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Relevant Environment Additive Construction Technology (REACT-ACO)
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Description
This project is focused on the development, optimization, and characterization of a realistic simulated lunar regolith composite through subscale test printing under simulated lunar conditions. A sustained lunar presence will require ISRU based infrastructure to mitigate access and operational risks to enable a vibrant lunar economy and enhance scientific discovery.The regolith polymer composite, 3D printable ISRU material, is formulated for optimum performance in a lunar environment. Formulation for optimum performance includes testing several regolith/polymer compositions as well as performing mechanical, thermal and off-gassing characterization on 3D printed coupons. Development of ISRU based construction technologies for infrastructure such as shelters, blast protection, landing pads, roads and habitats, as well as,architectural and structural design (BIM LOD 300) of a 3D printable unpressurized protective shelter will be completed to mitigate environmental hazards such as radiation, thermal gradients, meteoroid impacts, moonquakes, and plume surface interaction ejecta. The intent is to mature this technology by exercising it in simulated lunar conditions and building a sub-scale unpressurized protective shelter. The project will inform requirements for large scale lunar ISRU additive construction systems, materials, and concepts of operation.Project Goals and Objectives include:To demonstrate construction of a civil engineered, unpressurized, protective shelter in simulated Lunar Dirty Thermal Vacuum (DTVAC) conditions using Regolith-Polymer Composites (RPC) in a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) additive process. Develop regolith-polymer composites and characterize material/strength properties achieved under DTVAC. Develop the shelter’s architectural and structural design based on protective needs, design criteria established from environmental conditions, and validation/optimization using terrestrial industry techniques. Demonstrate additive construction of a sub-scale protective shelter in simulated lunar conditions.
Benefits
A critical component of the Artemis Program and eventual sustainable human presence on the Moon and Mars is the on-surface construction of infrastructure. Civil structures such as launch/landing pads, dust protection, radiation shelters, foundations, roads and more will be needed to support mission objectives. REACT is developing technology to construct these structures using in-situ materials and polymers. Increasing the scale of REACT will allow infrastructure to be 3D printed on the Moon and Mars to protect astronauts and equipment from the lunar environment and enable a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. Furthermore, the development and testing of materials (polymers and strength testing) for lifecycle considerations would assist in furture maturation of both lunar and potential terrestrial technologies. This project reaffirms NASA's mission to develop technologies for Space exploration and to improve life on Earth and would mature towards CLPS lunar demonstration via follow on ACO, Tipping Point, and/or Flight Projects.
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > Mission Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Supportability > Surface Construction and Assembly |
| Program | Game Changing Development (GCD) |
| Lead organization | AI SpaceFactory, Inc., Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2021-01-15 |
| End date | 2023-10-13 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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