Foundation, excavation, and radiation-shielding concepts for a 16-m large lunar telescope

Koon Meng Chua; Stewart W. Johnson

doi:10.1117/12.46719

1 September 1991 Foundation, excavation, and radiation-shielding concepts for a 16-m large lunar telescope

Koon Meng Chua, Stewart W. Johnson

Proceedings Volume 1494, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46719
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

NASA is considering a 16-m diameter optical telescope on the moon as a part of the Space Exploration Initiative. Fundamental concepts of engineering activities on the moon and how they can be applied to the establishment of a 16-m large lunar telescope (LLT) are discussed. These fundamental concepts include the engineering response of lunar soils and how they affect construction activities, namely, drilling, blasting, ripping, digging and compaction. A mirror support structure and foundation design concept is proposed. The foundation considered is a multiple contact points spud-can type footing. It does not appear that a deep foundation or the presence of bedrock is required to achieve the telescope foundation stiffness. The LLT system will include a regolith covered housing, the size of a small room, which will contain sensitive electronic equipment including charge coupled devices which need protection from cosmic radiation effects. A brief discussion is made on radiation, radiation transport and radiation effects on electronics and on humans. Radiation protection techniques and the different emplacement schemes for the LLT instrument housing for radiation protection are suggested. A structural concept of an early lunar based telescope is also presented.

Citation Download Citation

Koon Meng Chua and Stewart W. Johnson "Foundation, excavation, and radiation-shielding concepts for a 16-m large lunar telescope", Proc. SPIE 1494, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments, (1 September 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46719

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