Systematic Reutilization of Components from Descent Stage SubsysSystematic Reutilization of Components from Descent Stage Subsystems in Lunar Landerstems in Lunar LandersAfonso Ribeiro, D.1; McKenna-Lawlor, S.2; Bouchpan-Lerust-Juéry, L.3

1Aedel Aerospace, PORTUGAL; 2Space Technology Ireland, Ltd., IRELAND; 3Aedel Aerospace, SWITZERLAND

Modification of Space Systems using Biomimetic Design PrinciplesModification of Space Systems using Biomimetic Design Principles

We address the technology challenges associated with an optimization of the reutilization of components from descent stagesubsystems in lunar landers. The possible impact of these new capabilities for the integration of robotic and human activities in future missions is considered.

For example, after being used for the extraction of the samples that will be sent back to earth, all the drill equipment that will remain on the lunar surface might be partially reused by future sample extraction missions. To enable this possibility, some minor adaptations will be suggested. Reuse of other sub-systems of the landers will also be considered.

Under the new paradigm of Cradle-to-Cradle sustainable materials concepts, the potential for 3D printing for the production in-situ of cost effective hardware, by harvesting and melting metal from selected structuresof the descent stage will be examined. CAD designs featuring the use of some hardware from a lunar Lander developed in 2009 for a study on “3D Printed Building Blocks Using Lunar Soil” will be updated. A small rectangular panel with samples exposed to the lunar environment, similar to the Long Duration Exposure Facility flown by the Space Shuttle will be suggested.

This could allow the future evaluation of new experimental coatingsand 3D-printed samples of small connectors to facilitate robotic manipulation, already using processed metals from the Lander, although still processed on earth. Finally, the possibility to include a very small programmable microcontroller attached to the descent stagecould provide useful data logging capability. Very small modifications of some of the hardware might create useful interfacesthat will enable future partial disassemblyof the descent stage by systems along the lines of the “Satlets” from Honeybee Robotics, Inc.

Reutilization of structural components from the landers will create various new challenges. Current space missions are governed by the Outer Space Treaty and by COSPAR's guidelines for Planetary Protection. Careful selection of some hardware materials used in mechanical support interfaces, from the point of view of Planetary Protection may lead to new standards introducing affordable componentsthat may contribute for stronger PP compliance in terms of forward and back contamination by various lunar missions in the future.

In Evolutionary BiologyConvergent evolutiondescribes the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages. Convergent evolution createsanalogous structuresthat have similar form or function.

The use of Tensegrity Principles to solve structural problems tends to lead to relatively similar structures albeit with subtle differences. Repurposing is another good example of Biomimetic Design Principles, that can be very cost-effective.

One example is theARTEMIS mission that stands for “Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun”. The ARTEMIS mission uses two of the five in-orbit spacecraft from another NASAHeliophysics constellationof satellites or THEMIS that were launched in 2007 and successfully completed their mission earlier in 2010. The ARTEMIS mission allowed NASA to repurpose two in-orbit spacecraft to extend their useful science mission, saving tens of millions of taxpayer dollars instead of building and launching new spacecraft.

To develop support systems that will enable a greater level of repurposingof several components that that will be used in future Lunar Missions, two possible options are suggested:

DS-LDL - Descent Stage Lunar Data Logger– It can be designed to support the study of Moonquakes and provide additional storage capability for various other scientific and insdustrial equipments. It’s software is designed to facilitate the uploading of new software that will enable a wide variety of tasks.

M-LDEF – Miniature Long Duration Exposure Facility – It can be used for the evaluation of new experimental coatings and 3D-printed samples made using processed metals from Lunar Lander parts, although still processed on earth.

DSDS--LDL Descent Stage Lunar Data Logger LDL Descent Stage Lunar Data Logger

Representative electronics unit built by Space Technology Ireland, Ltd. for the PICAM instrument on the Bepi Colombo ESA mission.

Evoleo Technologies, Lda. developed hardware for the Alphasat I-XL TDP8 Radiation Sensor that is studying the environment in geostationay orbit. This is a Data Handling and Processing Unit, that can be used for instrument, payload and spacecraft control applications. It has a mass of less than 400 g.

Dust-Tolerant Connector (DTC) built by Honeybee Robotics enables reliable mechanical, electrical, and fluid connections through many mate/demate cycles in the presence of highly abrasive and adhesive Lunar Dust.

Repurposing of Lunar Lander egress ladders seeks to mimic various burrowing behaviours from Convergent Evolution studies

Two repurposed in-orbit spacecraft were used to study the Moon. Components from GEO Graveyard Orbits can be reused

Plans for the reuse of the Space Shuttle External Tank and “Space Tug” Studies pre-date the development of “Satlets”

MM --LDEFLDEF Miniature Long Duration Exposure FacilityMiniature Long Duration Exposure Facility

Cylindrical beam that is a structural element for a Benthic Lander design inspired by Buckminster Fuller, has been undergoing a Long Duration Exposure Test since 2011 at a depth of 1000 meters off the Portuguese coast.

Structural components (beams) of Lunar Landers can be disassembled to build Tensegrity-Basedstructures similar to the Super Ball Bots being studied at NASA – Ames Research Center (ARC). A Miniaturized Long Duration Exposure Facility can be used to study new advanced materials that can be used to create 3D printed parts using metal and other materials obtained from grinding or melting discarded structureson the lunar surface.

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