage to be deployed for Lunar surface power reliability. However, a long road remains between the nascent field of ISRU energy storage as it exists today and its needed destination to enable future sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars.This talk will survey applications of electrochemical energy storage technologies and concepts with a focus on how Lunar resources can principally drive the electrochemistry. Brief mention will be given to non-electrochemical technologies such as thermal or mechanical methods, but the emphasis will be on electrochemistry owing to rapid advances in electrochemical state-of-the-art on Earth. Examples will include beyond Li-ion intercalation chemistry, metal-air cells, redox flow batteries, and regenerative fuel cells, using Lunar regolith and water as primary resources. For each technology, the talk will highlight where the study of “Lunar electrochemistry” must deviate from current terrestrial research to enable energy storage optimized for ISRU, rather than a simple transplant of Earth technology to Lunar application.

Lunar Resource Exploitation and Anticipated Risks During The Development of The Moon: Considering Selenological Aspects

Lunar Resource Exploitation and Anticipated Risks During The Development of The Moon: Considering Selenological Aspects

Lunar Regolith Geopolymer Concrete for In-Situ Construction of Lunar Bases: A Review.

The construction of lunar bases represents a fundamental challenge for deep space exploration, lunar research, and the exploitation of lunar resources. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology constitutes a pivotal tool for constructing lunar bases. Using lunar regolith to create geopolymers as construction materials offers multiple advantages as an ISRU technique. This paper discusses the principle of geopolymer for lunar regolith, focusing on the reaction principle of geopolymer. It also analyzes the applicability of geopolymer under the effects of the lunar surface environment and the differences between the highland and mare lunar regolith. This paper summarizes the characteristics of existing lunar regolith simulants and the research on the mechanical properties of lunar regolith geopolymers using lunar regolith simulants. Highland lunar regolith samples contain approximately 36% amorphous substances, the content of silicon is approximately 28%, and the ratios of Si/Al and Si/Ca are approximately 1.5 and 2.6, respectively. They are more suitable as precursor materials for geopolymers than mare samples. The compressive strength of lunar regolith geopolymer is mainly in the range of 18~30 MPa. Sodium silicate is the most commonly utilized activator for lunar regolith geopolymers; alkalinity in the range of 7% to 10% and modulus in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 are suitable. A vacuum environment and multiple temperature cycles reduce the mechanical properties of geopolymers by 8% to 70%. Future research should be concentrated on the precision control of the lunar regolith's chemical properties and the alkali activation efficacy of geopolymers in the lunar environment.

Radiator production for Pylon Fission Surface Power System through lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization

Background Fission Surface Power (FSP) is currently being considered by NASA for future lunar exploration and Ultra-Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) is developing their Pylon FSP system. Methods This paper introduces the system focusing on the materials used for its main components. It also analyses the lunar availability of the elements required to produce these components and suggests that In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) should be considered. Results As a result of the conducted analysis, it is concluded that since mass is the most important parameter when launching payload from Earth, the Pylon component with the largest mass should be considered further. The heaviest system component is the power system which, however, consists of many other components that are made from various materials. The second heaviest component is the radiator made of Titanium (Ti) metal heat pipes and Graphite Fiber Reinforced Composite (GFRC) face sheets with water as the working fluid. Since the production of Ti metal on the Moon is non-economical, Aluminum (Al) metal utilized for the International Space Station (ISS) is considered. Lunar infrastructure required to produce Al using ISRU is already available. Further analysis will be conducted in the future to look into laser 3D printing technologies. Lunar Resources Inc. is already developing techniques for Al extraction from regolith for the production of Al wires. Conclusions This research shows that all the required technologies already exist, and the next step will be to identify how the obtained Al can be manufactured into radiators. It will also be important to identify how much of the total radiator mass is Al metal to increase the fidelity of this analysis Future research will find the break-even point between the Pylon Ti radiators launched from Earth and the production of Al radiators on the Moon.

Establishing Standards for Lunar In Situ Resource Utilization Structural Materials

Lunar structures will be exposed to one of the most extreme environments that have ever been considered for human settlements. In situ, regolith-based materials are being proposed for construction on the moon, offering the benefit of reducing the cost of transporting large amounts of materials or prefabricated elements, and relying on the ability to transport mainly the equipment needed to construct landing pads, shelters, blast shields, habitats, roadways, etc. However, the properties of materials that are made, all or in part, from indigenous lunar resources are likely to change based on the make-up of the material, the location where it was taken from, the production processes, and time. No standards or building codes exist for the design and construction of infrastructure on the moon. Engineers will need dependable information about these materials before any design can be completed. Hard-won lessons from centuries of using similar resources on Earth need to be leveraged to develop the best procedures that will be critical for testing such materials for structural applications. Here we discuss the technical challenges of establishing such standards. Using the timely example of a landing pad on the moon, we identify the gaps in both knowledge and testing capabilities that exist today.

Quantitative sampling and thermal extraction of the lunar regolith for lunar volatile exploration: Method and validation

Water and other volatiles are present in the permanently shadowed region of the moon. Quantitative analysis of the content is of great significance for lunar resource assessment and geological evolution. However, no detector has yet carried out in situ analysis on the moon, and quantitative sampling and low-power thermal extraction of lunar regolith are also difficult. Thus, a systematic method is proposed to realize quantitative sampling & low power thermal extraction of lunar regolith that detects the abundances of volatiles more accurately. Considering the requirements of the amount and particle size of the regolith, a sampler with a specific structure and motions is designed to quantitatively collect some lunar regolith. After that, induction heating is applied to heat the sampler and indirectly increase the temperature of the internal lunar regolith for volatile thermal extraction. The results demonstrate that this sampling method can achieve high-quality quantitative sampling. Moreover, the sampler and sampled regolith can be heated to the desired temperature with low power consumption. This work offers a feasible solution for the lunar volatile exploration of Chang’E-7.

Research on the Material Performance and Forming Process of Lunar Regolith Simulant

Establishing a safe and sustainable lunar base on the moon is the foundation for human exploration and development activities. Due to the high transportation costs of the Earth Moon space, a large amount of construction materials are difficult to obtain from Earth. Therefore, how to utilize lunar resources for in-situ construction on the lunar surface has become the key challenge for the construction and operation of lunar base. Faced with special lunar simulant materials and extreme lunar environments, lunar construction faces a series of problems and challenges. This article conducted research on lunar regolith simulant and forming process, providing guidance for lunar surface construction.

Preliminary design of lunar high-resolution remote sensing micro-nano satellite

The development and utilization of lunar resources and the construction of lunar scientific research stations are important parts of China’s future lunar exploration plan. Aiming at the problems of China’s micro-nano satellites with low radiation resistance, lack of autonomous Earth-Moon transfer capability, and limited optical system volume and quality, a preliminary design scheme of a lunar remote sensing micro-nano satellite with autonomous Earth-Moon transfer capability is proposed. Using the analytical orbit average technology and transcription and collocation method to calculate the satellite’s Earth-Moon transfer orbit, the satellite can use the Hall thruster with large specific impulse and low thrust to realize the autonomous Earth-Moon transfer. The passive + active method is used to optimize the radiation resistance of the system, and the total radiation dose of some single machines can reach more than 25krad. A compact high-resolution multispectral camera is designed, and imaging simulation and verification are carried out. In the end, the satellite can achieve high-resolution imaging of the moon with a resolution of 0.2 m at an orbital height of 100 km to achieve the purpose of fine exploration of information such as lunar surface topography and geological structure.

Laser remelting of regolith in vacuum: Reducing porosity for enhanced lunar resource utilization

The use of lunar regolith, the powdery soil found on the Moon, is crucial for utilizing the Moon as a stepping stone for future space exploration. Laser beam melting of regolith on the lunar surface is a promising technique for constructing infrastructure on the Moon. When regolith simulants are melted using a laser beam under Earth’s atmosphere, the resulting samples are dense with a porosity below 5%. However, melting it under vacuum results in porosities of up to 75%. In order to enhance the mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy of the samples, it is necessary to develop an approach to reduce the porosities.Therefore, in this work, two-dimensionally manufactured samples, approximately 25 mm x 25 mm in size, made of solidified regolith simulant were remelted with a laser beam (wavelength: 940 nm and 980 nm) using laser powers of 100-150 W and a scanning speed of 1 mm/s under a vacuum of approximately 3 ∙ 10-3 mbar. The study found that remelting reduces the porosity of two-dimensional samples to 19% and that the laser power applied primarily influences the size of the remelted area. It was also observed that remelting resulted in thinner samples that exhibited partial translucency. The surface roughness was reduced by 77%, and the surface appeared smoother. The hardness of the samples remained unchanged.

Project Crescent – A Proposal to Build a Sustainable Moon Base

The proposed initiative, named "Project Crescent," delineates a comprehensive strategy for the creation of a sustainable Moon base, followed by the development of a permanent human settlement on the lunar surface. Organized into four distinct phases, the project initiates with scientific exploration, leveraging existing lunar mission data to inform future missions effectively. The second phase concentrates on the construction of temporary outposts, utilizing inflatable habitats and lunar resources to establish the foundational infrastructure for sustainable bases. Advancing into the third phase, the focus shifts to the establishment of permanent habitats with the overarching goal of achieving self-sufficiency through a combination of Earth trade, resource utilization, and engagement in economic ventures such as asteroid mining and energy production. The ultimate phase envisions the Moon base experiencing exponential growth, evolving into an independent and economically productive hub dedicated to scientific advancement and space exploration. Despite the inherent challenges associated with such a monumental undertaking, the authors posit that a Moon base represents a pivotal stride toward interplanetary civilization and is imperative for securing humanity's survival beyond the confines of Earth.

The Moon needs an international lunar resource prospecting campaign

The Moon is a highly valued destination for human space exploration because it is close and it contains a wide array of lunar and Solar System science targets, which include resources that could be used to sustain humans on the lunar surface. These resources have the potential to enable sustainable human space exploration, develop a vibrant cislunar economy, and directly benefit society here on Earth. However, recent rhetoric about the importance and value of these resources has used the term as if we know they are reserves. An immediate and vital next step has not yet been realized to define the reserve potential of such resources, and that is designing and implementing a coordinated international lunar resource evaluation (prospecting) campaign. This paper outlines the issues that need to be addressed by such a campaign, including why it needs to be international in nature and how the coordination can be started and evolved, as well as exploring the benefits that would come from prospecting on the Moon.

Radar Perspective of the Aristarchus Pyroclastic Deposit and Implications for Future Missions

The Aristarchus plateau represents one of the most complex volcanic provinces on the lunar surface and is host to the largest pyroclastic deposit on the Moon. Lunar pyroclastic deposits offer a window into the Moon’s interior and represent a valuable resource to support a sustained human presence. We present a new analysis of the Aristarchus pyroclastic deposit using Mini-RF bistatic radar data at wavelengths of 4.2 and 12.6 cm. Building on previous Earth-based Arecibo Observatory radar studies at 12.6 and 70 cm, we place further constraints on the spatial extent of the pyroclastic deposit and investigate the clast size distribution and provenance of foreign material distributed within the formation. Concentrations of blocky material >0.5 cm in diameter and suspended within the upper decimeters of the pyroclastic deposit are associated with potential buried mare flows along the rim of Vallis Schröteri and discrete pockets of primary material ejected by the Aristarchus impact. Unraveling the deposit from nonpyroclastic materials and the surrounding landscape creates new constraints with which to reconstruct the volcanic history of the region. From a future mission perspective, the identification of primary Aristarchus material distributed across the plateau offers an opportunity to sample diverse volcanic lithologies within an area that could be sampled by a single Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission. In terms of lunar resource in situ utilization, such ejected material also represents a contaminant; thus, radar data provide an invaluable tool to identify pristine pyroclastic material for mission planners.

Unlocking Lunar Resources Responsibly: Analysing Common Heritage of Mankind Principles in the Context of Lunar Mining Under the Moon Agreement

This paper explores lunar resource extraction and the challenges posed by the Common Heritage of Mankind (CHM) principles. It suggests a balanced framework that combines CHM with property rights, international oversight, and equitable benefit sharing to encourage responsible lunar resource utilization.