Last human on the moon

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The interior structure of the Moon is constrained by its mass, moment of inertia, and k(2) and h(2) tidal Love numbers. We infer the likely radius, density, and (elastic limit) rigidity of all interior layers by solving the inverse problem using these observational constraints assuming spherical symmetry. Our results do not favor the presence of a low rigidity transition layer between a liquid outer core and mantle. If a transition layer exists, its rigidity is constrained to 43-9+26GPa, with a preference for the high rigidity values. Therefore, if a transition layer exists, it is more likely to have a rigidity similar to that of the mantle (approximate to 70GPa). The total (solid and liquid) core mass fraction relative to the lunar mass is constrained to 0.0098-0.0094+0.0066 and 0.0198-0.0049+0.0026 for interior structures with and without a transition layer, respectively, narrowing the range of possible giant impact formation scenarios.

NASA‘s planned permanent return to the Moon by the year 2018 will demand advances in many technologies. Just as those pioneers who built a homestead in North America from abroad, it will be necessary to use the resources and materials available on the Moon, commonly referred to as in-situ resource utilization. In this concept study, we propose a role for autonomous, multirobot robotic precursor excavation missions that would prepare a lunar site for the arrival of astronauts, serving to establish methods of collecting oxygen, water and various other critical resources. A novel quantitative approach is presented that combines real-time 3D simulation with the use of Artificial Neural Tissues, a machine learning approach that produces autonomous controllers requiring little human supervision. Advantages of the autonomous multirobot approach to excavation over the traditional manually operated single vehicle ones are analyzed in terms of launch mass, power, efficiency, reliability, and overall mission cost.

NASA‘s planned permanent return to the Moon by the year 2018 will demand advances in many technologies. Just as those pioneers who built a homestead in North America from abroad, it will be necessary to use the resources and materials available on the Moon, commonly referred to as in-situ resource utilization. In this concept study, we propose a role for autonomous, multirobot robotic precursor excavation missions that would prepare a lunar site for the arrival of astronauts, serving to establish methods of collecting oxygen, water and various other critical resources. A novel quantitative approach is presented that combines real-time 3D simulation with the use of Artificial Neural Tissues, a machine learning approach that produces autonomous controllers requiring little human supervision. Advantages of the autonomous multirobot approach to excavation over the traditional manually operated single vehicle ones are analyzed in terms of launch mass, power, efficiency, reliability, and overall mission cost.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (University of Texas Digital Repository, viewed on Aug. 6, 2009). Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

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