Construction of Pressurized, Self‐Supporting Membrane Structure on Moon
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 5, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper draws attention to the importance of readiness time (i.e., the time it takes to develop the necessary supporting infrastructure on the Moon for the structure to be ready for use) of a lunar structure. It illustrates a rational process of determining readiness time using for an example the pressurized self‐supporting membrane structure (PSSMS), a concept proposed in 1989. To assess manpower requirement for construction, it is necessary to assess the productivity of a construction crew on the Moon, taking into consideration the hazardous conditions they confront, and the encumbrances due to the use of space suits and other protective systems. These handicaps can be compensated to some extent by making maximum use of mechanical and automatic equipment. The procedure adopted here is to determine the manpower requirement for a similar construction on Earth, then adjust it to the conditions on the Moon. Once the productivity factor relative to Earth is determined, the manpower requirement for lunar construction can be assessed.
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References
1.
Adams and Shapiro. (1985). “Irradiation by galactic cosmic rays.” Lunar bases and space activities of the 21st century, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Tex., 315–327.
2.
Bracell, J. W., Williams, W. M., McMurray, G. V., and MacLaren, B. K. (1988). “Lunar base construction equipment.” Symp. Lunar Base and Space Activities in the 21st Century, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Tex.
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Chow, P. Y., and Lin, T. Y. (1988). “Structures for the moon.” Proc. Space 88, ASCE, 362–374.
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Troups, L. (1990). “A survey of lunar construction techniques.” Proc. Space 90, ASCE, 399–408.
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Copyright © 1992 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jul 1, 1992
Published in print: Jul 1992
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