HOME ON THE MOON

Looking for a home-bound project? Show us how you would live on the Moon!
What does it take? Is it similar to how you would live on Earth?  

Dive into this interactive project for students, families and/or teams to understand how systems work on Earth and how they can be modified to work on the Moon. The steps and videos below will guide you through the process of how to build your own habitat and ways to share it with us.  

PROJECT OVERVIEW 

The mission of the Aldrin Family Foundation and ShareSpace Education is to inspire the next generation of space explorers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Recognizing that many people are looking for educationally valuable things to do at home, we have developed a project that is very flexible as well as practical in nature. This project can be done as a small team, a family, or even as a team connected through technology. Like most projects in the real world, it makes application of skills and knowledge across multiple subject areas. 

There are a variety of ways to approach this project. We recognize that children (and adults) over a wide range of ages and abilities may choose to participate. It is not necessary to follow every step or do them in the suggested order. You will recognize that the Backstory is a projection of what may someday occur. Despite what you will read in the Backstory, the winners will not really be given a house of their design on the Moon. Please create a project that works for you. Who knows the ideas you will generate and the fun you will have working together? The big idea is for kids to understand how systems work on Earth and how they can be modified to work on the Moon. Designing your home on the Moon gives kids a chance to understand the systems within your home and to think about improving or even designing new ways to meet needs for a home on the Moon. There will be multiple ways to share your project. 

One area for thoughtful consideration is how a sense of community can be strengthened in a context where families are literally separated by significant distances and a hostile environment. Intentional design to connect people will be essential. In some ways, establishing a Family Home Outpost (FHO) on the Moon will be similar to homesteading on the prairies of Nebraska in the 1860’s. In other ways it can similar to the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous as designs may include lavish systems and capabilities. 

T.S. Eliot once wrote, “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” In our case, we want you to know your home so well that when you depart for your explorations, you can create a comfortable place for you and your family to live……on the Moon. 

THE BACKSTORY 

After the Apollo landings of 1969-72 and return to the Moon by the Artemis program in the 2020’s, NASA established permanent research footholds on the Moon. The first was located at the lunar north pole due to the presence of water and lava tubes that simplified the initial construction of the station. The second station was located at Shackleton Crater at the lunar south pole due to the presence of significant water resources. As soon as these two surface stations were declared operational, the original orbiting Gateway station, used as a part of the Artemis missions, began a process of upgrades and enhancements to allow it to serve as a way station for travel and a depot for high value items that must be supplied from Earth. These three sites and resulting infrastructure made it possible to begin the process of bringing more people to live on the Moon. The north pole area was designated as a science research zone. To avoid contamination, this area is accessible only to the people conducting and supporting this fundamental research. The south pole has taken on the role of supporting commerce on the Moon. This commerce is taking the form of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), the idea that we can live off the land by using resources found on the Moon, primarily in the form of mining for water and distributing this water as well as its components, hydrogen and oxygen. The abundant water resources in this region can be used as the rocket fuel that opens the rest of the Solar System to further exploration, as well as for supporting life. The station at the south pole also has the capacity to serve as a transportation hub connecting the Earth, through the upgraded Gateway, to outposts scattered across the Moon. 

To accomplish this scattering of outposts across the Moon, NASA, in collaboration with all of the International Space Station partners as well as China, Brazil and India; are seeking to place families on the Moon in locations beyond the poles. A first priority is to establish families in locations that will serve as caretakers for each of the six Apollo landing sites. These habitats will be referred to as Family Home Outposts (FHO). One of the responsibilities of the family will be to establish a border around each landing site to assure that it remains untouched pending the date that a Visitors’ Complex can be established at each location. In return, each family will receive a home of their own design in the location of their choice.

In order to select the families who will take on the challenge of living on the Moon a Request for Proposal (RRP) has been created.  This RFP specifies what will be judged in order to select families for this mission. Judging will be based upon the quality, thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the plans and models they create describing the homes they will construct on the Moon, and how these homes will accommodate the needs of their family. 

 

THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

ShareSpace Education has been selected to administer the initial placement of families on the Moon. Interested families are asked to create a proposal for the design and construction of a Family Home Outpost (FHO) to be constructed at a location of their choosing on the Moon, consistent with stated requirements. Funding for the construction of the Family Home Outposts on the Moon will be provided by ShareSpace Education. 

The FHO must provide a livable and sustainable habitat for a family and potential guests. As the FHO will be established in conjunction with an historic Apollo landing site, the residents of the FHO will be responsible to establish and maintain a border around their selected Apollo landing site to assure that it remains undisturbed pending the date that a Visitors’ Complex can be established at each location. It is anticipated that a Request for Proposal will be forthcoming for design and construction of a Visitors’ Complex and associated infrastructure and support. 

 

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READY TO GET STARTED?

This project can be done as a small team, a family, or even as a team connected through technology. Like most projects in the real world, it makes application of skills and knowledge across multiple subject areas. 

All registered? Here is what’s next!

Be sure to fully read through all assumptions and spend a little time in the resource section below. If you have any questions on the materials send us a note. 

Choosing the best moon location for your outpost.
Research the six possible locations and choose one for your site.
 
Consider the following: Range of temperature, Length of day and night, Topography, Lunar gravity, Science conducted as a part of the associated Apollo mission. 

Successful proposals will:

  1. Define a location near that of an Apollo landing site 
  2. Describe the environmental conditions at the selected location 
  3. Estimate the distance and travel time via robotic rover (20 km/hr) from the Aldrin Research Station at Shackleton Crater near the lunar south pole 

Who is going with you to the Moon?

  • Identify and briefly describe your family members, including pets, who you expect to be living with you on the Moon.

What do you need on the Moon?

  • Conduct research to establish a baseline spreadsheet or chart of consumables your family uses in a week-long period. Consider the following: Oxygen, Water, Food and Energy (electricity and gas).
  • Create a list of items and quantities you must have to survive and explain the source of each item.
  • Define things you would like to have to make yourself and your family comfortable and productive. 
  • Conduct research to establish a baseline of waste your family produces in a week-long period. Consider the following: Carbon dioxide, Wastewater, Solid waste and Paper.

Successful proposals will:

  1. Identify and quantify anticipated consumables and waste products 
  2. Describe how the family will incorporate systems to recycle and reduce the need for outside supplies 
  3. Describe the operations of and explain how the heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical systems are similar and different than those of a home on Earth
  4. Describe features that contribute to comfort and enjoyment of life on the Moon 
  5. Describe the use of robotics, software and technology to contribute to operations and quality of life 
  6. Describe the communications technologies available to the family

What does your Family Home Outpost (FHO) look like? 

  • Create images and possible floor plans of your Family Home Outpost (FHO)
  • Construct an architectural model of the selected FHO

Successful proposals will:

  1. Feature an architectural model of the FHO 
  2. Incorporate written or video description/documentation of the FHO 
  3. Display a dimensioned floor plan of the total FHO area (include living areas, storage areas, recreational areas, shop areas, garden, airlocks, infrastructure, etc.

NOW it’s time to share the results of your project!

  • Create a written document, presentation or video describing the features of the FHO and how people will live and interact with it.

 

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LET'S SET A FEW ASSUMPTIONS. As a designer and possible future settler on the Moon, you can assume the following infrastructure and support:

  • Three crewed stations have been established to support lunar activities. 

    The Collins Orbital Gateway (Typically referred to as “Collins”is located in a high orbit around the Moon and serves primarily as a waypoint and depot in traveling from the Earth to the Moon and back. People and high value items from Earth arrive at Collins and are repacked for delivery to the lunar surface. While any point on the surface can be reached from Collins, regular flights go only to Armstrong and Aldrin. 

    The Neil Armstrong Research Station (Typically referred to as “Armstrong) is located near the lunar north pole due to the presence of water and lava tubes that simplified the initial construction of the station. The primary purpose of Armstrong is scientific research. 

    The Buzz Aldrin Research Station (Typically referred to as “Aldrin) is located at Shackleton Crater at the lunar south pole due to the presence of significant water resources. Aldrin serves as the primary terminal for transportation and supplies to the surface, as well as the supply head for lifting fuel to orbiting spacecraft. 

  • Construction of the FHOs will be primarily by the use of large-scale additive manufacturing techniques, also referred to as 3-D printers, using the lunar regolith as a base material. Construction will be conducted by partner contractors. 
  • Lunar Positioning Satellites (LPS), a system of satellite navigation similar to Earth’s GPS, has been established allowing for very accurate robotic operations accessible from every part of the lunar surface. 
  • Very high bandwidth electronic communications between and among people at Collins, Armstrong, Aldrin and Family Home Outposts (FHO) locations will be conducted through the data function of the constellation of LPS satellites. 
  • A suborbital transportation system has been created that allows for access from Aldrin to any outpost in under three hours. This system is designed primarily for emergency use. Consider it to be similar in function to a Life Flight helicopter. 
  • A ground-based robotic rover transportation system provides deliveries of high value materials and supplies to each FHO every month. The hub for this system is located at Aldrin Research Station. 
  • Power is supplied to each family outpost by solar panels throughout the lunar day and by batteries throughout the lunar night. 
  • A human-rated rover vehicle and space suits will be provided for the use of residents and guests for the purpose of local excursions. 
  • A remotely operated rover capable of autonomous operations will be provided assist in maintaining surveillance of the Apollo landing site. 
  • Robots for the purpose of cleaning, maintenance, etc., will be provided according to your specifications. 
  • Travel time from the most remote FHO to Earth under the best possible conditions will be approximately four days. 

RESOURCES

Below you will find additional links and resources to help on your quest to develop a FHO!

HISTORICAL REFERENCES - THE BACKSTORY

NASA History 

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/history/index.html 

Kennedy Speeches 

The Decision to Go to the Moon: 
President John F. Kennedy’s May 25, 1961 Speech 
before a Joint Session of Congress 

https://history.nasa.gov/moondec.html 

President John F. Kennedy Speech to Congress On Space Exploration 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ygoE2YiHCs 

“Why go to the moon?” – John F. Kennedy at Rice University 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXqlziZV63k 

 

Project Mercury 

What Was Project Mercury? 

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-was-project-mercury-58.html 

About Project Mercury 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mercury/missions/program-toc.html 

Mercury Crewed Flights Summary 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mercury/missions/manned_flights.html 

 

Ranger 

Imagine the Universe! Ranger Program 

https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/toolbox/missions/ranger.html 

 

Surveyor 

NASA -Surveyor 

https://www.nasa.gov/subject/3442/surveyor 

 

Gemini 

What Was the Gemini Program? 

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-was-gemini-program-58.html 

Gemini: Bridge to the Moon 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/gemini/index.html 

Apollo 

What was the Apollo Program? 

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-was-apollo-program-58.html 

The Apollo Missions 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/missions/index.html 

 

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/main/index.html 

 

Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) 

https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/55/grails-gravity-map-of-the-moon/ 

 

Artemis 

Artemis Program 

https://www.nasa.gov/artemisprogram 

Artemis: Humanity’s Return to the Moon 

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/ 

NASA unveils plan for Artemis ‘base camp’ on the moon beyond 2024 

https://www.space.com/nasa-plans-artemis-moon-base-beyond-2024.html 

 

The USSR and Russia 

Soviet Lunar Missions 

https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/lunarussr.html 

A Short History of Roscosmos and the Soviet Space Program 

https://www.thoughtco.com/soviet-space-program-history-4140631 

The Secret Russian Space Program 

https://www.popularmechanics.com/russia-space/ 

The Soviet Response to the Moon Landing? 

https://www.history.com/news/space-race-soviet-union-moon-landing-denial 

Russia and China Are Teaming Up to Explore the Moon 

https://www.space.com/russia-china-moon-exploration-partnership.html 

 

Moon to Mars 

Moon to Mars 

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars 

About Analog Missions 

https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/what-are-analog-missions 

Terrestrial Analogs for Lunar Science and Exploration: A Systematic Approach 

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/leagilewg2008/pdf/4126.pdf 

Moon/Mars Analog Mission Campaigns 

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/research/technology-onepagers/moonmars.html 

RFP - MOON LOCATION SELECTION
RFP - ESSENTIALS FOR LIFE

Air 

How much oxygen does a person consume in a day? 

https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/respiratory/question98.htm 

How is oxygen made aboard a spacecraft? 

https://science.howstuffworks.com/oxygen-made-aboard-spacecraft1.htm 

Tech that Helped John Glenn Breathe in Orbit is on Your Flight, Too 

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/spinoff/feature/Tech_that_Helped_John_Glenn_Breathe_in_Orbit 

Curious Kids: Where does the oxygen come from in the International Space Station, and why don’t they run out of air? 

http://theconversation.com/curious-kids-where-does-the-oxygen-come-from-in-the-international-space-station-and-why-dont-they-run-out-of-air-82910 

Climate Kids: Make a terrarium mini-garden 

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/mini-garden/ 

Oxygen system web site: Breathing Easy on the Space Station (NASA)  

https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2000/ast13nov_1 

Staying Cool on the ISS  

https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast21mar_1 

Video overview of office HVAC systems by Price: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqvo7bSr6t8 

Oxygen Cycle 

https://www.universetoday.com/61080/oxygen-cycle/ 

 

Water 

30×30 Water Tracking App from the Groundwater Foundation 

https://www.groundwater.org/action/home/30by30.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwvZv0BRA8EiwAD9T2Vd1vupjJMRldv1P7QTrqzNlcnqStSuEuWmUOQL6eLC9lyq0n47oXSRoCj80QAvD_BwE 

Water Q & A: How much water do I use at home each day? 

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-qa-how-much-water-do-i-use-home-each-day?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects 

It’s Official: Water Found on the Moon 

https://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/its-official-water-found-on-the-moon/ 

NASA – Water on the Moon (YouTube) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYW4rTrAA5I 

Moon bases could be built using astronaut urine 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/31/world/astronaut-urine-moon-base-scn/index.html 

Water on the Space Station 

https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2000/ast02nov_1 

Water Recycling on the ISS (YouTube) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCjH3k5gODI 

Water Production in Space: Thirsting For A Solution 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/benefits/water_in_space 

Climate Kids: Make a terrarium mini-garden 

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/mini-garden/ 

Water in Space 

https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/Water_in_space 

Plumbing the Space Station  

https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2001/ast03apr_2 

Water on the Space Station  

https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2000/ast02nov_1 

Advanced Life Support  

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/research/technology-onepagers/advanced-life-support.html 

International Space Station  

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html 

Fundamentals of the Water Cycle 

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/fundamentals-water-cycle?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects 

Water Cycle 

https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/freshwater-education-resources/water-cycle 

 

Food 

Engineering by Design: Moon Munchies (Grades K-4) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/183869main_EDC_Moon_Munchies_DBE.pdf 

Engineering by Design: Packing Up for the Moon (Grade 5-8) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/183800main_EDC_Packing_Up_for_the_Moon.pdf 

Engineering by Design: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber (Grades 9-12) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/183799main_EDC_Lunar_Plant_Growth_Chamber.pdf 

Transportation and Space: Reuse and Recycle (Grades 9-12) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/475488main_HEP_II_HS_10-12.pdf 

NASA – Food for Space Flight 

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Food_for_Space_Flight.html 

Veggie Plant Growth System Activated on International Space Station 

https://www.nasa.gov/content/veggie-plant-growth-system-activated-on-international-space-station 

Food of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing 

http://www.eatmedaily.com/2009/07/food-of-the-apollo-11-lunar-landing/ 

From Apollo to Artemis — How Astronaut Food May Change When We Return to the Moon 

https://www.space.com/apollo-moon-astronaut-food-artemis-future.html 

Lunar Greenhouse Could Grow Food For Future Moon Colonies 

https://www.space.com/9353-lunar-greenhouse-grow-food-future-moon-colonies.html 

 

Shelter 

Engineering by Design: Creating a Space Exploration Infrastructure (Grade 7 activities) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/475492main_HEP_II_MS_7.pdf 

Lunar Settlement: Piecing Together a Full Moon Picture 

https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/home/niac_countour_crafting.html 

Lunar Base Concepts 

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/publications/books/lunar_bases/LSBchapter02.pdf 

Building a Moon Base: Part 2 Habitat Concepts 

https://www.universetoday.com/12758/building-a-base-on-the-moon-part-2-habitat-concepts/ 

Building a Moon Base: Part 1 – Challenges and Hazards 

https://www.universetoday.com/12726/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/ 

How to Build a Moon Base 

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07107-4 

Incredible Technology: How to Live on the Moon 

https://www.space.com/21611-moon-base-lunar-colony-guide.html 

Moon bases being planned now may show us how to live off-planet 

https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/moon-bases-being-planned-now-may-show-us-how-live-ncna855826 

Lunar Habitats: A Brief Overview of Issues and Concepts 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326987758_Lunar_Habitats_A_Brief_Overview_of_Issues_and_Concepts 

Moon Village: Humanity’s first step toward a lunar colony? 

https://astronomy.com/news/2019/05/moon-village-humanitys-first-step-toward-a-lunar-colony 

Robots May Start Moon Base Construction 

https://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/robots-may-start-moon-base-construction/ 

Additive Manufacturing for a Moon Village 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978917308247 

Return to the moon? 3D printing with moondust could be the key to future lunar living 

https://theconversation.com/return-to-the-moon-3d-printing-with-moondust-could-be-the-key-to-future-lunar-living-121265 

3D Printing Our Way to the Moon 

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Discovery_and_Preparation/3D_printing_our_way_to_the_Moon 

Robots Will Build Your House on the Moon 

https://howwegettonext.com/robots-will-build-your-house-on-the-moon-b3ef587107d5 

 

Energy 

Engineering by Design: Moon Power – Energy and Power (K-5 activities) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/475482main_HEP_I_ELEM.pdf 

Engineering Design for Human Exploration – Energy and Power (Grades 9-12) 

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/475484main_HEP_I_HS.pdf 

How to Turn the Moon Into a Giant Space Solar Power Hub 

https://www.space.com/23810-moon-luna-belt-solar-power-idea.html 

Basic Electrical Residential Wiring (YouTube) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6de1Mfq04 

RFP - QUALITY FOR LIFE

Navigation 

How Does GPS Work? 

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gps/en/ 

How Does GPS Work? (YouTube) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU_pY2sTwTA 

Satellite Navigation 

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howgpsworks.html 

Highly Accurate GPS is Possible Thanks to NASA 

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/spinoff/Highly_Accurate_GPS_Is_Possible_Thanks_to_NASA 

Robotics 

New Commercial Robot Copies Geckos’ Toes 

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/spinoff/New_Commercial_Robot_Copies_Geckos_Toes 

Can Robots Build a Moon Base for Astronauts? Japan Hopes to Find Out. 

https://www.space.com/japan-robots-build-moon-base.html 

8 Home Robots that Were Built to Make Your Life Much Easier 

https://www.goodnet.org/articles/9-home-robots-that-make-your-life-much-easier 

15 Small Robots That Will Invade Your Home Sooner Than You Think 

https://interestingengineering.com/15-small-robots-that-will-invade-your-home-sooner-than-you-think 

 

Medical Technologies 

NASA Invention Helps Keep Hearts Beating 

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/spinoff/nasa_invention_helps_keep_hearts_beating 

 

Benefits 

Going to the Moon Was Hard – But the Benefits Were Huge, for All of Us 

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/feature/Going_to_the_Moon_Was_Hard_But_the_Benefits_Were_Huge 

Imagining the Next 100 Years of Science and Technology 

https://www.nyas.org/magazines/imagining-the-next-100-years/imagining-the-next-100-years-of-science-and-technology/ 

Astronaut Explains Why We Should Return to the Moon 

https://www.universetoday.com/61256/astronaut-explains-why-we-should-return-to-the-moon/ 

Home on the Moon Support 

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