Future Lunar Bases Could Be Built From Astronauts' Pee

[Judi Lynn]

Stephen Luntz
By Stephen Luntz
30 MAR 2020, 16:59
The rockets that will take us back to the Moon are on hold while we cope with Earthly problems but planning goes on. Scientists seeking building materials to construct lunar bases have hit upon urine as a key ingredient, one that can turn the Moon's upper layer into something in which research teams or even colonists could shelter.

If you think excess luggage is expensive, try the cost of getting even a few additional grams into space, let alone all the way to the Moon. The economic viability of lunar missions depends on sourcing as much of what we need as possible on location. Having found we can probably access water there, at least if we base ourselves near the poles, the question has turned to other necessities.

The absence of an atmosphere means a shelter must keep out extreme temperatures and high radiation while being large enough to grow food beneath. Scientists from across Europe have collaborated to find a way to sculpt the lunar surface into something that will hold the shape they want without having to drill caverns into solid rock.

"To make the geopolymer concrete that will be used on the moon, the idea is to use what is there: regolith (loose material from the moon's surface) and the water from the ice present in some areas," said Professor Ramón Pamies of the University of Cartagena in a statement.

More:
https://www.iflscience.com/space/future-lunar-bases-coud-be-built-from-astronauts-pee/

[Warpy]

1. The urea filtered out could be polymerized

but the water will have to be reclaimed. Mined lunar water, melted by sunlight maybe 10 days a month, might help, but anything built with water, liquid or solid, won't last long as the water sublimates into near vacuum.

They'd be better off spending a few years with low orbiters mapping the surface and pointing out likely locations for lava tubes. Those are the likeliest shelter solutions. Until they can be located and explored, the temporary shelter under a rock overhang will have to do. Water stored in bladders in the walls of the shelter will provide protection against radiation.

[El Supremo]

2. I also read that Uranus is discharging gas.

[cstanleytech]

3. Frankly I think any surface bases on the moon are a mistake.

Instead for added protection from impacts they should investigate trying to build any such bases within already existing caverns and or lava tubes that they can retrofit.