Building the first lunar base - Construction, transport, assembly

Abstract

Introduction: Since the space age began less than 60 years ago, the exploration of our moon has been one of the prime goals of space technology and astronautics. If we decide to expand human civilization into space and to use the resources of the solar system, the establishment of a permanently occupied lunar base should be the first step. Prospecting and exploitation of lunar resources such as Helium-3 and scarce materials on a cost- effective basis could be a test bed for further space enterprises in the solar system up to moons of Jupiter. Among various possibilities of scientific research, such as geology, artificial ecosystems and human physiology and space medicine, the moon is an ideal location for optical, infra-red and radio astronomy. Last not least the effort to establish a lunar base would start a tremendous economic stimulus for terrestrial economies (ESA 2003).