Table Of Content

' 93-16874 (2/ Issues for Further Study Hubert Davis Overview identify the most important advancements intechnology The mind-expanding nature of our needed to establish or enhance the future activities beyond Earth leads merit of the concept. (The map of to a plentiful flow of new ideas and a lunar outpost illustrates the major improvements on earlier application of another kind of concepts. The recent discovery of systematic study, known as numerous Earth-crossing asteroids, "general living systems" theory for example, adds greatly to the and analysis.) magnitude and diversity of the material resources in space of Ideally, as needs change and new which we are aware. However, a concepts and data become serious question arises. Does available, the "baseline" scenario there exist any orderly process should be revised to incorporate for gaining general awareness of some of the new ideas. When these new ideas or for evaluating that occurs, the technology their importance to society? development of the newly Membership in a specific academic, incorporated approaches should government, or industrial group, actively begin to remove residual coupled with persistence and uncertainties. But the effort eloquence, are today's means of should, in most cases, stop short hearing and being heard. These of "prototyping." mechanisms may not, however, be the optimal means for flushing out It is very important to remain as and eventually implementing the generic or flexible as practical in best new ideas. order to be ready to adapt the scenarios and associated One small step toward achieving technologies to changes in the the goal of preserving for use the social norms, political climate, and best of the suggested new economic health of the nation. concepts is the "systems study" approach. In this approach, To further complicate matters, a set of future needs and a once a new "baseline" scenario is straightforward means of satisfying accepted for testing of new these needs are described in concepts, earlier conclusions must quantitative terms as a "scenario." also be reexamined since former This scenario is then set forth as a "new" ideas that were earlier benchmark case for testing the rejected may be found to be highly relative merit of new, alternative desirable given the new scenario. means of meeting one or more of these needs. This systems Some formalized means should be approach should be used to assess found for establishing, testing and the merits of new concepts and to refining, utilizing and maintaining 41 .... Communication .L..:.- ..... ...-............. Landing .... linkdE] E_ AV Recreation ....:i: & launch Access" ' -__.._JI f-_ _, _ .dC'._.L.-__ _-_-_ laboratories, galley. ..:-:.: _ "_z..... _ ....... 2_ \\ sto age _ _/ '?'i":i:::_:::; Manufac_[iringL_ -: "_ _ ,//' , Manuiac!u_n_ "_ _,_ _/ Materials_rr_essing ,"_ ._ _. iSPot00) '_,Lunar.rover :I 1,1._-_--------/ y __ storage 'I ": : : "_"_il" ; Luca_ m_es Lunar Outpost Map _ EllIZ:; Living Systems Theory _ P_l"f°"'l_" 42 Lunar Outpost Map Subsystems Genera/riving systems theory is a Matter-Energy & Information conceptual integration of biological and social approaches to the study of living Reproducer ,,_ =_== Boundary systems. Uving systems are open systems that input, process, and output Ma tter-Energy Information matter and energy, as well as information Ingestor ,_ Input which guides and controls all their parts. transducer Inhuman organizations, in addition to matter and energy flows, there are flows I_ Itnratenrsndaulcer of personnel, which involve both matter and energy but also include information Distributor E_ Canhdannneetl stored in each person's memory. There Q Timer are two b/pes of information flows in organizations: human and machine Converter Decoder communications and money or money equivalents. Twen_/ subsystem processes dealing with these flows are Producer <_> Associator essential for survival of systems at all levels. Mstoartategre-energy 8 0 Memory The general procedure for analyzing such O Decider systems is to map them in two- or three- dimensional space. This map of a lunar Encoder outpost indicates its subsystems and the major flows within it. Such an analysis Output would take into account the primary EMxottrourder [_]_IP[_# V transducer needs of human systems--foraging for food and other necessary forms of matter Supporter and energy; feeding; fighting against environmental threats and stresses; fleeing from environmental dangers; and, in organizations which provide a comfortable, long-term habitat, perhaps reproducing the species. This study would analyze the effects on human social and individual behavior of such factors as weightlessness or I/6 graylY/; limited oxygen and water supplies; extreme temperatures; available light, heat, and power; varying patterns of light and dark," and so forth. A data bank or handbook could be developed of the values of multiple variables in each of the 20 subsystems of such a social system. 43 Lunar Resource Utilization a baseline scenario of long-range space activities and of supporting, Resource Prospecting refereeing, and reviewing the application of this scenario in Early priority should be given to an system studies of new concepts. automated lunar polar spacecraft to This process was begun by perform a global survey of the NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Moon with instruments appropriate Space Technology (OAST) in the to detect the presence, location, mid-1970s, but it was abandoned and concentration of useful in the late 1970s because of materials. This mission may have budgetary constraints and the to be repeated or extended to press of nearer term needs, as follow up on areas of particular scientific and economic interest. perceived by NASA management. Total cost to NASA of restoring and enhancing these efforts would Lunar Assay be only 0.01-0.02 percent of Automated surface rovers, with NASA's yearly budget.* the capabilities of coring, assaying materials, and possibly returning • Sincethisreportwasdrafted,significant samples to Earth, should be sent long-termplanningactMties havebeen out to gather data. This activity undertaken,initiatedbytheworkofthe should be completed several years NationalCommissiononSpace. The before final commitment is made to commission'sreport,Pioneering the the location of the initial lunar Space Frontier, isavailablefromBantam Press. base. (See figure 26.) Figure 26 Lunokhod 1andApollo 17Rover a. Automatedvehicles rovingover another planetary bodywere first used intheearly 1970sbytheSovietsontheirLunokhod missions. Theselunokhodswere capable oftravelingtens ofkilometers atspeeds upto2krn/hr. Theywere runfroma Sowetcontrol center bya crew offive- commander, driver, navigator,operator, andonboard-systemsengineer. Thecrew used television images andsystems readouts todriveandoperate the vehicles. The/unokhodscarried several scientific instruments,includinganx-ray fluorescence spectrometer for determining thechemical compositionof lunarrego/ith. Lunokhod1traveledabout 10kmandLunokhod2traveled37kin, each overaperiod ofmonths. 44 Lunar Mining Thus, the effect of lunar mining on the environment willhave to be Mining the Moon willpresent new carefully evaluated before mining challenges. Surface mining will begins. probably be the norm, although subsurface mining may be Process Development necessary in some cases. The movement of large amounts of Ideasfor getting oxygen from lunar material will degrade the scientific materials have been generated utility of the mining site, alter its since the 1960s and '70s.* Now, appearance, and release gases into preliminarydesign studies and the tenuous lunar atmosphere. process engineering should "See, for example, Rosenberg, S. D.; G.A. Guter; and F. E. Miller. 1964. The On-Site Manufacture ofPropellant Oxygen Utilizing Lunar Resources. Chem. Eng. Prog. 62:228-234. Rosenberg, S. D.; G. A. Guter; and F. E. Miller. 1965. Manufacture of Oxygen from Lunar Materials. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 123:1106-1122. McKay, David S., and Richard J. Williams. 1979. A Geologic Assessment of Potential Lunar Ores. In Space Resources and Space Settlements, NASA SP-428, pp. 243-255. Rao, D.Bhogeswara; U.V. Choudary; T. E. Erstfeld; R.J. Williams; and Y. A. Chang. 1979. Extraction Processes for the Production of Aluminum, Titanium, Iron, Magnesium, and Oxygen from Nonterrestrial Sources. In Space Resources and Space Settlements, NASA SP-428, pp. 257-274. b. The Rover was used on Apollo missions t5, 16, and I7. Here, the Apollo 17 Rover is seen near the Lunar Module. While not intended for automated operations, the basic rover systems (motors, power, communication, TV, steering and control) could easily be adapted to unmanned exploration traverses. Experience gained in the design and operation of the Apollo Rover, combined with the Soviet Lunokhod experience, will provide a basis for future lunar and martian rover designs. 45 beperformetdoderivea confident design of an operational comprehensivpelaninvolving chemical plant. laboratoreyxperimentation, benchtesting,andpilotplant Ancillary Equipment developmenfotrthepurposeof Development testing,developinga,ndrefining thebeneficiatioanndfeedstock Equipment for automated mobility; conversionstepsnecessaryto solidmaterial conveyance; produceusefulproductsfrom feedstock material insertionand lunarregolithmaterial.(See extraction (intoand from the figure27.) Thisplanshould converter); water vapor permitexaminatioannd condensation; electrolysis; quantificatioonftheoptimal gaseous oxygen andhydrogen conversionpressuret,emperature, refinement, movement, and andconcentrationco, nversion storage; oxygen liquefaction; liquid efficiencye,nergyrequirements, oxygen storage and transport; heatrejectionc,atalystsc,arrier and other purposes must be fluid consumption, and the conceptualized, designed, tested, scale effects so as to allow and developed for the minimum ecycle hydrogen Figure 27 Oxygen From Lunar Ilmenite /n this concept for a lunar oxygen plant, i/menite (FeTi03) isconcentrated from lunar rego/ith and then fed into a three- stage ftuidized bed. In the upper stage, F-1 the ilmenite concentrate is preheated by hot hydrogen passing through the Fluidized powdered i/menite. The hot i/menite then r bed goes into the second stage, which is the reactor main reactor bed. Here, even hotter k, [_ Oversize "-/ rejection hydrogen reacts with the i/menite, extracting one oxygen atom from each %, i/menite molecule, forming/-/20, metallic Makeup heat Heat iron (Fe), and Ti02. The H20 and excess hydrogen are extracted and circulated k, _Benefication %, through an e/ectro/yzer, which breaks Lunar iL__ _ ReactorIX down the H20. The released oxygen is regotith \ , _ _" _feed . then cooled, compressed, and stored as T_lings \A \ Spent liquefied oxygen. The spent feedstock solids enters the third stage, where heat is A I extracted by hydrogen gas before the A_ Surface minino __ spent material is dumped from the reactor. 46 of human intervention. (See can quantify performance, life, and figure 28.) cost factors. Numerous technology developments will be needed before A virtue of these activities is that we can confidently begin full-scale each of these elements is development. The key technologies individually a rather straightforward of these vehicles appear to be the application of advanced automatic following. or teleoperative technology. And with the appropriate mix of this High performance oxygen/ technology and the human element, hydrogen rocket engine: A new- the optimal manufacturing capacity generation rocket engine will be can be placed on the Moon. needed early. It should generate higher specific impulse than current engines (480-490 sec, as compared Development of Space to 446 sec for the RL-10), produce Transportation Equipment a thrust of approximately 7500 Ibf, Large, automated orbital transfer provide moderate throttling vehicles and lunar landing vehicles capability, and be designed for long must be better defined before we life with maintenance in space. Figure 28 Ancillary Equipment at a Lunar Base This/unar base sketch illustrates some of the ancillary systems that are necessary for a productive lunar base. The sketch includes a mining system, a processing plant, a construction-block-making unit, a solar power generator, a buried habitat and agricultural unit with solar lighting reflector, automated materials handling equipment, cryogenic storage tanks, surface transportation vehicles, communication antennas, and a rocket system for transportation to lunar orbit• All of these systems require technology development. 47 Owingtotheserequirementas,n many uncertainties, including advancedspaceenginewillhave aerobraking equipment mass, must tobedesignedforaveryhigh be resolved before aerobraking is chambeprressure(1500-200p0sia) practiced. (See figure 31.) andahighexpansiornatio Advanced concepts in guidance, (2000:1).(Seefigure29.) navigation, and control will need investigation, particularly for uses Cryogenic propellant handling and that involve higher velocity return to preservation: The ability to store, Earth orbit. Early Shuttle-launched transfer, measure, and condition test missions should be considered. cryogenic fluids (including liquid oxygen, hydrogen, and argon) Advanced composite structures: with zero loss requires extensive Overall spacecraft systems design development and testing. (See using advanced composite figure 30.) structures requires data on micrometeoroid impact effects, Aerobraking technology: Although cryogenic fluid compatibility, theoretically very attractive for equipment attachment, inspection returning payloads to LEO, and repair, and other aspects. I iII III iI III iOxygen _ump ombustor i Figure 29 I iNozzle Advanced Engine I New,highperformance engines for orbital transfer vehicles mustbe developed. Here is anoxygen-hydrogen engine concept developed byAerojet TechSystemsCompany specificallyfor useinareusable orbital transfer vehicle designedtoshuttlebetween low Earth orbit and either geosynchronous Earth orbit or lunar orbit. 48 Figure 30 Cryogenics Technology must be developed and tested for complex space operations. Here is a sketch of a proposed cryogenic fluid management experiment, which will test on the Shuttle orbiter some of the necessary equipment to transport, transfer, measure, and store cryogenic fluids in space. This technology is needed to make reusable orbital transfer vehicles and lunar landers practical. Cryogenic handling technology is also critical to future space operations that make use of lunar-provided rocket propellant. Figure 31 Aerobraking Technology Aerobraking technology must be developed before efficient transfer can be made from lunar or geosynchronous orbit to low Earth orbit. AerobrakJng is also necessary for any Mars return mission, whether manned or unmanned. Without aerobraking, considerable rocket propellant must be used to slow down a spacecraft coming toward the Earth. Here is an aerobrake on an orbital transfer vehicle returning from lunar orbit. Theaerobrake uses friction with the Earth's uppermost atmosphere to slow down the vehicle and divert it to a low Earth orbit. This procedure requires a combination of very heat resistant brake surfaces, precisely known aerodynamic properties, and very careful trajectory and attitude control. Artist." Pat Rawlings 49 Operations technology: The infant cost-savings potential of these art and science of maintaining, vehicles over expendable vehicles. servicing, storing, and checking out complex space vehicles (both Debris control, collection, and manned and automated) whose recycling: Our future operations in entire service life is spent in the space must not litter. Active space environment requires measures are needed to prevent nurturing. (See figure 32.) Many littering. A plan of action is facets of this problem require needed to remove discarded both hardware and software objects from valuable space "real development. A design goal of estate." (See figure 33.) And the operations technology must be technology for recycling waste efficiency. Current operation materials in space needs to be procedures for the Space Shuttle developed. The Shuttle external are so costly that, if applied tank represents a resource in directly to reusable orbital transfer space which can be employed-- vehicles, they could invalidate the perhaps early in the space station Figure 32 _= Space Servicing As the hardware for complex space operations is developed, the technology for maintaining complex hardware in space must also be developed. Here is a General Dynamics concept for a space hangar and maintenance facility associated with the space station. This facility can be used to refuel, service, and repair the orbital transfer vehicle shown in the foreground. L 5O