• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2024

Nowadays, the trend in lunar exploration missions is shifting from prospecting lunar surface to utilizing in-situ resources and establishing sustainable bridgehead. In the past, experiments were mainly focused on rover maneuvers and equipment operations. But the current shift in trend requires more complex experiments that includes preparations for resource extraction, space construction and even space agriculture. To achieve that, the experiment requires a sophisticated simulation of the lunar environment, but we are not yet prepared for this. Particularly, in the case of lunar regolith simulants, precise physical and chemical composition with a rapid development speed rate that allows different terrains to be simulated is required. However, existing lunar regolith simulants, designed for 20th-century exploration paradigms, are not sufficient to meet the requirements of modern space exploration. In order to prepare for the latest trends in space exploration, it is necessary to innovate the methodology for producing simulants. In this study, the basic framework for lunar regolith simulant development was established to realize this goal. The framework not only has a sample database and a database of potential simulation target compositions, but also has a built-in function to automatically calculate the optimal material mixing ratio through the particle swarm optimization algorithm to reproduce the target simulation, enabling fast and accurate simulant development. Using this framework, we anticipate a more agile response to the evolving needs toward simulants for space exploration.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.103.2-103.2
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• 2011

We measure the degree of polarization of the lunar regolith to map the distributions of the age and the particle size. We use a 12cm refracting telescope with a 2k-square pixel color CCD (R band) and a polarization filter. The angular resolution obtained is 3.02 km/pixel. Our goal is to obtain a map of the lunar particle size distribution on the lunar regolith and then that of the age distribution. Polarization of the light scattered by lunar surface contains information on their mean particle size. The mean particle size of the lunar surface has been decreased by continued micro-meteoroid impact over a long period. One can estimate the age of the lunar surface if the mean particle size is known. Particle sizes can be measured through observations of polarization because the mean particle size is related to the maximum polarization and albedo. The age and the particle size of the lunar regolith can give vital information for the future lunar exploration.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.53-63
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• 2015

For the success of future missions to the Moon and other similar cosmic environments, understanding and utilization of the lunar regolith has become essential. However, due to the scarcity and unaffordability of real lunar regolith on Earth, a number of lunar regolith simulants (e.g., JSC-1; NASA) have been developed for experimental purposes. However, Korea does not have its own lunar regolith, even though the country is planning to actively pursue lunar and space missions in the 2020s. Thus, this study has been conducted to develop a Korean lunar simulant prototype via basic feasibility attempts (e.g., raw material selection, particle size and chemical composition simulation). Finally, the first prototype of Korea's own lunar simulant has been obtained, and denominated as KLS-1.

• Proceedings of the KSR Conference
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• 2010.06a
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• pp.1951-1957
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• 2010

Study of Lunar exploration is progressed and manned lunar exploration is planned. In order to explore in Lunar, we need habitat to stay for a long time and system that mine, classify and transport materials. Lunar has dust that is very light-tiny. That is on the air for a long time so there are problems to adject transportation system such as vehicle. However, it can solve the problem to use pipe transportation system. This transportation system help materials move continually and is more effective than other transportation system such as train or vehicle. For those positive points, some experts studied about tube transportation systems. I introduce these system and find out factors that can be used in Lunar regolith transportation system. I suggest Lunar regolith transportation system, using the factors.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.284-290
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• 2014

To successfully explore the moon by lunar lander, it is essential to guarantee the safe landing of lunar lander. Therefore, efficient shock absorption system of lunar lander should be designed in order to reduce landing impact force. Also, for more practical design of lunar lander, it is important to consider the effect of lunar regolith. In the line of thought, finite element model of lunar lander considering the effect of lunar regolith is developed. To reduce landing impact force, optimization of shock absorption system for lunar lander has been carried out. In optimization, sequential approximate optimization method based on meta-model is used. Through the result of optimization, it is verified that landing impact force on lunar lander can be efficiently reduced by the present optimization procedure.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.10
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• pp.49-55
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• 2023

The discovery of lunar ice in the lunar polar region has fueled international interest in in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and the construction of lunar habitats. Unlike Earth's atmosphere, the Moon presents unique challenges, including frequent meteoroid impacts, direct exposure to space radiation, and extreme temperature variations. To safeguard lunar habitats from these threats, the construction of a protective shield is essential. Lunar regolith, as a construction material, offers distinct advantages, reducing transportation costs and ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials. Moreover, it streamlines manufacturing, integration schedules, and enables easy repairs and modifications without Earth resupply. Adjusting the shield's thickness within the habitat's structural limits remains feasible as lunar conditions evolve. Although extensive research on protective shields using lunar regolith has been conducted, unresolved conflicts persist regarding shield requirements. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the primary lunar threats and suggests a minimum shield thickness of 2 m using lunar regolith. Furthermore, it outlines the necessary technology for the rapid construction of such protective shields.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.93.2-93.2
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• 2013

Polarization of the light scattered by the lunar surface contains information on the mean particle size of the lunar regolith, which gradually decreases by continued micro-meteoroid impact over a long period and thus is an age indicator of the surface. We performed multi-band (U, B, V, R and I) polarimetric observations toward the whole near side of the Moon at the Lick observatory using a 15-cm reflecting telescope with 1.1km/pixel spatial resolution at the center of the lunar disk. We analyze the color dependence of the polarization properties of the lunar regolith and discuss its implication for the study of lunar swirls.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.62.1-62.1
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• 2015

Polarization of the light reflected off the Moon provides information on the size and composition of the particles in the lunar regolith. The mean particle size of the regolith can be estimated from the combination of the albedo and degree of polarization, while the color ratio of the parallel-component polarization (CP) has been suggested to be related to the amount of nanophase metallic iron (npFe^0) inside the regolith particles. Both the mean size and npFe^0 abundance of the particles have been used as maturity indicators of the regolith since sustained impacts of high energy particles and micro-meteoroids cause comminution of particles and production of npFe^0. Based on our multispectral polarimetric observations of the whole near side of the Moon in the U, B, V, R, and I bands, we compare the maps of the mean particle size, CP, and the optical maturity (OM). We find that the mean particle size map is sensitive to the most immature (~0.1 Gyr) soil, the OP map to the intermediate immaturity (a few 0.1 Gyr) soil, and the CP map to the least immature (~1 Gyr) soil.

• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.199-212
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• 2023

In contrast to the short-term nature of lunar missions in the past, lunar missions in new space era aim to extend the presence on the lunar surface and to use this capability for the Mars exploration. In order to realize extended human presence on the Moon, production and use of consumables and fuels required for the habitation and transportation using in-situ resources is an important prerequisite. The Global Exploration Roadmap presented by the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG), which reflects the space exploration plans of participating countries, shows the phases of progress from lunar surface exploration to Mars exploration and relates in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) capabilities to each phase. Based on the ISRU Gap Assessment Report from the ISECG, ISRU technology is categorized into in-situ propellant and consumable production, in-situ construction, in-space manufacturing, and related areas such as storage and utilization of products, power systems required for resource utilization. Among the lunar resources, leading countries have prioritized the utilization of ice water existing in the permanent shadow region near the lunar poles and the extraction of oxygen from the regolith, and are preparing to investigate the distribution of resources and ice water near the lunar south pole through unmanned landing missions. Resource utilization technologies such as producing hydrogen and oxygen from water by hydroelectrolysis and extracting oxygen from the lunar regolith are being developed and tested in relevant lunar surface analogue environments. It is also observed that each government emphasizes the use and development of the private sector capabilities for sustainable lunar surface exploration by purchasing lunar landing services and providing opportunities to participate in resource exploration and material extraction.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.13-19
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• 2023

Lunar ice is a resource available for future human exploration in deep space and long-term extraterrestrial habitat. However, the origin and nature of lunar ice remains unclear. In addition to remote sensing, international space agencies are competitively planning and conducting missions for lunar surface exploration to determine the existence and resource extent of lunar ice. If a sufficient amount of lunar ice is confirmed, its future in-situ resource utilization is expected to be greatly beneficial. However, due to ice extraction, settlement may occur, which should be taken into account from a geotechnical engineering perspective. Herein, experimental investigations of the potential settlement caused by lunar ice extraction were conducted and different textures of lunar ice were simulated. Consequently, it was confirmed that significant settlement occurs even at the initial water content of ~10% in lunar regolith simulant-ice-mixed soil.