Repurposable Thermoplastic Composites for Lunar Use (RTCLU)

Thermoplastic composites can be reformed, repaired, and welded utilizing thermal processes, providing lunar missions a means of repurposing lander components into equipment that can be used for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) activities. By reforming spacecraft components after arriving on the Moon, equivalent system mass (ESM) is minimized, allowing for additional equipment to be transported. Lynntech and the University of Washington propose an innovative means of reforming, repairing, and welding thermoplastic composites using an automated process capable of producing repeatable results, allowing for the process to be certified and employed across various industries, such as aerospace and automotive. The team will: 1) identify lander components suitable for thermoplastic composite construction, and 2) create designs for a handcart that can be constructed from the lander’s thermoplastic composites after arriving on the Moon. The handcart will enhance lunar activities by providing the astronauts with a means of increasing their carrying capacity on missions. The cart can be used to carry additional oxygen, power systems, tools, and lunar regolith. Solar panels can be equipped to the cart, allowing for continuous energy harvesting during lunar extravehicular activities. The research team will utilize finite element analysis, multiphysics modeling, and empirical methods to develop the thermoplastic composite process and designs for the lander components and handcart. The process developed can be adapted for other thermoplastic components if NASA desires an alternative to the handcart.