Lunar Lava Tubes for Segmented Base Architecture on the Moon

Claire L. Pedersen, Aleksandar Antonic, Farah M. Alqaraghuli, Riley E. Mayes, Jekan Thangavelautham

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The Moon offers new resources and ease of accessibility, with its subsurface lava tubes that can provide appropriate shelter for new infrastructure. Their unique attributes make lava tubes an ideal place to house hardened shelters and refuges that would be accessed from the surface and utilized in case of any emergency. Further, the lunar lava tubes could be a repository for data that would otherwise be under threat on Earth. Utilizing a lava tube, a base could be segmented with some portions being accessible to the surface, while others are shielded by 100 m of regolith. This paper will analyze the unique contributions made possible by lunar lava tubes for lunar support facilities. Throughout this study, three lava tube structural concepts will be analyzed: a Lunar Computing and Data Center, an Astronaut Refuge and Warehouse, and a Lunar Command Center.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEarth and Space 2024
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering for Extreme Environments - Proceedings of the 19th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
EditorsRamesh B. Malla, Justin D. Littell, Sudarshan Krishnan, Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos, Nipesh Pradhananga, Seung Jae Lee
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages663-675
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9780784485736
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Event19th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments, Earth and Space 2024 - Miami, United States
Duration: Apr 15 2024Apr 18 2024

Publication series

NameEarth and Space 2024: Engineering for Extreme Environments - Proceedings of the 19th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments

Conference

Conference19th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments, Earth and Space 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami
Period4/15/244/18/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Environmental Engineering

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