Preliminary Materials Testing of Concrete Canvas for Use in Lunar Dust Mitigation Applications

Abstract

NASA plans to return to the lunar surface in the coming years with the goal of re-establishing a manned presence and creating In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) infrastructure from regolith-based materials. Upcoming missions will transport and prepare equipment prior to regolith processing and ISRU production. Alternatives for controlled landing surfaces available for early missions have not been proven viable prior to this research. By using a material known as concrete canvas (8mm thickness), coated with polymer-based soil stabilizer, a flexible lunar landing pad option is available for use on early missions. With successful testing for tensile strength and puncture resistance, compared to published material specifications and conversions to support lunar applications, a pre-manufactured pad is capable of meeting early-mission needs. The design incorporates future recyclability with the potential for use as lunar trackway and underlayment for ISRU produced infrastructure such as habitable spaces and reinforced landing areas.