Part 2 of 2 Parts (Please read Part 1 first)
The lunar night lasts approximately fourteen Earth day and night cycles. During this long night, the Moon experiences extreme cold temperatures and complete darkness. A sustainable power source is crucial to ensure the survivability and functionality of the lunar outpost. This could take the form of advanced power generation technologies such as solar panels or regenerative fuel cells to harness and store energy during the lunar day. These energy systems will provide the necessary power for life-support systems, communication, scientific experiments, and other essential operations throughout the lunar night.
The Moon lacks the protective atmosphere and magnetic field of the Earth. This leaves its surface exposed to intense solar radiation and cosmic rays. Radiation on the lunar surface poses significant health risks to astronauts. Finding the proper materials and configurations to create robust shielding solutions is key to ensuring that astronauts’ long-term health is safeguarded during their stay on the Moon.
Lunar dust is known as regolith. It is a pervasive challenge on the Moon. The fine particles of the regolith can be abrasive, cling to surfaces, and pose risks to equipment and human health. Specialized seals, filtration systems, and surface coatings must be developed to minimize dust infiltration into living spaces and equipment.
The Gateway will need closed-loop systems that recycle and regenerate vital resources such as air, water, and waste to reduce the reliance on resupply missions from Earth. This approach ensures that long-duration missions are feasible. It also minimizes the need for excessive resource consumption.
Living on the Moon for extended periods of time requires careful consideration of astronauts’ physical needs and comfort. Ergonomic designs, efficient use of space, lighting systems, and temperature control mechanisms must be developed to create a living environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of astronauts.
Astronaut comfort is also being incorporated into the design of the Lunar Gateway. Permitting astronauts to see outside the Gateway is an important design consideration. NASA learned this during the design and use of the Cupola on the ISS. The Cupola is a control center in the ISS. It has seven portholes that allow astronauts to work while enjoying a 360-degree view of the outside. This provides an exceptional observatory for studying the Earth and the entire cosmos.
Psychologists are collaborating with astronauts who worked on the ISS to design the Gateway and other habitats in space. The Gateway needs spaces that will help them feel less claustrophobic while providing double functionality. They will have a view of what’s outside the Gateway for robotic operations and a break from the enclosed environment of the other modules.
Participation in the Artemis program remains an immense source of pride among the company’s employees, who are keenly aware of their role in writing the latest chapter in the history of human space exploration.
For people working in the space industry, developing this living space for astronauts is perhaps proving the greatest motivation of their professional lives. The Apollo program was a race between two players. On the other hand, today’s mission to return to the Moon is a true partnership between all those involved. It will play an important part in the journey to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.