Evaluation of Lunar Pits and Lava Tubes for Use as Human Habitats

Abstract

There have been several hundred pits found on the lunar surface. These lunar pits are hypothesized to be remnant lava tubes. The latest studies indicate networks of these tubes crisscrossing large tracts of the lunar surface. These lunar pits are ideals as habitat/shelter for a future human base. These pits are nearly 80 m deep and 80–100 m in diameter. At these depths, the temperature is expected to be balmy, –25°C compared to surface temperatures reaching 200°C during the daytime and up to –150°C at night-time. In addition, these potential lava tubes serve as shelter from radiation and micro-meteorites. All of these factors make these natural structures ideal for setting up a human base, provided the internal structure is stable and does not contain toxic materials. In this paper, we analyze concepts of a lunar base inside lava tubes for layout and positioning of critical subsystems, including structure, thermal, food production, life support system, robotic systems for resource prospecting, communication, and power generation for humans living inside. Through these conceptual studies, we hope to identify a path forward towards development of some of these lunar lava tubes into critical habitable structures in support of permanent human presence on the Moon.