Lunar Shelter Construction Issues (2022-03)¶

The next step for the exploration of space seems to require the human participation by means of a long-lasting lunar outpost. Therefore, this paper attempts to review the up-to-date knowledge regarding prominent issues surrounding the construction stage of a permanent base on the Moon in the light of the 3D printing process. In this context, a number of significant and specific issues are presented and discussed in a detailed manner to determine both the state-of-the-art position of the related literature and the relevant fields for improvement and implications. As a result, the use of heterogeneous and collective swarms of ground robots through a decentralized approach seems reasonable for the 3D printing tasks. However, as it is an emerging technology, it has to be improved further and tested in a terrestrial context as well as on the Moon. In this regard, it is a must to investigate precisely if the solar energy will be adequate for the operation of robots during preparation, transportation, and printing processes of local and Earth-based construction materials. In terms of structural needs, a composite shelter, including (i) an inner inflatable shell with a three-layer membrane, (ii) an outer concrete layer with regolith, polymer, and reinforcing fibers, and (iii) an outermost shield with raw regolith, will likely be viable. However, sieving and binding issues during the preparation phase of concrete under vacuum and microgravity conditions must be solved efficiently.