View source for X-Hab 2025 NASA Proposal

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<h2>Overview</h2>
[[File:Nasa xhab.jpg|thumb|NASA X-Hab Logo]]

<p>In early 2024, NASA released a request for proposals addressing the construction of a permanent lunar base. [https://lawlor.cs.uaf.edu/~olawlor/ Dr. Orion Lawlor] led the Aurora Robotics Team's proposal in response to Appendix B of the [https://spacegrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/M2M-X-Hab-Challenge-Solicitation-2025.pdf 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.</p>

<h2>Project Vision and Mission</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Long-Term Vision:</strong> Transform the solar system using robotic construction with local materials.</li>
  <li><strong>Short-Term Vision:</strong> Robotic construction of Artemis Base Camp.</li>
  <li><strong>Mission:</strong> 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.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Requirements</h2>
<ul>
  <li>The structure must allow a 2.6m x 2.6m vehicle to fit inside. (I.0)</li>
  <li>Structural elements must not exceed 2.0 meters for ease of transport. (I.1.1)</li>
  <li>The structure must support a regolith simulant (snow) coating of at least 0.2m thickness to simulate radiation and thermal protection. (O.0)</li>
  <li>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)</li>
  <li>Assembly must be robotically achievable, with all tools having a path to robotic automation. (E.0, E.2)</li>
</ul>

<h2>Concept of Operations</h2>
<p>The design features a Lunar Autonomous Modular Platform (LAMP) robot performing the following tasks:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Excavation and site preparation using a bucket and grinder.</li>
  <li>Logistics support via part removal and transport using a forklift attachment.</li>
  <li>Assembly and alignment of structural components using pin-based connectors and manipulators.</li>
  <li>Backfilling with regolith simulant using robotic tools like snowblowers.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Key Project Goals</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Radiation Protection:</strong> Shield against harmful cosmic rays for long-duration crew stays.</li>
  <li><strong>Thermal Insulation:</strong> Mitigate temperature swings during lunar day and night.</li>
  <li><strong>MMOD Protection:</strong> Protect from micrometeoroids and orbital debris.</li>
  <li><strong>Scalability:</strong> Demonstrate large-scale, robot-built infrastructure on the Moon.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Project Phases</h2>
<ol>
  <li><strong>Preliminary Design Review (PDR):</strong> November 15, 2024 ([https://spacegrant.org/xhab/ M2M X-Hab Schedule])</li>
  <li><strong>Critical Design Review (CDR):</strong> January 17, 2025</li>
  <li><strong>Progress Checkpoint:</strong> March 7, 2025</li>
  <li><strong>Final Demonstration:</strong> May 2025</li>
</ol>

<h2>Baseline Design Solution</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Structure:</strong> Flat truss segments for modular assembly.</li>
  <li><strong>Materials:</strong> Durable, lightweight components pre-covered with mixed wire and cloth for ease of regolith application.</li>
  <li><strong>Robot:</strong> Modular LAMP robot for excavation, assembly, and backfilling.</li>
  <li><strong>Performance:</strong> High load-bearing capacity with a safety factor of at least 2.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Verification and Testing</h2>
<ul>
  <li>Destructive and nondestructive compressive load tests.</li>
  <li>Full-scale assembly and snow load testing in a controlled environment.</li>
  <li>Robot alignment and assembly demonstration in a lab setting.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Educational Integration</h2>
<p>The project integrates into UAF's curriculum, offering hands-on systems design and testing opportunities for engineering students.</p>

<h2>Additional Information</h2>
<p>For more details, please contact Dr. Orion Lawlor at oslawlor@alaska.edu or visit the [https://spacegrant.org/xhab/ NASA X-Hab Challenge website].</p>