LLRU - Designing for Future Flexibility on the Lunar Landscape
Open Access
- Author:
- Ferreri, Andrew
- Area of Honors:
- Architecture
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Darla V Lindberg, Thesis Supervisor
Orsolya Gaspar, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- architecture
space architecture
lunar
moon
space
llru
lunar typology
mining
rockets - Abstract:
- Humanity has its eyes set on returning to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years; however, it is no longer for political gain as it was during the Cold War. We are returning in order to take advantage of the untapped resources and potential of an extraterrestrial refueling base. The plans set forth by NASA and the Artemis program neglect how little we still know about the Lunar surface and the exploring and experience we will need before we can exploit and settle on a new world. The intent of this study is to develop a new Lunar architecture typology by proposing a Lunar module system designed for mining and research that factors in the ethical and responsible use of intergalactic materials. The Lunar Lab and Research Unit, LLRU, is an adaptable system that grows with the changing needs of astronauts as we begin to develop a more permanent residence on the moon. It is a modular system of sealed, pressurized, and fully equipped life support systems combined with accessories to assist astronauts in a broad range of missions and experiments near the Lunar South Pole. Prior to the completion of a permanent Lunar base, the astronauts stationed on the Moon will need an advanced semi-mobile, semi-permanent, unit which ultimately acts as a base for astronauts as NASA learns how to live on a new celestial body. Brand N. Griffin in Space Architecture Education for Engineers and Architects explain that the Moon offers a “simpler, safer, quicker, and less expensive way to learn how to Settle”. The ability to move and test different locations prior to the full commitment of a permanent base will prove to be an invaluable asset in our pursuit to become an interplanetary species. Once we begin to design, and subsequently build, a permanent solution to live on the Moon, the LLRU can transition into a mobile hub for long-term missions away from the base. The most influential factor for returning to the Moon is the vast quantity of untapped natural resources. More specifically, the abundance of frozen water which can be converted into fuel for missions that stretch deeper into outer space, rare earth metals to provide economic autonomy for countries participating in the Artemis Accords, and the helium-3 isotopes which could provide humanity with the key to renewable energy. We plan to become an interplanetary species; therefore, it is more paramount than ever to establish a new vernacular of architecture that facilitates a good quality of life for astronauts through thoughtful consideration of the effect of a new environment on the human body and seamlessly integrate this with the inevitability of a Lunar economy derived from mining. Ultimately, the LLRU is fundamentally ingrained in our process to gain a foothold on the Lunar surface by acting as a typological tool for habitation and experimentation prior to the completion of a Lunar City.