Design and Implementation Tools for Lunar Surface Regolith Structure Construction

The proposed and executed innovation is a software analysis toolset that can inform basic structural archetype requirements and construction methods and their quantitative capabilities. This tool considers a variety of design requirements including surface flatness, obstacle mitigation, relative density (compaction), gradient, size, location/orientation, expected loads, minimal energy consumption, etc. There is an inherent need for analysis tools like this to advance the infrastructure development and overall capability set of lunar surface exploration. These infrastructure features include foundations, landing pads, roadbeds, berms, ramps, trenches, excavations, and protected compaction structures. These structures are analyzed using designs and design methodologies for selecting and building necessary bulk regolith structures; test results informing the decisions and assumptions within the methodologies; and a construction system plan and concept of operations (CONOPS). Following completion of the REGOWORKS 2.0 in Phase II and its calibration with certain experimental compaction and other data, the tool will be used to simulate the preparation of a lunar landing pad construction CONOPS which will be compared to the lunar surface site preparation experimental work that is being performed for the LuSTR21 grant by LO and MTU. REGOWORKS 2.0 data will be validated against real-world performance tests that will complete hardware-in-the-loop tests for regolith compaction. Once the tool is validated and grounded from these tests, it will be used for design and analysis in CAD and later prototyped to interface with existing Lunar Outpost robotic systems to test the capabilities to create compacted layers of regolith needed for all the site preparation structures. The proposed tools represent a foundational capability for establishing a range of future lunar structures. As the United States strategizes its return of humans to the Moon per Space Policy Directive One, key infrastructure must be established across launch/landing pads, structural foundations for utilities and habitats, roads for reliable surface logistics, berms for environmental protection, and other infrastructure [1]. Infrastructure is key to achieving a sustainable human presence and a vibrant cislunar economy, and the proposed tools and infrastructure services will support NASA and commercial entities’ ability to effectively plan and execute on developing future lunar bases and cities. 1. Complete REGOWORKS Design and Analysis Tool Version 2.0 to predict the CONOPS and requirements for lunar surface construction processes 2. Utilize data gained from existing Lunar Outpost and Michigan Technical University LuSTR and Break the Ice rover demonstrations to correlate REGOWORKS data outputs 3. Complete the preliminary design and prototype of optimized compaction tools oriented toward lunar construction tasks, based on findings from the REGOWORKS software. • Proposed Deliverables REGOWORKS Design and Analysis Tool Version 2.0: Interim calibration reports from existing demonstrations that have been leveraged to optimize the REGOWORKS tool. Design Requirements and Guidelines Report for lunar structure design. Rover attachment design and preliminary analyses and test results.
Benefits: The proposed capability addresses NASA’s Moon-to-Mars Strategy by establishing infrastructure capabilities for lunar power generation and distribution, communications architectures, precision landing capabilities, local/regional/global surface transportation and mobility, surface depots, in-situ construction techniques, lunar habitats, and other capabilities tied to NASA’s Artemis program. REGOWORKS will help commercial industry establish infrastructure critical for a vibrant lunar economy. The proposed technology and tools may support crewed and robotic missions in the coming decade through improved safety, more sustainable infrastructure, mission precursor risk reduction techniques, and expanded architectural designs for surface infrastructure.