MALEO: Modular Assembly in Low Earth Orbit. Prestressed Truss Structure for Lunar Base Design (original) (raw)

MALEO: MODULAR ASSEMBLY IN LOW EARTH ORBIT: ALTERNATE STRATEGY FOR LUNAR BASE DEVELOPMENT

American Society of Civil Engineers, 1991

Modular assembly in low Earth orbit (MALEO) is a new strategy for building an initial operational-capability lunar habitation base, the main purpose of which is to safely initiate and sustain early lunar base buildup operations. In this strategy the lunar base components are brought up to low Earth orbit (LEO) by the Space Transportation System (STS), and assembled there to form the complete lunar base. Specially designed propulsion systems are then used to transport the MALEO lunar base, complete and intact, all the way to the moon. Upon touchdown on the lunar surface, the MALEO lunar habitation base is operational. The strategy is unlike conventional concepts, which have suggested that the components of the lunar base be launched separately from the Earth and landed one at a time on the moon, where they are assembled by robots and astronauts in extra-vehicular activity (EVA). The architectural drivers for the MALEO concept are, first, the need to provide an assured safe haven and comfortable working environment for the astronaut crew as safely and as quickly as possible, with the minimum initially risky EVA, and secondly, the maximum exploitation of the evolutionary benefits derived from the assembly and operation of space station Freedom (SSF-1). Commonality and inheritability from the space station assembly experience is expected to have an advantageous impact on both the space station program as well as the MALEO lunar base.

1 A Human Lunar Surface Base and Infrastructure Solution

2015

Cargo Transport System and the Lunar Exploration Surface Infrastructure and discusses some of the critical challenges faced, alternatives considered, and Orbital’s solution for these challenges. In addition to presenting a Lunar Surface Exploration architecture that fits within program constraints and highlighting the architecture defining trade studies, e.g. habitat geometry, habitat radiation shielding, lunar surface power, and cargo delivery system, a launch manifest and strategy for lunar base expansion are also discussed.

Reflections on early lunar base design – From sketch to the first moon landing

Reflections on early lunar base design – From sketch to the first moon landing, 2023

This paper traces the early ideas of lunar architecture developed by the US and Soviet space programs. Starting with a historical overview of those achievements, highlighting specific engineering, architectural, and design elements; illustrated with images and drawings. Some of them will be described in more detail, showing the design and decision-making process from the first sketch to its implementation. One example of the great engineering and management capabilities is the development and inclusion of the deployable lunar roving vehicle (LRV). Other examples include the project DLB Zvezda by Barmin's Design Bureau of General Engineering that was under development between 1962 and 1974, and a US project Horizon – a study to set up a Lunar Military outpost conducted in 1959. The paper includes personal statements from astronauts and cosmonauts, as well as people involved along design and implementation processes. Based on a historical overview of achievements, this paper highlights particular architectural and design unique approaches that defined design strategies for creating space systems, spacecraft and habitats for decades to follow.