A Long-Term Lunar Infrastructure Hub Named After the Object That Created the Moon

The desire to return to the Moon has taken root firmly in the imagination of space agencies and enthusiasts alike, largely driven by the goals of NASA's Artemis program. However, the question of what we will do once we get there - beyond landing and walking on the lunar surface - becomes increasingly pressing. Addressing this critical issue is a group of students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). They have envisioned a proposal for a lunar infrastructure module dubbed the Trans-Lunar Hub for Exploration, ISRU, and Advancement, or THEIA.

Understanding THEIA's Vision

THEIA's name pays homage to the hypothesis that a massive object – theorized as 'Theia' – collided with the early Earth, ultimately leading to the formation of our Moon. This conceptualization of cosmic collaboration elegantly mirrors the objectives of the Artemis program: the collaboration and advancement of humanity's spacefaring capabilities.

Notably, THEIA is not intended to be the central hub of lunar operations, a role primarily reserved for the Artemis base under development by NASA. However, the planners behind THEIA believe that any long-term lunar mission will require a robust infrastructure capable of supporting four pivotal components: power, communications, transportation, and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU).

Mission Requirements

Among its mission requirements, THEIA aims to provide localized positioning systems, coherent communication networks, and necessary power supplies to the vicinity surrounding the lunar south pole. Concerning these aims, various organizations are currently undertaking developmental projects targeted at different pieces of infrastructure that together fulfill THEIA’s mission.

Lunar Delivery Mechanism

The delivery mechanism for THEIA follows the now-familiar path of utilizing SpaceX's Starship, a monumental advancement in space transportation technology. The initial estimates indicate that the basic setup for THEIA will require approximately 73 tons of cargo, substantially below the 100-ton capacity anticipated for the Starship's lunar payload limits.

Proposed Launch Equipment

The primary equipment destined for the inaugural launch to set up THEIA includes two essential infrastructure components:

• LUNARSABER Poles: Developed by Honeybee Robotics, the LUNARSABER poles serve as extendable towers equipped with solar panels on their sides to harness energy.
• Robotic Assembly: The successful deployment of the LUNARSABER poles requires several robotic units. The proposal includes utilizing a multi-limbed rover inspired by NASA's Athlete prototype, alongside a traditional lunar rover designed from the ongoing Lunar Terrain Vehicle contract.

Ground Communication Systems

Other crucial infrastructure elements entail the installation of ground antennas that facilitate data and communication transmission back to both the Lunar Gateway and scientific habitats. The essential design philosophy of THEIA emphasizes the presence of dedicated spaces for experiments that can operate within semi-controlled environments.

A Breakthrough Concept: LUNARSABER

The effectiveness of the LUNARSABER poles in facilitating power and communication operations cannot be overstated. As part of the deployment strategy, the UIUC team proposes leveraging several advanced robotic rovers to ensure the effective establishment of this critical infrastructure.

Future Missions and Timeline

Though the inaugural missions meant to deliver THEIA's infrastructure are not anticipated until 2035, the potential for crewed missions to follow soon after promises exciting developments on the lunar surface. The original concept for THEIA was crafted by a dedicated cohort of undergraduate students who responded to NASA's RASC-AL challenge. Their proposal, among others from teams at Virginia Tech, the University of Maryland, and South Dakota University, earned them a finalist position in the competition.

Recognition for Innovation

Certainly, recognition is due for the UIUC team's substantial effort in designing and presenting an innovative proposal, which embodies the collaborative spirit of contemporary space exploration.

Learn More About THEIA

For those who wish to dive deeper into the conceptual framework and operational scenarios envisioned for THEIA, a collection of resources is available:

• Bojinov et al – THEIA Technical Paper
• Universe Today – A Tower On The Moon Could Provide Astronauts With Light, Power, and Guidance
• Universe Today – NASA has Plans for More Cargo Deliveries to the Moon
• Universe Today – NASA Focuses in on Artemis III Landing Sites.

Conclusion

The initiative represented by THEIA encapsulates a vision of sustained lunar exploration where infrastructure is prioritized, setting the stage for future interplanetary endeavors. The interoperability of advanced technologies, innovative design proposals, and NASA's robust programs signals a promising future for humanity's endeavors beyond Earth.

Lead Image: THEIA Concept of Operations.

Reference: Universetoday.