Lunar Surface Habitat Configuration Assessment: Methodology and Observations

摘要

The Lunar Habitat Configuration Assessment evaluated the major habitat approaches that werernconceptually developed during the Lunar Architecture Team II Study. The objective of thernconfiguration assessment was to identify desired features, operational considerations, and risks tornderive habitat requirements. This assessment only considered operations pertaining to the lunarrnsurface and did not consider all habitat conceptual designs developed.rnTo examine multiple architectures, the Habitation Focus Element Team defined several adequaternconcepts that warranted the need for a method to assess the various configurations. Thernfundamental requirement designed into each concept included the functional and operationalrncapability to support a crew of four on a 6-month lunar surface mission; however, otherrnconceptual aspects were diverse in comparison.rnThe methodology utilized for this assessment consisted of defining Figures of Merit (FOMs),rnproviding relevant information, and establishing a scoring system. In summary, the assessmentrnconsidered the geometric configuration of each concept to determine the accessibility to the lunarrnsurface and the complexity of unloading, handling, mobility, leveling, aligning, and mating tornother elements.rnIn theory, the assessment was designed to derive habitat requirements, to determine potentialrntechnology development needs, and to identify risks associated with living and working on thernlunar surface. Although the results were more subjective than objective, the assessment providedrninsightful observations for further assessments and trade studies of lunar surface habitats. Thisrnoverall methodology and resulting observations will be described in detail and illustrativernexamples will be discussed.