Precision Regolith Emplacement, Compaction, and Integrated Smoothing Equipment

Outward Technologies, with Colorado School of Mines, proposes development of Precision Regolith Emplacement, Compaction, and Integrated Smoothing Equipment (PRECISE) for lunar surface site preparation. PRECISE addresses NASA STTR 2025 T7.04 and Civil Space Shortfall 662, enabling critical infrastructure development. The system combines controlled regolith deposition, smoothing, and vibratory compaction in a single, rover-mounted platform. A trough hopper with a regolith feeder ensures uniform regolith dispensing, with novel methods applied to mitigate clogging issues common to regolith and low-gravity conditions. A height-adjustable, rotating drum immediately follows, simultaneously smoothing and compacting the deposited layer. This integrated approach minimizes operational complexity and robotic assets, improving efficiency. Phase I funding will be used to design, fabricate, and test a sub-scale prototype. Experiments with lunar highlands regolith simulant CSM-LHT-1 will validate deposition control, quantify compaction performance (targeting densities defined by CSM based on civil engineering requirements), and measure reaction forces. A force-torque sensor will characterize rolling resistance and downward pressure applied to the regolith. A cone penetrometer will evaluate in-situ compaction. Results will inform a preliminary space system design and Concept of Operations (ConOps) for lunar applications, including landing pads, habitat foundations, roadways, and berms. The technology leverages existing TRL 5 (advancing to TRL 6) regolith handling hardware developed by Outward, reducing risk. Target markets include NASA, other space agencies, and commercial lunar construction entities. Terrestrial applications include replaceable compactor surfaces for high-wear environments like mine tailings compaction, and variable compaction for time savings. Phase I will advance PRECISE from TRL 3 to 4. A preliminary SWaP analysis and multi-track interaction study are included.