Merits of a lunar polar base locationThere are no seasons on the moon, and its surface may include regions where the sun never fully sets. Permanent shadow regions may be very cold, and with continuous sunlight nearby, appear ideal sites for thermodynamic power systems. If located near a pole, a lunar base could have solar electric power and piped-in solar illumination continuously available. Habitat and agricultural conditions in underground facilities are easily kept constant. Such polar sites would furnish excellent opportunities for astronomical observation, since fully half of the sky is visible from each pole and cryogenic instruments are easily operated there.
Document ID
19860045381
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Burke, J. D. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)