2024-03-31 10:57:08
After the use, or even in addition, of vehicles or habitable modules, space agencies are working on realistic scenarios of seeing several hard lunar bases established in the near future thanks to technological advances and growing interest in exploration. lunar. But, if there is little doubt regarding the feasibility of these housing projects, future “builders” are wondering regarding the material(s) best suited for the construction of these works.
A wide variety of materials to build lunar habitats
Today, there is not yet a clear consensus on the materials that might or will be used for the construction of lunar habitats. However, several options are being considered, such as the use of lunar regolith, lunar concrete made from these materials or even inflatable structures. These different technologies are being developed and studied by various space agencies with the aim of making lunar dwellings more safe, durable and efficient, regardless of the materials used. Note also that several private companies have initiated lunar habitat projects using these materials.
Additive manufacturing, more commonly called 3D printing3D printing, is also considered in the creation of lunar habitats, mainly for long-lasting structures. Using this technology would reduce costs, save time and optimize materials used to build lunar bases.
The challenge of additive manufacturing
There are different printing materials that can be used for 3D printing on the Moon, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Some of the commonly proposed materials include lunar regolith, carbon fiber reinforced polymers, and metal composites. Each of these materials has its own characteristics in terms of strength, lightness, durability, and ease of use in a lunar environment. Depending on the specific needs of lunar habitats and environmental constraints, certain materials may be more suitable than others. Research and testing continues to determine the best material for 3D printing on the Moon.
ESA prepares for post-Artemis with these lunar habitation concepts
It is therefore in this context that Stratasys and Northrop Grumman Corporation will test the performance of 3D printing materials on the Moon. These tests will be carried out during the first evaluation mission of the Space Science Technology Evaluation Facility (SSTEF-1) from Aegis Aerospace, as part of the program Tipping Point of NasaNasa, and whose mission is to provide R&D services to the surface of the Moon. SSTEF-1 is interested in developing technologies for space infrastructure and capabilities on the Moon and in near-Earth space.
As part of this lunar mission, planned for 2025, Stratasys will provide 3D printed samples that will be transported to the lunar surface aboard a lander in a carrier structure 3D printed by Stratasys. Three materials will be the subject of two different experiments carried out by Northrop Grumman.
Constraints specific to the lunar environment
The first experiment will seek to evaluate the performance of a sample printed in Antero® 800NA FDM® filament from Stratasys reinforced with tungsten and tungsten. Antero 800NA is a high performance PEKK-based thermoplastic thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties, high chemical resistance and low outgassing levels. The addition of tungsten is intended to provide protection once morest harmful radiation, including gamma rays and x-rays.
The second passive experiment is designed to evaluate the behavior of certain 3D printing materials in space. Among these is the Antero 840CN03 FDM filament, compatible with electronic components due to its ESD properties, and which was used on the Orion Orion spacecraft. Experimentation will also focus on a new ESD photopolymer manufactured by Stratasys partner Henkel for use with Stratasys’ Origin® One 3D printers and designed for high-temperature environments. The 3D printing material samples will be exposed to lunar dust, as well as low pressures that can cause outgassing, and rapid temperature variations resulting from the Moon’s near-absence of atmosphere.
The floor to Foster Ferguson, Global Director, Aerospace, Stratasys.
Futura: What sizes are the samples that will be tested on the Moon?
Foster Ferguson: The samples to be tested are simple 1″ x 1″ x 0.1″ squares. This sample size allows us to test more materials than we would with larger test tubes, while still collecting all the data we need.
Futura: Why test materials on the Moon rather than on Earth in lunar simulators?
It’s always best to test in the real environment, if possible, and with Northrop we had that opportunity.
Futura: Can you clarify what you mean by “evaluating performance” and “behavior” in the press release?
Foster Ferguson: Actually, we think there will be construction on the Moon. The lunar surface is very different from what we have on Earth, with extreme conditions that will impact materials. The goal of this experiment will be to see how these 3D printed materials hold up under these conditions. Will they withstand extreme temperature changes? Are we seeing adequate radiation protection performance? We already know from previous testing outside the International Space Station that these materials can withstand space. Now we need to understand how well they will perform on a lunar surface.
Futura: Is there a consensus on printing materials that might be used on the Moon? Will they be used for lunar habitats?
Foster Ferguson: That’s what we’re trying to find out. Can these materials withstand conditions specific to the Moon? We think so, but the best way to be sure is to place these materials in the environment and observe them.
Futura: Do you plan to use 3D printing to build structures on the Moon using available local resources?
Foster Ferguson: There is a goal of building structures on the Moon, and we believe one of the most cost-effective ways to do that would be through 3D printing. From a materials perspective there are options and we are currently looking at Antero materials. The Moon’s soil is also being considered for materials for 3D printing, but we’re not there yet.
Futura: What is the launch date of the mission?
Foster Ferguson: The date has not yet been set, but we are considering it for early 2025.
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