Studying Lunar Surface Material For Construction Sites

Cadets from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Arizona Wing’s Davis-Monthan Composite Squadron 334 had the opportunity to participate in experiments with the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2 Director, Trent Tresch, studying lunar materials for potential construction on the Moon.

The cadets used some high-tech equipment and got to launch some experiments they developed with Tresch as their submission to the CAP’s national High Altitude Balloon Challenge. One experiment used lunar aggregate from moon rock samples to mix a form of concrete that might be readily available on the lunar surface. The experiment was designed to see how the material behaves at very high altitudes.

In another experiment the cadets used some high-tech sealant to bond space suit material together. The experiment was to determine if space affected the bond sealant positively or negatively.

Tresch said, “The squadron sent prototype lunar concrete to near space in order to better understand the effects of differential pressure, temperature, and radiation on future moon habitats. What better way to connect their experiment to real life than at the Biosphere 2?”

The university says Biosphere 2 is a “laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education.” Resident scientists conduct experiments to test space’s potential effects on everyday human activities, and they contribute information that could prove useful for the day when humans might colonize the Moon.

Tresch added, “These cadets are the next generation of explorers, engineers, and scientists, and we want to give them the best tools we can to tackle all future challenges.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Hans Jagow, Director of the Air Force’s ARCWERX innovation branch, and guided the cadets through the testing and recording of their experimental results.

He observed, “I wanted the cadets to see solutions don’t need to be expensive, hard to obtain, or difficult to create.”

FMI:  www.cap.mil