ISRU Production of Life Support Consumables for a Lunar Base

Similar to finding a home on Earth, location is important when selecting where to set up an exploration outpost. Essential considerations for comparing potential lunar outpost locations include: (1) areas nearby that would be useful for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) oxygen extraction from regolith for crew breathing oxygen as well as other potential uses; (2) proximity to a suitable landing site; (3) availability of sunlight; (4) capability for line-of-sight communications with Earth; (5) proximity to permanently-shadowed areas for potential in-situ water ice; and (6) scientific interest. The Mons Malapert 1 (Malapert Mountain) area (85.5oS, 0oE) has been compared to these criteria, and appears to be a suitable location for a lunar outpost. INTRODUCTION NASA is preparing the Constellation architecture to meet the exploration objective of developing a lunar outpost. The outpost location should be consistent with the architecture objectives, including future (Mars) exploration objectives. Many of the objectives for the outpost have already been defined. They include performing science, learning to survive on another planetary body, and learning to deal with the logistics issues of extended stays outside low Earth orbit. There are six criteria that should be considered for comparing potential lunar outpost sites: (1) having areas nearby that would be useful for ISRU oxygen production, (2) proximity to a suitable landing site, (3) availability of sunlight, (4) capability for line-of-sight communications with Earth, (5) proximity to permanently-shadowed areas for potential in-situ water, and (6) scientific interest. The Mons Malapert area is a suitable location for a lunar outpost, as described in the following sections.