Recently, multiple universities and research institutions have collaborated to establish China's first lunar-like underground space teaching and internship base using the volcanic underground lava tubes in Jingpo Lake, Heilongjiang Province. If the advantages of this teaching base can be fully utilized, it will certainly provide strong support for China's lunar geological survey, construction of a lunar base, and in-situ utilization of lunar surface resources.
① "Check-in" at the place most like the Moon
The volcanic underground lava tubes of Jingpo Lake are known as "one of the geological structures on Earth that is closest to the lunar underground space, i.e., the lunar lava tubes." Therefore, Chinese researchers can build a lunar-like underground space teaching and internship base here, conducting extensive research and experiments around lunar science and resource development.
Imaginary image of a lunar lava tube.
So, what makes lunar lava tubes so attractive that scientists consider them as priority sites for initial lunar base selection, even establishing simulation bases on Earth?
With the advancement of aerospace technology and the endless demand for resources from human society, future lunar exploration missions cannot just be like the Apollo series missions that were "just a visit." They must ensure long-term stay and activities of lunar astronauts, establish a lunar base, and support the development and utilization of lunar resources.
However, even if the condition of significantly reducing the cost of lunar space transportation is met, humans still need to overcome a series of "obstacles" to establish a long-term working and living base on the Moon.
Firstly, high-energy radiation. The Moon's surface has no atmosphere or magnetic field to protect it. Whether it is high-energy rays from deep space or intense radiation released by solar activity, they will directly reach the Moon's surface, continuously threatening the health of astronauts and the stability of lunar equipment.
Secondly, extreme temperature differences. Due to the lack of atmospheric buffering and insulation, the temperature on the lunar surface during the day can exceed 120 degrees Celsius, while at night, it drops below minus 180 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the duration of the lunar day and night is equivalent to 14 Earth days each, and the relatively long alternating periods of extreme temperatures are a huge test for both the human body and instruments, as well as bringing high demands for stable and continuous energy supply.
Thirdly, the threat of micrometeorite impacts cannot be ignored. The Moon has no atmosphere to burn off many incoming micrometeorites, so its surface is constantly being bombarded by "uninvited guests," with dense craters serving as evidence. Therefore, if humans want to establish a lunar base, it is necessary to use ground and space observation methods to understand the impact conditions of micrometeorites in specific areas of the lunar surface, then choose suitable locations and consider engineering structure and protection issues.
In summary, due to the limited understanding of the lunar environment and the level of aerospace technology, it may be difficult to achieve a base on the lunar surface that supports long-term human presence in the short term.
Luckily, as early as the late 1960s, scientists analyzed lunar remote sensing images and determined that there are lava tubes underground on the Moon. With the acquisition of more high-resolution lunar surface images by the new generation of lunar orbiters, scientists discovered some caves, believing them to be "skylights" formed by partial collapse of lava tubes.
Combined with gravity field data provided by some lunar probes, scientists confirmed that there are numerous lava tubes beneath the lunar surface, with depths of tens of meters, widths ranging from tens to hundreds of meters, and lengths ranging from hundreds of meters to kilometers, which could potentially provide significant usable space for building a lunar underground base.
Compared to the extremely harsh environment on the lunar surface, the top of the lunar lava tubes has a layer of lunar soil and basalt about tens of meters thick, forming a natural barrier that may effectively shield against the radiation threats of cosmic rays and high-energy particles from solar activity, and the threat of micrometeorite impacts is not a problem at all.
Additionally, the internal temperature of the lunar lava tubes is relatively stable. Scientists have indirectly measured that the temperature inside lunar lava tubes and underground cave shadow areas ranges between minus 20 to minus 30 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, the lunar surface is truly a "two extremes of fire and ice," but under the support of engineering technology and energy supply systems, the relatively low but more stable environment of the lunar lava tubes has great potential to ensure human continuous work and life.
Even more surprisingly, there may be water ice resources deep within the lunar lava tubes, and their internal water storage conditions are better than those in the lunar polar regions, and it is possible that they preserve water ice brought by solar wind, comets, or the early lunar magma.
② Take a "simulated exam" before landing on the Moon
Lunar lava tubes have unique advantages and have the potential to become an ideal site for a lunar base. However, humans have not set foot on the Moon for over 50 years, and the number of probes that have successfully landed on the lunar surface is few. This means that lunar lava tubes remain out of reach for humans for now.
Then, before probes and astronauts explore lunar caves, what can be done to conduct tests in advance, promote technological maturity, and reduce risks? The Jingpo Lake lunar-like underground space teaching and internship base was created for this purpose.
In fact, simulating extraterrestrial environments on Earth to support deep space exploration missions has been a tried-and-true "trick" for researchers. According to publicly available information, before the launch of the Chang'e-3 probe, China established a test site in the Akechi Valley, located at the junction of Kumtag Desert and Lop Nur, where the Yutu rover conducted extensive tests.
After comparing and analyzing various Earth underground space environments, researchers believe that the volcanic underground lava tubes of Jingpo Lake are most suitable for establishing a simulation base. The main reason is that the formation mechanism and overall shape of these lava tubes are similar to those of lunar lava tubes, both being curved semi-circular caves with open interiors, which are expected to meet current research needs. Additionally, the geological and climatic environment of the volcanic underground lava tubes in Jingpo Lake is relatively stable and less affected by external factors, making it suitable for sustained simulation of lunar lava tubes for research.
So, what kind of research can this lunar-like underground space teaching and internship base conduct?
Know that to build in lunar lava tubes, one must "explore every corner" to identify risk factors and ensure the cave's airtightness. Astronauts cannot rashly venture into lunar underground spaces, so many remote-controlled robots will act as "frontline generals" and will be thoroughly tested in the Earth-based underground simulation base.
Robot testing flexible mechanical arm.
For example, the interior of the lunar lava tubes is likely to be rugged and difficult to navigate. Researchers have developed different types of robots, some equipped with flexible telescopic arms, others with wheels or feet that can adjust flexibly, to safely explore the mysteries of the deep underground. They can "train" in the lunar-like underground space teaching and internship base, trying to eliminate technical risks and laying a solid foundation for demonstrating their skills on the Moon.
Exploration of winding and deep lava tubes relies on robots.
Further, the lunar-like underground space teaching and internship base, with its similar geological conditions, can simulate the lunar environment, helping researchers conduct a series of basic studies and forward-looking technology breakthroughs in geological surveys, underground structure imaging, etc., and cultivate more practical talents for lunar exploration projects.
For example, it is expected to conduct research on automatic construction technology in the lunar environment, using the natural underground cave structure to practice intelligent construction and "renovate" lunar caves.
On this basis, researchers may also simulate the constant temperature and low energy consumption environment of lunar lava tubes, building larger-scale, longer-running, and more realistic
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7526143655137100315/
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