Scalable Implement for Lunar Trenching

This project advances lunar trenching capabilities through the development of a new analytical model and testing of a TRL 4 undercutting auger prototype, called Scalable Implement for Lunar Trenching (SILT). The analytical model investigates high-throughput regolith trenching with SILT for NASA's Artemis program by characterizing key performance metrics, including excavation force, regolith throughput, tractive force, and plunge characteristics for trench initiation. A TRL 4 prototype will be tested in representative lunar regolith simulant to validate model predictions and refine design parameters. Furthermore, a trench stability analysis will be completed to ensure construction of the 3-meter deep trenches are properly modeled for the lunar environment and the undercutting auger.The findings from this work will inform future trenching implement designs to directly support Artemis mission objectives and NASA’s long-term lunar sustainability goals under the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). Beyond NASA programs, the SILT trenching technology support broader lunar surface operations and commercial applications. Its capabilities for high-throughput regolith processing (100 metric tons per hour) supports processing of lunar-derived volatiles such as helium-3, hydrogen, and water. These volatiles are primarily targeted for terrestrial markets, ensuring commercial viability independent of in-space demand. Additional commercial applications include lunar site preparation and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), such as trenching for feedstock supply in 3D printing of roads and berms. The scalability of the SILT design allows integration into diverse lunar excavation architectures, ensuring long-term utility across multiple lunar programs. Lunar trenching is a critical capability for establishing long-term infrastructure on the Moon; however, NASA roadmaps indicate a gap in addressing high-volume trenching and utility burial for Artemis missions.The proposed undercutting auger implement advances the state of the art by enabling trenching up to 3 meters deep in a single pass, achieving scalable excavation rates of up to 100,000 kg/hr at full-scale and 2000 kg/hr at a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)-scale, representing a 12x rate improvement to the current state of the art while also reducing energy consumption by 3.5x. This capability can be leveraged to create trenches or efficiently remove regolith layers for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) excavating systems, reducing power needs and system mass. Additionally, the downward force produced by the auger as it trenches increases traction of the system, enabling compatibility with lower-mass systems. This scalability supports diverse lunar applications, from CLPS-scale to full-scale Artemis missions for long-term surface operations.

SILT directly addresses NASA’s need for regolith trenching, enabling efficient, scalable site preparation for lunar infrastructure. As identified in NASA’s Excavation, Construction, and Outfitting (ECO) Capability road map, trenching is currently limited to shallow depths and requires advancement to support buried utilities, site preparation, and ISRU. This project will develop and test an efficient trenching solution that will be capable of reaching 3-meter depths at full scale while also maturing a prototype suitable for near-term CLPS demonstration. This capability supports Artemis and Moon to Mars Objectives, including LI-4 (advanced manufacturing and autonomous construction) and LI-8 (infrastructure maximizing in-situ resource use). The system enables “utility corridors” for power, communication, and fluid transfer, improving mechanical protection and thermal stability. Regolith burial mitigates extreme lunar temperature fluctuations, providing passive insulation for buried infrastructure. Unlike conventional trenching methods, the undercutting auger’s efficient regolith handling allows simultaneous excavation and burial of utilities, reducing time, energy, and mission complexity. In addition to site preparation, the system enhances ISRU operations (LI-7), particularly by integrating with existing excavation architectures. It can remove dry overburden to expose ice-rich regolith, reducing energy requirements for resource extraction and optimizing ISRU processing efficiency. Its continuous operation and high throughput also support bulk regolith handling for additive construction, roads, and berms, accelerating lunar surface development while minimizing mass launched from Earth. By providing a scalable, energy-efficient trenching solution, this project addresses critical gaps in NASA’s lunar infrastructure plans, ensuring that trenching capabilities are developed to meet Artemis goals. The SILT undercutting auger has many commercial applications beyond NASA, particularly in lunar resource extraction and infrastructure development. The full-scale SILT implement is capable of high-throughput regolith processing at 100 metric tons per hour to extract helium-3, hydrogen, and water. Interlune has seen strong interest to date in lunar volatiles, driven by terrestrial markets, ensuring commercial viability independent of in-space demand. Beyond resource extraction, the undercutting auger enables efficient lunar site preparation, supporting commercial applications such as road construction, berms, radiation shielding, and foundation development. The auger facilitates in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) by providing regolith feedstock for 3D-printed habitats and industrial manufacturing, advancing lunar settlement sustainability. Using in-situ regolith eliminates the need to transport materials from Earth, significantly reducing costs. The system’s continuous operation further enhances construction efficiency, reducing time and energy requirements for large-scale infrastructure.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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