Development of space manufacturing systems concepts utilizing lunar resourcesResults of a NASA sponsored study to evaluate the merits of constructing solar power satellites using lunar and terrestrial resources are reviewed. Three representative lunar resources utilization (LRU) concepts were developed and compared with a previously designed earth baseline concept, and major system hardware elements as well as personnel requirements were defined. LRU for space construction was shown to be competitive with earth baseline approach for a program requiring 10 to the 5th metric tons per year of completed satellites. Results also indicated that LRU can reduce earth launched cargo requirements to less than 10% of that needed to build satellites exclusively from earth materials, with a significant percentage of the reduction due to the use of liquid oxygen derived from lunar soil. A concept using the mass driver to catapult lunar material into space was found to be superior to the other LRU logistics techniques investigated.
Document ID
19790050831
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bock, E. H. (General Dynamics Corp. Convair Div., San Diego, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1979
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-1411
Meeting Information
Meeting: Princeton University and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Conference on Space Manufacturing Facilities, 4th, Princeton University