Habot Mobile Lunar Base Configuration Analysis

(Abstract) This study presents an architectural analysis of the base configuration concepts and options for the Habot Mobile Lunar Base. "Habot" is a contraction of Habitat and Robot. The analytical technique consists of a systematic comparison of the various configurations at several scales. These scales include the overall configuration of the base cluster; the architectural plan and sections of the Habot modules; the pairing and adjacency relationships among modules; the implications for structural details of the module pressure vessels; and the thermal control/heat rejection system. The evaluation criteria include complexity; mass of redundant overhead hardware; efficient use of floor area; useful allocation of equipment volume; and effectiveness of the circulation pattern. A major consideration is that the functional purposes of each Habot unit pose different demands and implications for the design. The minimum set of Habot unit functional types are: living/habitat unit, laboratory unit, logistics unit, EVA access/ airlock/ excursion port, and excursion Habot. The key finding of the study is that a simple linear arrangement of Habot units, with the EVA Access/ excursion port units at either end, is the most efficient. It is the most efficient at nearly all levels of the analysis, but most especially in the advantages for useable floor area, equipment volume, and avoidance of excessive circulation area and unnecessary design complications.