A Civil Engineer's Perspective on Mars Mission ISRU: Reinforced Regolith

摘要

Current ISRU discussions revolve around process engineering solutions to propulsion fueling issues. Similarly, most construction techniques concentrate on using in-situ processed materials necessitating significant materials handling, power requirements and equipment infrastructure. However, traditional civil engineering solutions need not be considered only suitable for later stage missions or colonization. Previously, several authors have put forward concepts for Stage 2 lunar bases that comprise simplified use of lunar regolith and materials similar to standard geosynthetics. Reinforced earth solutions have expanded dramatically in civil engineering practice in the last 10 years, and may have application to first stage Mars Mission needs as well as subsequent stages. This paper provides concepts for use of reinforced earth as simple solutions for first stage Mars Mission mass-intensive needs such as nuclear power plant radiation protection, inflatable habitat protection and insulation, and tankages of essential gases and liquids. Research needs are discussed for design parameters needed for geosynthetic use on all stages of Mars Mission.