80NSSC24CA021

Small Technology Transfer Research Program (STTR) Phase II

Bulk Regolith Handling Technologies for Landing/Launch Pad Site Preparation and Blast Shield Construction

The Phase 2 effort further refines our Phase 1 defined CONOPS and system architecture for a lunar launch/landing pad (LLP) construction operationnbsp;based on a clear description of the envisioned fleet of fixed and mobile robotic systems and how it will evolve from the first landing, and lunar operations needed to prepare the equipment to survive the first lunar night after landing and extraction from the lander. It then establishesnbsp;how the LLP facility construction would take place with specific attention to the general LLP construction site layout, site setup, pad pavement construction with in-situ produced bricks fromnbsp;molten regolith, and finally LLP protective berm construction. The CONOPS considersnbsp;how the extensive and high-value robotic construction equipment suite could be redeployed after the LLP is complete. This includesnbsp;providing local logistics support such as lander unloading and equipment delivery from its unloaded location to its destination on the Moon, supporting Lunar Base operations, constructing new infrastructure, and mining operations to extract resources for use on the Moon. Civil engineering processes and geotechnical assessments for bulk regolith manipulations and conveyancenbsp;are further developed for LLP construction using an an end-to-end system architecture approach. Specific areas of innovation include: A bulk regolith distribution system fornbsp;hauling excavated regolith, processing at a sorting station, and sieving for feedstock production for the LLP brickmaking robotsnbsp; Definition ofnbsp;multiple autonomous machines and enabling machine-to-machine collaboration Site layout with traverse distance and path optimization Physics-based terra-mechanics simulations of vehicles and tool implementsnbsp; A physics-engine for plumenbsp;flow surface interactions Prototype universal tool-implement payload adapter for interchangeable functions of the robot mobility platformnbsp;

The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II. STTRs are completed in conjunction with a research institution.

The University of Texas at San Antonio

T7

221851

STTR_22_P2

Nasa Sbir Support Office