Lunar Settlements

This volume addresses the many issues that surround the concept of humans returning to the Moon. It covers political and economic aspects; potential medical problems, including radiation exposure and long-term hypogravity; and lunar resources, such as lunar water from possible polar ice deposits, hydrogen, helium-3, and oxygen from the lunar regolith. The book also discusses using the Moon as a platform for astronomy applications, explores the outpost sites of Shackleton Crater and Malapert Mountain, and shows how greenhouses can make agriculture possible. In addition, former astronaut and U.S. Senator Harrison H. Schmitt discusses how to maintain deep space exploration and settlement.

Bringing together some of the most recognized and influential researchers and scientists in various space-related disciplines, Lunar Settlements addresses the many issues that surround the permanent human return to the Moon. Numerous international contributors offer their insights into how certain technological, physiological, and psychological challenges must be met to make permanent lunar settlements possible.

The book first looks to the past, covering the Apollo and Saturn legacies. In addition, former astronaut and U.S. Senator Harrison H. Schmitt discusses how to maintain deep space exploration and settlement. The book then discusses economic aspects, such as funding for lunar commerce, managing human resources, and commercial transportation logistics. After examining how cultural elements will fit into habitat design, the text explores the physiological, psychological, and ethical impact of living on a lunar settlement. It also describes the planning/technical requirements of lunar habitation, the design of both manned and modular lunar bases, and the protection of lunar habitats against meteoroids. Focusing on lunar soil mechanics, the book concludes with discussions on lunar concrete, terraforming, and using greenhouses for agricultural purposes.

Drawing from the lunar experiences of the six Apollo landing missions to the many American and Soviet robotic missions to current space activities and research, this volume summarizes the problems, prospects, and practicality of enduring lunar settlements. It reflects the key disciplines, including engineering, physics, architecture, psychology, biology, and anthropology, that will play significant roles in establishing these settlements.