Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Earth’s Moon is a destination point for renewed human exploration. To sustain lunar crews, a wide number of technologies are needed to assure safe living and working conditions. Image credit: NASA

Before hurling to the Moon the mandatory hardware for astronauts to survive, thrive, and work in the ruthless lunar environment, how do you certify critical technology ahead of time?

Moon crews will be on their own, far from any repair shops or prompt 911 emergency response actions from Earth. What does it take to have, in a sense, “UL-approved” equipment – that is, Unified Luna machinery?

Technician at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) engages in remote construction experiment for utilizing water resources on the Moon.
Image credit: JAXA/Sagamihara Campus

Recently, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brought together strategists and technologists to identify what’s needed to establish a Lunar Proving Grounds capability.

Lunar astronauts will need to count on fully-tested equipment to safely carry out a range of tasks, from deep drilling to utilizing the rich bounty of materials found on the Moon. Significant testing of technologies and techniques here on Earth prior to placement on the Moon is necessary.
Image credit: NASA

For more information, go to my new SpaceRef story – “Trial Runs on Earth — Getting Ready for the Moon” – at:

https://spaceref.com/newspace-and-tech/trial-runs-earth-getting-ready-moon/