Construction Equipment for Lunar Surface Operations
Abstract
Future endeavors in space will be shaped by the concept of extraterrestrial surface bases. The lunar environment presents an extraordinary challenge in designing equipment and machinery to operate during lunar exploration missions and to construct a lunar base or early outpost. Because familiar terrestrial machines are so large, it is prohibitively expensive to move them to the moon. Also, they could not accomplish all the required work tasks. The objective of this study was to create conceptual models of equipment and machines suitable for operation on the surface of the moon. This report presents the design concepts for five machine vibrations and eight implements for mobility, lifting, digging, etc. The implements may be regarded as somewhat universal since they may be used with most of the machine concepts described. It is recommended that information in this report be integrated into mission planning documents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA243665
Entities
People
- Alvin Smith
- James W. Brazell
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory