LSI Construction Site Prep Study (BRiMSPILs-STUDY)

To help prioritize lunar surface construction development needs, this multi-Center trades study will explore/trade different lunar infrastructure site preparation concepts of operations (ConOps) for optimum execution.  The task will collect/compare preliminary site preparation and geotechnical requirements for emplacing critical infrastructure, define the requirements for site preparation systems, and help fill a large knowledge gap by providing insight into ConOps and system design sensitivities.  Creation of infrastructure such as power and communication grids, launch and landing pads (LLPs), shelters, habitats, and roads will require a significant amount of bulk regolith moving for both site preparation and during construction. Site preparation will require capabilities for rock clearing, cut and fill of terrain, leveling, grading, compacting, and trenching in the harsh lunar environment. The ability to dig, haul, and dump bulk regolith can provide: shelter and habitat structures with regolith overburden for radiation, meteorite, and thermal protection; berms and shielding for nuclear power reactors; and LLPs with berms for LLP blast plume containment, to cite a few critical needs. This study will bring together subject matter experts (SMEs) across multiple disciplines and Centers to develop a coordinated vision for the assembly and outfitting of high priority infrastructure, leveraging past and present NASA-led activities. Key elements of the coordinated multi-Center SMEs' effort include the following subtasks:Preliminary designs and site preparation requirements of representative high priority infrastructure will be defined and selected for study in consultation with Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) and Industry.Site preparation options and resulting ConOps for selected infrastructure will be collected, compared also with newly conceived approaches, and traded based on prioritized metrics.Both near-term and long-term technology needs for the chosen concept(s) will be defined, including the necessary robotic systems as well as support infrastructure such as power, communications, and navigation requirements, maintenance and repair strategies, etc.Findings from this formulation Internal Task Agreement (ITA) effort will also provide refined input and use cases to better inform the relevant Lunar infrastructure capability goals roadmap development.Technology shortfalls and roadmaps for subsequent assembly and outfitting also will be defined and refine

​Study results can guide NASA toward efficient and robust site preparation solutions for the construction of selected high-priority lunar infrastructure elements. It is critical to understand potential ConOps for different site preparation activities in order to identify and define system requirements (performance, maintenance, lunar survivability, level of autonomy, etc.), and to trade different approaches for site preparation as a function of clear metrics such as cost (time, energy, up-front expense), mass, efficiency, complexity, risk, etc.  Detailed technology needs, performance metrics, and development roadmaps are the intended study deliverables.The intended STMD Strategic Outcome to be addressed is: LIVE - Autonomous excavation, construction, and outfitting capabilities targeting landing pads/structures/habitable buildings utilizing in-situ resources.  Specific STMD shortfalls involved are:  662 - Robotic Site Preparation; 394 - Autonomous rock clearing/collection; 395 - Autonomous grading and leveling; 396 - Autonomous surface compaction; 635 - Foundations; 674 - Road construction. Members of the study also plan to offer knowledge exchange at various conferences throughout the life of the study.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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