California Research Analog for Deep Space and Lunar Exploration (CRADLE) 2020 Astronaut Simulations

The Low Earth Orbital (LEO) setting has been the frontline for validating and testing technologies human spaceflight, robotic spaceflight, and human-robotics relations for the past 60 years. The Moon is the essential next step for constructing and testing surface-based robotics, both for Lunar and Martian purposes. Underground water-ice and mineral-rich regolith allows for vital Lunar human long-term sustainable habitation. Earth-based Lunar analogs are essential elements for preflight verification and risk minimization.

With the CRADLE (California Research Analog for Deep Space and Lunar Exploration) location in Lucerne Valley, CA, a new way that allows human-in-the-loop ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) operations using exploration hardware such as rovers, robots, and surface habitats can now be enabled. Simulating Lunar ISRU operations with remote mission control and surface assets, including tele-robotics and a crewed habitat, will help to identify potential efficiencies and constraints for real Lunar and potential Martian long-term human settlements.

During the summer months of 2020, a team of researchers comprised of physicians, scientists, individuals from both public and private space agencies, and students from undergrad to Ph. D levels conducted a plethora of human-in-the-loop ISRU tests and experiments focused around human habitation in an analog Lunar environment and interactions with ISRU analog technologies that operated in similar Lunar analog conditions — all within the vast CRADLE facilities in Lucerne Valley, CA. These tests included, but were not limited to, radio astronomy using small-scale portable radio telescopes in order to demonstrate potential radio astronomy science done near the southern Lunar pole, hydroponics development and maintenance, safe and efficient waste disposal, “EVA”s in mock astronaut suits, command and control of various robotic ground assets near the habitat, and regolith ISRU in order to attempt to produce building materials from regolith-like geology and robotic manufacturing of said materials. The team consisted of 3 men and 3 women and each person spent 3 days within the CRADLE primary site where the habitat is located. Psychological, physical, and emotional evaluations of each participate were performed both before, during, and after the habitation period.

Next year the team plans to perform a trade study comparing various habitat construction techniques using these ISRU capabilities. Through the simulation of technical, operational and even legal scenarios, these efforts will improve mission safety, execution and value. The CRADLE facility helps provide rapid iteration and design augmentation while testing and validating future technologies alongside human factors requirement.