REUSABLE, PRESURIZED DOME FOR LUNAR CONSTRUCTION

摘要

The development of practical, efficient construction methods is critical for the creation of a lunar base. Methods must be devised to quickly construct shelters using a minimum of earth-originating materials and producing a minimum of waste. This paper presents and discusses the use of a reusable, pressurized enclosure to facilitate building construction on the lunar surface. The proposed enclosure contains a life-supporting atmosphere, and provides shielding from cosmic rays and micrometeorites. The enclosed atmosphere eliminates some of the difficulties in building with lunar concrete. The enclosure provides an open construction environment, allowing knowledge from a variety of disciplines (architecture, structural engineering, materials science, biology, etc.) to be coordinated in building design. The enclosure is portable, allowing relocation to each building site. This paper will present materials, sequence of construction, and advantages and limitations of lunar construction within such an enclosure.