Lunar Surface Site Preparation for Landing/Launch Pad and Blast Shield Construction

This proposal builds on our NASA funded prototype BrickBot for technology demonstration as the first step in creating a BrickLayer system for building a lunar Launch/Landing Pad (LLP). The BrickLayer uses feedstock of raw regolith to produce bricks in a single-step lunar regolith melting, brick forming and placement method without use of grouts or mortar for landing pad creation, or for any flat hardened surface area such as roads or foundations. To enable the brickmaking process, our proposed innovation is a multi-step process of regolith works executed by multiple machines operating autonomously or in remote control mode with step sequencing/timing to enable machine-to-machine collaboration. The process includes construction system components using two separate mobility platform types, one for landing zone site preparation and another for LLP production. The site preparation platform employs a versatile autonomous, single, compact, robotic rover for interchangeable tool implements: (a) tool for bulk sieving of large rocks from the site, (b) excavator drum bucket, derived from the NASA developed Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations (RASSOR) and with hauler serves a dual function of excavation and supplying regolith feedstock for the BrickLayer, (c) site leveling tool, and (d) vibrating compaction roller. The LLP production platform is a variation of the All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE), a six-legged robotic lunar rover developed by NASA. The ATHLETE platform functions interchangeably for our Bricklayer production system and our Regolith Particle Acquisition and Containment (RegoPAC) system, utilized for LLP blast shield construction.

Reliable Launch and Landing Pads surface access for the CLPS and ARTEMIS missions. Processes and equipment can be used for many planar structures for Moon and Mars infrastructure construction, i.e., foundations and roads

Construction, e.g., DOD / FEMA forward deployment in remote / hazardous sites Surface mining Environmental clean-up Debris removal at nuclear power plants and other hazardous sites Land reclamation Dry bulk loose commodities handling in warehouses, distribution centers, storage (e.g., fertilizer, grain, etc.)

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.