This document proposes an automated lunar greenhouse concept using lava tubes for radiation protection. It details a semi-direct solar heating and lighting system, a water and soil acquisition probe, and simulations of growing radishes and grains in lunar-derived soil. Results varied, showing the need for better soil simulation and more optimal watering, spacing, and temperature control. The concept aims to develop sustainable food production for future lunar bases.

1. Verde Base: Automated Lunar Greenhouse Concept Development andSimulated Lunar Derived Soil Vegetative Growth Experiment Kam YeeUniversity of Washington, BothellReport for the Student Visions of the Future ProgramNASA Institute for Advanced ConceptsMarch 23, 2004

2. Underground location-Lava tubes Photo: U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

3. Advantages: •Radiation protection•Meteoroid shielding•Natural thermal insulatorPhoto by Gus Frederick 2004

6. •Heating and lighting system•Efficient energy usage•No cosmic radiation! Semi-direct solar heating and lighting system

7. Semi-direct solar heating and lighting system sunlight AlphaBravoCharlieDelta

8. Alpha reflector and towerAlpha reflector/tower at 30 meters high Seen 10 km awayPtot(1.05)nr Reflector Size =__________ LsunReflector size ≥4.56 m2a) 2.14 m x 2.14 m b) diameter of 2.4 m

9. Systematic Agricultural MachineSAM

10. WASAPWater and Soil Acquisition Probe

13. •6-11 servings of bread group per day/per adult•15 grams per serving =170 grams per person/per dayGrain ~ 1000 –1500 g/m2Space of 1 module = 30 m2Starchy Food Requirement

14. Food supply duration 8 person crew1 cycle’s yield1 year’s yield4 Modules3 ½ months13 months6 Modules5 ½ months19 months12 person crew1 cycle’s yield1 year’s yield6 Modules3 ½ months13 months8 Modules5 months17 months

15. Lunar-derived soilComposting: •Recycles scarce organic material(waste management) •Produces carbon dioxide •Gives off heat during decomposition

16. Radishes at one week

17. Radishes at one month

19. “Results May Vary” Causes? •Insufficient watering•Spacing•High temperature

21. •Undergraduateresearch •Better simulated lunar-derived soil •Change cropFuture Work

22. Special thanks to: NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts University of Washington, BothellThe Museum of FlightSouth Seattle Community CollegePaul Unwin, Gus Posey, Meredith Hale, Dr. Colin Danby, MarjieVittum-Jones, Marty Hale-Evans, Jay Unwin, and my family. 3-D Rendering: Gus PoseyNASA Institute for Advanced ConceptsStudent Visions of the Future ProgramMarch 23, 2004