About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Low Earth Orbit (and Beyond)
|
| Presentation Title |
Analysis of Various Geopolymer Lunar Concrete Mixtures Mixed and Cured on the International Space Station |
| Author(s) |
Adam Johnson, Louise Littles, Aleksandra Radlinska, Sven Bilén |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Adam Johnson |
| Abstract Scope |
This study explores the behavior of geopolymer lunar concrete mixtures incorporating various lunar regolith simulants, which were mixed and cured aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objective was to examine the influence of microgravity on the microstructural development of heat-cured alkali-activated materials, with the broader goal of advancing materials suitable for long-term lunar infrastructure through in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Leveraging ISRU for construction significantly reduces the cost and logistical complexity of transporting building materials from Earth. Compared to traditional Portland cement concrete, geopolymer concrete offers a key advantage: water serves only as a reaction medium during polymerization and is gradually released during curing, thereby minimizing the overall water requirement—a critical benefit for extraterrestrial construction. |