Geothermal energy equivalents are practical on the Moon for sustaining a lunar base
the verdict
CONTESTED PARTIAL
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
1 source for · 2 against
The evidence presents conflicting views on utilizing lunar geothermal or surface-subsurface temperature gradient equivalents. Some technical studies propose utilizing temperature gradients between the surface and deep soil via systems like Organic Rankine Cycles to power a base, while other sources highlight major practical obstacles such as extreme drilling depths and resource uncertainties.
From passive survival to active development: an evolutionary thermal energy architecture for sustainable lunar bases | npj Space Exploration
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### Subjects
- Engineering
- Planetary science
## Abstract
Establishing a permanent habitat on the Moon is a critical goal in the new era of space exploration, but it depends on overcoming extreme environmental challenges. The primary obstacle is the harsh lunar environment, characterized by prolonged nights, extremely low temperatures, and a lack of solar energy during the night. While solutions such as passive thermal insulation/heat storage structures, radioisotope heaters, in situ solar thermal storage, and nuclear fission reactors are being investigated, they are often assessed in isolation, without a comprehensive long-term developmental framework. Here, we conduct a trade-off analysis of key technologies via a multi-dimensional quantitative evaluation system and propose an evolutionary framework that combines these diverse technological pathways with a phased development blueprint for the lunar base. Our analysis matches the distinct capabilities and limitations of each technology with the evolving requirements of a se
Lunar Geothermal Power - Some Problems and Potentials - NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) NTRS NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server Search more_vert Collections About News Help Login Press Enter or click the Search button to begin your search. Back to Results Lunar Geothermal Power - Some Problems and Potentials Power from geothermal deposits on earth is an established fact, with plant capacities ranging from a few kilowatts to several hundred megawatts. The increasing evidence for contemporary volcanic and fumarolic activity on the moon lends strong support to the validity of the concepts of utilizing geothermal fluids as a source of lunar power.
Geothermal energy, whatever the size of installation desired, will probably not be an energy source during early exploratory operations, because of the inherent uncertainty in developing natural resources. On the other hand, the attractiveness of geothermal concepts with their abundant potential for byproduct fuel and life-support production, plus the potential for large continuous power outputs, suggests chat the location and testing of areas of geothermal potential should be an early goa] for lunar exploration efforts.
This paper briefly describes the chemical and structural properties of geothermal deposits and outlines the differences expected between lunar and terrestrial deposits and their surface expressions. The problems of finding geothermal deposits, and of then deciding upon the probable subsurface exploitive testing for initial production are suggested and the problems inherent in large-scale geothermal development and utilization are indicated.
Document ID 19660026223 Acquisition Source Legacy CDMS Document Type Conference Paper Authors Carl F Austin (Naval Ordnance Test Station China Lake, CA, United States) I Kenneth Pringle (Naval Ordnance Test Station China Lake, CA, United States) Richard D Fulmer (Naval Ordnance Test Station China Lake, CA, United States) Date Acquired August 3, 2013 Publication Date November 29, 1965 Publication Information Publication: Proceedings on the Working Group on Extraterrestrial Resources Publisher: United States Air Force Academy Volume: 4th Subject Category Lunar and Planetary Science and Exploration Space Sciences Report/Patent Number N66-35513 Meeting Information Meeting: 4th Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Extraterrestrial Resources Location: Colorado Springs, CO Country: US Start Date: November 29, 1965 End Date: December 2, 1965 Sponsors: United States Air Force Academy Accession Number 66N35513 Distribution Limits Public Copyright Work of the US Gov.
Public Use Permitted. Keywords LUNAR SURFACE CHEMICAL PROPERTY ENERGY SOURCE Document Inquiry Available Downloads There are no available downloads for this record. Related Records ID Relation Title 19660026216 Collected Works Proceedings on the Working Group on Extraterrestrial Resources - Fourth annual meeting 19660026216 Collected Works Proceedings on the Working Group on Extraterrestrial Resources - Fourth annual meeting N66-35506 21-30 Collected Works visibility_off No Preview Available
# Would the lunar analogue of geothermal energy be practical on a lunar base?
Tags: the-moon, colonization, temperature, energy, geology
- Score: 20
- Views: 5105
- Answers: 5
- Answered: yes
- Asked by: James Jenkins (27305 rep)
- Asked: 2013-07-26
- Edited: 2022-06-08
- Site: space
## Question
Given sufficient liquid in the form of water or other suitable medium, would the use of the lunar analogue of geothermal energy be practical or feasible for powering a lunar colony?
Wikipedia (referenced) gives an internal temperature for the Moon's core of 1600–1700 K, which would seem to easily be sufficient for creating steam to power turbines. Unlike Earth, there is no volcanic activity near the surface so drilling would likely have to be much deeper, how deep I am not sure.
Other challenges are moonquakes and the lack of water in the ground. Which could lead to higher risk of fracturing a pipe and leakage of heat transferring fluid (a parched Luna would more quickly leach away fluids).
## Answers
### Answer by SF. (score: 16 [ACCEPTED])
The "much deeper" drilling would have to be roughly 900km to get near to the core. No drilling of this scale has been ever attempted on Earth. L
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