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INSTRUCTORS:
Haleigh Hart
Jared Long-Fox
Salvador Gonzalez
Alexis Munguia
Hannah S. Stuart, PhD
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at Earth and Space 2026 Conference.
Rocket Plume Assisted In-Situ Construction Processes Supporting Extraterrestrial Exploration Activities (12 minutes)
As humanity prepares for sustained operations on the Moon and Mars, innovative construction methods that minimize transported materials are becoming increasingly important. This presentation explores the concept of using rocket exhaust plumes as a tool for in-situ construction by sintering or stabilizing local regolith. The research investigates how the extreme temperatures and pressures generated during spacecraft landings can be harnessed to create hardened landing pads, roads, and protective surfaces. Experimental studies and numerical simulations examine the interaction between rocket plumes and granular materials under extraterrestrial conditions. The presentation discusses the engineering challenges associated with controlling erosion while maximizing construction benefits. Participants will gain insight into a novel approach that transforms a traditionally destructive phenomenon into a valuable construction process.
How Can Microorganisms Help Us Turn Martian Dust into Concrete? (14 minutes)
Transporting conventional building materials from Earth to Mars is economically impractical, making local resource utilization essential for future colonies. This presentation examines the use of microorganisms to biologically transform Martian regolith into cementitious construction materials. Researchers investigate microbial-induced mineral precipitation processes that bind regolith particles together, creating durable structural elements. The study explores the environmental conditions necessary to support microbial activity and evaluates the mechanical properties of the resulting bio-concrete. Experimental findings demonstrate the potential of biotechnology to provide sustainable and self-renewing construction solutions for extraterrestrial habitats. The presentation highlights the intersection of microbiology, civil engineering, and planetary science in developing future infrastructure systems.
Surrogate State Proprioception of Shape Memory Alloy Driven Soft Continuum Robotic Arm via Embedded Piezoresisitive Sensors (10 minutes)
Soft robotic systems offer unique advantages for operating safely and efficiently in uncertain extraterrestrial environments. This presentation introduces a shape memory alloy (SMA)-driven soft continuum robotic arm equipped with embedded piezoresistive sensors that provide proprioceptive feedback. The research focuses on estimating the arm's deformation state without relying on external cameras or tracking systems. Machine learning algorithms are employed to correlate sensor signals with robotic arm configurations, enabling accurate position estimation. Experimental testing demonstrates the effectiveness of the embedded sensing approach during complex bending and manipulation tasks. The study provides valuable insight into the development of intelligent robotic systems for future lunar and Martian operations.
Distributed Infrastructure Sensors and Cues for Robotic Fire-Fighting and Safety System on a Lunar Base (11 minutes)
Fire safety presents unique challenges in enclosed extraterrestrial habitats where evacuation options are limited. This presentation explores the development of a distributed network of smart sensors and environmental cues designed to assist autonomous robotic firefighting systems on future lunar bases. The proposed system integrates thermal sensors, smoke detection, localization technologies, and robotic navigation aids to rapidly identify and respond to emergencies. Researchers examine how distributed infrastructure can improve situational awareness and reduce response times during hazardous events. The presentation also discusses communication architectures and system redundancy to ensure reliable operation in harsh space environments. Attendees will learn how smart infrastructure can enhance the safety and resilience of future extraterrestrial settlements.
Heated Screw Indentation Holding Strength on Ice: Modeling and Experiments for Robotic Ice Climbing (17 minutes)
Future planetary exploration missions may require robotic systems capable of traversing icy surfaces such as those found on Mars' polar regions or icy moons. This presentation investigates the use of heated screw anchors to improve robotic climbing performance on ice. By briefly melting the surrounding ice and allowing it to refreeze around the anchor, the system significantly increases holding strength. The research combines analytical modeling with laboratory experiments to evaluate the influence of temperature, insertion depth, and melting duration on anchor performance. Results demonstrate that thermal assistance can substantially improve adhesion while minimizing energy consumption. The findings contribute to the development of autonomous robotic systems for exploration of challenging extraterrestrial environments.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how rocket plume interactions with regolith can support in-situ construction activities for future space missions.
- Describe how microorganisms can be used to convert Martian regolith into construction materials through biological processes.
- Discuss how embedded piezoresistive sensors enable surrogate state estimation in soft robotic systems.
- Identify the major components and functions of a distributed robotic fire-fighting and safety monitoring system for a lunar base.
- Explain how heated screw anchors improve robotic climbing performance on icy extraterrestrial surfaces.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Aerospace / Space Systems Engineers
- Civil Engineers (Geotechnical, Structural, Construction)
- Geotechnical / Materials Engineers
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineers
- Researchers & Academics
- Government & Space Agency Professionals
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]