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INSTRUCTORS:
Joan Lynam, PhD
John Connoly, P.E.
Leela Krishna Mohan
Carol Mgiba
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at Earth and Space 2026 Conference.
Plasticizing Lunar Regolith-Based Cement with Direct Contact Membrane Distillation of Synthetic Urine for Urea (16 minutes)
As future lunar missions move toward long-term habitation, efficient use of local resources becomes increasingly important. This presentation explores an innovative process that extracts purified water and concentrated urea from synthetic astronaut urine using Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD). The recovered urea is incorporated into lunar regolith-based cement mixtures to improve their workability and suitability for additive manufacturing applications such as 3D printing. Experimental results demonstrate that urea-enhanced mixtures provide greater slump and maintain comparable compressive strength after curing. The presentation also discusses the potential for DCMD technology to support water purification during terrestrial disaster response operations. Attendees will gain insight into how waste recycling technologies can contribute to sustainable extraterrestrial construction.
Selection of Terramechanically Similar Lunar Simulant for the Texas A&M Space Institute Lunar Planetscape (16 minutes)
Developing realistic testing environments is critical for preparing future lunar missions. This presentation describes the process used to identify a cost-effective and terramechanically accurate lunar regolith simulant for the Texas A&M Space Institute's large-scale lunar test facility. Various basalt-derived materials were evaluated through dynamic cone penetrometer testing, direct shear testing, and dust generation assessments. The research focused on matching the near-surface shear strength characteristics of actual lunar soil while maintaining safe operating conditions for personnel. Results showed that washed manufactured basalt sand provided an excellent balance between lunar realism and practical usability. The presentation highlights how large-scale simulation environments can support rover testing, EVA operations, and construction equipment development.
Grain-Scale Mechanics and Structural Interactions of Lunar Regolith for Surface Construction Applications (13 minutes)
Successful lunar infrastructure development requires a thorough understanding of how regolith interacts with engineered structures. This presentation investigates grain-scale behavior and soil-structure interaction characteristics of lunar regolith simulants under varying confining stresses and interface roughness conditions. Using direct shear testing, researchers examined the performance of regolith-regolith interfaces as well as interfaces between regolith and 3D-printed surfaces with controlled roughness. The study evaluated frictional behavior, dilation effects, peak and residual shear strengths, and particle-scale interactions. Results reveal that both particle size distribution and interface roughness significantly influence mechanical response. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design of lunar foundations, anchors, piles, and surface infrastructure systems.
Sustainable Infrastructure on Mars: Mechanical Characterization of Simulated Regolith-Based Rocks for Extraterrestrial Construction (17 minutes)
Future human missions to Mars will require durable infrastructure constructed primarily from locally available materials. This presentation examines the development and mechanical characterization of simulated Martian regolith-based rocks created using Mars Global Simulant and sulfur as a binding agent. Researchers evaluated the mineralogical composition, microstructure, and compressive strength of the manufactured rocks using microscopy, spectroscopy, and uniaxial compression testing. The study compared laboratory-developed specimens with geological observations obtained from Mars exploration missions. Results indicate that the simulated rocks exhibit brittle behavior and relatively low compressive strength, highlighting potential challenges for structural applications. The presentation discusses implications for foundation design, habitat construction, and future research needed to account for Martian environmental conditions.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how Direct Contact Membrane Distillation and urea recovery can improve the workability and sustainability of lunar regolith-based cement.
- Describe the engineering criteria used to select a terramechanically representative lunar regolith simulant.
- Discuss how grain-scale interactions and interface roughness influence the mechanical behavior of lunar regolith.
- Identify the key mechanical characteristics and engineering challenges associated with using simulated Martian rocks for infrastructure development.
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]