The top three competitors split $100K prize for generating virtual designs with modeling software. The contest will end with a head-to-head subscale structure print May 1-4, 2019, with an award of $800K:
Moon Diver – robotic exploration of lunar lava tubes
At the 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference earlier this month, a paper was presented describing a mission concept for a two-wheeled tethered robotic rover to explore lava tubes on the Moon. In addition to the scientific value of these windows into the lunar crust, lava tubes are ready-made natural structures that provide radiation protection, shielding from micrometeorites, and a shelter from the extreme temperature swings of the lunar surface. Perfect for lunar settlements!
Toyota and JAXA team up on pressurized lunar rover
The car maker has plans for leveraging their fuel cell technology to use hydrogen sourced on the Moon to power a vehicle capable of transporting two occupants in pressurized comfort:
https://www.inverse.com/article/54043-toyota-moon-rover-car-jaxa
Settlement of Titan
Amanda Kooser of CNET reports on a NASA’s engineer’s vision of flying in a nitrogen sky and swimming in methane lakes on Titan:
https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-engineer-looks-to-saturn-moon-titan-for-human-colony/
For Spacefaring Women: Medically Induced Amenorrhea
Until engineering solutions for artificial gravity in space habitats are validated, women who want to spend long periods of time in the microgravity environment of space will want options for suppressing menstruation and preventing conception . This article lays out an array of alternatives:
Advances in Space Based Solar Power
Caltech researchers have come up with an innovative lightweight tile assembly that combines collection of solar energy, conversion to microwaves and transmission of the power via an antenna. The modular design can be combined into an array enabling transmission of power where it is needed in space. Combining these three functionalities into scalable modular units is a significant development toward realization of space based solar power.
Check out the AIAA paper here: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~sslab/PUBLICATIONS/Gdoutos%20et%20al%202018.pdf
Want some Cosmic Knowledge?
National Medal of Science winner Sandra Faber serves it up free in Santa Clara March 19 5:30-7:30 PM PDT :
Cosmic Knowledge and the Future of the Human Race
One of the benefits of being married to a UC Santa Cruz Alum is advanced notice of free Kraw Lectures: https://specialevents.ucsc.edu/kraw-lecture/
Update: here is the lecture on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bZbft-AjBs&feature=youtu.be
Plastic Rockets?
This start up says yes! And 3D printed to boot
Apollo 11
This wonderful documentary recaptures the spirit of adventure that inspired a generation to reach for the stars. The footage, some of it never-before-seen along with audio as it happen in real time 50 years ago, makes for an awe inspiring experience while documenting the greatest adventure of all time.
https://www.apollo11movie.com/
Update: here is the incredible story about how this historic treasure came together: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/08/movies/apollo11-documentary.html
NASA FY 2020 budget may cut SLS, favors funding for lunar landers
The Wall Street Journal reports that NASA is stepping up its lunar initiative and may place astronauts on the Moon by 2024.
The proposed $21 Billion budget is a 5% increase over last year and includes $500 million for lunar initiatives to accelerate public/private partnership with industry on proposed lunar landers.