William Atkins
Thursday, 09 April 2009 20:37
Science -
Space
Page 2 of 3
The second and third differences involve the lunar base itself, and the robots that NASA will use on the Moon.
LUNAR BASE
Second, the outer skin of the Apollo lunar lander was
“… as thin as two sheets of aluminum foil.” [NASA]
It was sufficient for a few days on the Moon. But, with NASA’s intent to stay on the Moon for a week at the beginning and then for months at a time, such aluminum-foil technology is not enough to protect astronauts from the damaging effects of radiation.
NASA states,
“When they return to base, these future lunar explorers will need a home that can provide air, water, food, and protection from harmful radiation for months. The Apollo lander's thin skin wouldn't shield enough of the radiation that pervades space to protect astronauts' health for that long. And the astronauts are going to need much larger power systems, life-support equipment, and living and working spaces to be able to fulfill their mission.”
“So EDTP is developing inflatable habitats that will balloon up to full size after arriving on the Moon, as well as techniques to make durable materials out of the lunar regolith (lunar soil). Surrounding the habitat with thick layers of a regolith-based material would provide excellent radiation shielding for the occupants inside.”
EDTP is NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program. The
EDTP "
... develops new technologies
that will enable NASA to conduct future human exploration missions, while
reducing mission risk and cost."
NASA adds more in its article “
Camping on the Moon Will Be One Far Out Experience.”
ROBOTS
Third, when the Apollo astronauts needed to move something on the Moon they had to do it themselves. With extended missions on the Moon, the astronauts for the Constellation program will have heavy equipment robots to move and lift things for them. One such robot is the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE).
Page three continues with more on robots, and talks about the lunar rovers, too.
