X-Hab 2025 NASA Proposal

From Aurora Robotics

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Overview

NASA X-Hab Logo

In early 2024, NASA released a request for proposals addressing the construction of a permanent lunar base. Dr. Orion Lawlor led the Aurora Robotics Team's proposal in response to Appendix B of the NASA RFP document, sponsored by NASA's Autonomous Robotic Construction Projects - TLT, PASS, ARMADAS. The proposal outlines the development of a modular robot capable of autonomous construction on the lunar surface.

Project Vision and Mission

  • Long-Term Vision: Transform the solar system using robotic construction with local materials.
  • Short-Term Vision: Robotic construction of Artemis Base Camp.
  • Mission: Design and demonstrate robots capable of autonomously constructing Artemis Base Camp structures using locally sourced Lunar regolith, focusing first on an arch-based, regolith-covered vehicle bay.

Requirements

  • The structure must allow a 2.6m x 2.6m vehicle to fit inside. (I.0)
  • Structural elements must not exceed 2.0 meters for ease of transport. (I.1.1)
  • The structure must support a regolith simulant (snow) coating of at least 0.2m thickness to simulate radiation and thermal protection. (O.0)
  • The structure must tolerate a compressive load of 300 kgf and demonstrate a safety factor of at least 2. (I.1.2, I.2.1)
  • Assembly must be robotically achievable, with all tools having a path to robotic automation. (E.0, E.2)

Concept of Operations

The design features a Lunar Autonomous Modular Platform (LAMP) robot performing the following tasks:

  • Excavation and site preparation using a bucket and grinder.
  • Logistics support via part removal and transport using a forklift attachment.
  • Assembly and alignment of structural components using pin-based connectors and manipulators.
  • Backfilling with regolith simulant using robotic tools like snowblowers.

Key Project Goals

  • Radiation Protection: Shield against harmful cosmic rays for long-duration crew stays.
  • Thermal Insulation: Mitigate temperature swings during lunar day and night.
  • MMOD Protection: Protect from micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
  • Scalability: Demonstrate large-scale, robot-built infrastructure on the Moon.

Project Phases

  1. Preliminary Design Review (PDR): November 15, 2024 (M2M X-Hab Schedule)
  2. Critical Design Review (CDR): January 17, 2025
  3. Progress Checkpoint: March 7, 2025
  4. Final Demonstration: May 2025

Baseline Design Solution

  • Structure: Flat truss segments for modular assembly.
  • Materials: Durable, lightweight components pre-covered with mixed wire and cloth for ease of regolith application.
  • Robot: Modular LAMP robot for excavation, assembly, and backfilling.
  • Performance: High load-bearing capacity with a safety factor of at least 2.

Verification and Testing

  • Destructive and nondestructive compressive load tests.
  • Full-scale assembly and snow load testing in a controlled environment.
  • Robot alignment and assembly demonstration in a lab setting.

Educational Integration

The project integrates into UAF's curriculum, offering hands-on systems design and testing opportunities for engineering students.

Additional Information

For more details, please contact Dr. Orion Lawlor at oslawlor@alaska.edu or visit the NASA X-Hab Challenge website.

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