Manned Outpost Research Articles

Preliminary results on the dynamics of large and flexible space structures in Halo orbits

The global exploration roadmap suggests, among other ambitious future space programmes, a possible manned outpost in lunar vicinity, to support surface operations and further astronaut training for longer and deeper space missions and transfers. In particular, a Lagrangian point orbit location - in the Earth- Moon system - is suggested for a manned cis-lunar infrastructure; proposal which opens an interesting field of study from the astrodynamics perspective. Literature offers a wide set of scientific research done on orbital dynamics under the Three-Body Problem modelling approach, while less of it includes the attitude dynamics modelling as well. However, whenever a large space structure (ISS-like) is considered, not only the coupled orbit-attitude dynamics should be modelled to run more accurate analyses, but the structural flexibility should be included too. The paper, starting from the well-known Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem formulation, presents some preliminary results obtained by adding a coupled orbit-attitude dynamical model and the effects due to the large structure flexibility. In addition, the most relevant perturbing phenomena, such as the Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP) and the fourth-body (Sun) gravity, are included in the model as well. A multi-body approach has been preferred to represent possible configurations of the large cis-lunar infrastructure: interconnected simple structural elements - such as beams, rods or lumped masses linked by springs - build up the space segment. To better investigate the relevance of the flexibility effects, the lumped parameters approach is compared with a distributed parameters semi-analytical technique. A sensitivity analysis of system dynamics, with respect to different configurations and mechanical properties of the extended structure, is also presented, in order to highlight drivers for the lunar outpost design. Furthermore, a case study for a large and flexible space structure in Halo orbits around one of the Earth-Moon collinear Lagrangian points, L1 or L2, is discussed to point out some relevant outcomes for the potential implementation of such a mission.

Robotics for lunar surface exploration

The robotic payload suite (including robotics for mobility and for manipulation) studied by ESA for a potential Moon landing mission is used here as a practical example, for the analysis of system-level issues. Mission and system requirements dictate lunar robotics design in terms of functions and operations, and of constraints (in terms of system resources and environment). The balance of autonomy and telepresence which is adopted is another major factor affecting robotics design, the issues at stake being the impact on technology development and operational costs, the impact on operational capabilities, the impact on the mission outreach to the public at large, the evolution toward a manned outpost (with task sharing between crew and robots), and the continuity and evolution from space station robotics. Also, the place of robotics in the system “in situ” infrastructure is of relevance, regarding the role of robotics in supporting the infrastructure, and, vice versa, the need for the infrastructure to support robotics not “ruggedised” for the extreme environment. It is evident that considerable room is available for a growth of robotics, even from the very first lunar surface missions at the beginning of the next century, in terms of “smart” innovations which can provide solutions to the issues outlined above.

Analytical definition and proposed concept for the manned infrastructure of a lunar outpost

A recent study made by ESA has reviewed the scientific investigations to be only, or best, performed on the Moon (Return to the Moon, ESA SP-1150, June 1992), and has identified the need for a manned lunar outpost to provide support to field geologists in sampling and in-situ observations of the lunar surface, and to allow the refurbishments of surface stations and rovers. Planning and development for a manned outpost on the Moon requires an in-depth understanding and analysis of the functions this outpost is expected to perform. We therefore analyzed the impact of the proposed scientific investigations on the design of a manned lunar outpost. The specific questions raised in our study were: What are the medical, physiological and psychological risks for a crew to stay and to work on the Moon? What transit and lunar surface infrastructures (habitats and vehicles) are needed to minimize those risks?

Possibilities of lunar polar orbiter

It appears very likely that early next century a lunar base and a manned outpost on Mars will be established through international collaboration to explore and utilize the Moon and Mars. In order to contribute to these projects, National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has conducted the preliminary studies. As for the lunar projects, possibilities of a lunar polar orbiter (LPO), robotic rover, and sample return mission have been investigated. This paper describes the concept of the LPO based on the H-II rocket and earth observation technology of Japan. The LPO will map the global surface, especially the polar region and the farside of the Moon from 100 km lunar polar orbit and send the precise images of various wave length, acquired by onboard sensors to the Earth. The primary purpose of the LPO is to identify global and local structures of lunar resources and topography and to search for a suitable site for the lunar base.

Moon Park -A Research and Educational Facility

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.