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Can anyone find a more recent NASA paid for study on lunar tunnel-boring machine?

Space Exploration Asked by Duane Lawrence on December 19, 2021

The one that I found is from May 5,1988

by
Professor Stan Lowy
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Texas A M University

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19890008382.pdf

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C47&as_vis=1&q=+Stan+Lowy+tunnel+boring+machine&btnG=


19 July 2021

Due to link rot, the link to the NASA web page has become defunct.

Proposal for a lunar tunnel-boring machine

Proposal for a lunar tunnel-boring machine

Allen, Christopher S. ; Cooper, David W. ; Davila, David, Jr. ; Mahendra, Christopher S. ; Tagaras, Michael A.

A need exists for obtaining a safe and habitable lunar base that is free from the hazards of radiation, temperature gradient, and micrometeorites. A device for excavating lunar material and simultaneously generating living space in the subselenian environment was studied at the conceptual level. Preliminary examinations indicate that a device using a mechanical head to shear its way through the lunar material while creating a rigid ceramic-like lining meets design constraints using existing technology. The Lunar Tunneler is totally automated and guided by a laser communication system. There exists the potential for the excavated lunar material to be used in conjunction with a surface mining process for the purpose of the extraction of oxygen and other elements. Experiments into lunar material excavation and further research into the concept of a mechanical Lunar Tunneler are suggested.

Publication:
Final Report Texas A&M Univ., College Station. Dept. of Aerospace Engineering.
Pub Date:
May 1988

Keywords:
Laser Applications; Lunar Bases; Tunneling (Excavation); Underground Structures; Ceramics; Linings; Lunar Logistics; Optical Communication; Oxygen Production; Engineering (General)

Additionally,

SUBSELENE: a nuclear powered melt tunneling concept for high-speed lunar subsurface transportation tunnels

Abstract

High-speed lunar surface transportation between manned scientific, commercial, or logistical facilities will require subsurface tunnels because humans must be shielded from Galactic Cosmic Ray and Solar Proton Event irradiations. We present a concept called SUBSELENE in which heat from a nuclear reactor is used to melt rock and form a self-supporting, glass-lined tunnel suitable for Maglev or other high-speed transport modes. We argue that SUBSELENE is an optimal approach to forming transportation tunnels on the Moon because: (1) it uses a high-energy-density, high-efficiency, nuclear power supply; (2) it does not require water or other rare volatiles for upon system muck handling or cooling; (3) it can penetrate through a mechanically varied sequence of rock types without complicated configurational changes; (4) it forms its own support structure as it goes; and (5) it is highly amenable to unmanned, automated operation. We outline the R and D needed to develop a SUBSELENE device and give a cost estimate based on experience with small-scale, field-tested, rock-melting penetrators.

Authors: Neudecker, Jr, J W; Blacic, J D; Rowley, J C

Publication Date: 1986-01-01

Research Org.: Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

OSTI Identifier: 5262838

Report Number(s): LA-UR-86-2897; CONF-8609141-1
ON: DE86015305

DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36

Resource Relation: Conference: Engineers Club of Philadelphia symposium, Atlantic City, NJ, USA, 22 Sep 1986; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products

One Answer

Answered by Duane Lawrence on December 19, 2021

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