Revolutionizing Space Architecture with Termite-Inspired Designs
A group of forward-thinking engineers is tapping into the architectural genius of termite mounds to develop sustainable habitats on the moon. At the helm is Jekan Thanga, an associate professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona, who, along with his team, has been pivotal in creating prototypes of lunar habitats. These sandbag structures, modeled after termite mounds, are designed to withstand the harsh lunar environment, offering astronauts a viable living space.
Thanga’s team has also envisioned a fleet of robots equipped with advanced sensors to construct and maintain these habitats. This innovative approach not only facilitates the building process but also ensures that astronauts receive timely updates on environmental conditions, enhancing their safety and efficiency. The project has caught the attention of Tech Launch Arizona, which has collaborated with Thanga to patent the technologies that integrate these structures with their robotic builders.
Building a Sustainable Off-Earth Future
At a recent conference hosted by the American Astronautical Society, Thanga and his doctoral student, Sivaperuman Muniyasamy, presented their groundbreaking research. Their work is part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return Americans to the moon and establish a permanent base there by the decade’s end. The collaboration, known as LUNAR-BRIC, includes NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MDA, a leading space robotics firm, reflecting a robust partnership between academia, government, and industry.
The primary goal of these lunar habitats is to lay the groundwork for a burgeoning space-based economy that includes sustainable moon and asteroid mining. Following their initial deployment, these structures could facilitate longer missions, providing essential support for research and industrial activities on the moon’s surface. Thanga envisions these habitats as just the first step in a long-term strategy to make human life sustainable on the moon and beyond.
From Earthbound Inspirations to Lunar Applications
The concept of using sandbags filled with lunar regolith for building was inspired by Nader Khalili’s pioneering work with SuperAdobe construction on Earth. Thanga has taken Khalili’s ideas further, incorporating the natural temperature-regulating designs of cathedral termite mounds, which are critical for survival in harsh climates like those of the African and Australian deserts where these termites thrive. This biomimicry extends to the robotics field, where Thanga explores how autonomous robotic systems can emulate the collective building strategies of social insects.
These robots are designed to perform in the moon’s extreme conditions, where temperatures can swing dramatically, and hazards like micrometeor impacts and solar radiation pose significant risks. By embedding sensors within the sandbags, these robots can construct habitats that are not only structurally sound but also capable of providing critical data about their immediate environment, ensuring the safety and longevity of lunar operations.
NASA has shown significant support for Thanga’s project, contributing substantial funding through its Space Technology Artemis Research program. This backing will enable the team to refine their designs and strategies until summer 2024, ensuring that when humans return to the moon, they have a robust and reliable infrastructure awaiting them.