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S.E.L.E.N.E. – A Lunar Base Design Proposal by 2050
No full textGiacomo D'Amico, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria, ItalyPatrick Grove, The Spring Institute for Forests on the Moon, United StatesThomas Rimbot, CERN, FranceMatthias Kura, Technical University of Munich, GermanyNishita Sanghvi, Technical University of Munich, GermanySibtain Ali Thepdawala, Technical University of Munich, GermanyLéa Gommeringer, Technical University of Munich, GermanyGiulia Stocco, University of Padova, Spaceship EAC, ItalyDalia Alrudaini, Kuwait University, KuwaitMaria Jedryszek, The Lego Group, DenmarkSahil Bhatia, University of Bremen, GermanyICES502: Space ArchitectureThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.In the context of NASA’s Artemis program, the establishment
of a permanent human presence on the Moon is increasingly
seen as an inevitable step toward humanity’s expansion
beyond Earth. However, the lunar environment presents
formidable challenges, including high radiation levels and
the logistical and financial burdens of transporting
resources from Earth. A self-sufficient lunar base is
therefore critical—not only to enable long-term lunar
exploration but also to serve as a foundation for future
missions to Mars and beyond.
As part of the Space Station Design Workshop (SSDW) 2024,
this paper presents the conceptual design developed by Team
Weiss: S.E.L.E.N.E. (Sustainable Ecosystem with a
Large-scale Enterprise for Next-generation Exploration).
The mission aims to establish a fully operational,
permanently crewed lunar base by 2070, supporting a broader
lunar infrastructure and economy. The proposed base
comprises both aboveground and underground settlements, a
large-scale In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) facility
for processing lunar regolith, and multiple landing and
launch pads.
This paper adopts a holistic approach to lunar development,
with a particular focus on the design of aboveground
deployable inflatable modules. These modules aim to balance
engineering subsystems while maintaining a human-centered
approach to interior layouts. The housing and research
modules will be detailed, including design decisions
related to interior spatial organization, structural and
energy performance, radiation shielding, and modularity.
The overarching goal is to create safe, functional
environments that meet both operational requirements and
the psycho-physical needs of the crew. Different hypotheses
for research module configurations will also be presented,
along with the projected role and potential evolution of
ISRU capabilities in supporting long-term base operations
Non-Integrated Hot-Reservoir Variable Conductance Heat Pipe Tested on Peregrine Lander
No full textCalin Tarau, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc., United StatesJeffrey Diebold, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc., United StatesWilliam Johnson, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), United StatesJason Carter, Astrobotic Technology, United StatesEric Conaway, Astrobotic Technology, United StatesICES201: Two-Phase Thermal Control TechnologyThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.As NASA prepares to further expand human and robotic
presence in space, it is well known that spacecraft
architecture will be impacted by unprecedented power
requirements and extreme thermal environments. In these
conditions, thermal management systems need to reject large
heat loads into hot environments and have
high heat rejection turn-down ratios to minimize vehicle
power needs during periods of cold darkness, such as the
14-day lunar night. Variable conductance heat pipes (VCHP)
are capable of passively transporting large quantities of
heat and provide high thermal turndown ratios that are
ideal for surviving extremely cold environments. As shown
in a previous paper [1] a non-integrated Hot Reservoir the
VCHP was developed as flight hardware designed to fly
onboard Astrobotic Technology’s lunar lander Peregrine and
operate (as experimental hardware) both during transit and
on the lunar surface utilizing a hybrid wick. The
evaporator wick was 3D printed while the adiabatic and
condenser sections utilized grooved wicks with high
permeability optimum for operation in a microgravity
environment. Three sets of tests were performed on this
VCHP: testing on ground in ambient at ACT facilities (the
results were presented at ICES 2022), pre-flight testing on
ground in vacuum at NASA MSFC and testing during flight in
microgravity on Peregrine Lander. In this
paper, the development of the non-integrated HR-VCHP and
the results obtained during the three sets of tests are
discussed. All the successful evaluation, characterization
and testing of the device both on ground and in space in
microgravity led to its TRL increase to 8
Genetic and genomic studies towards breeding for the utilization of Texas wintergrass (Nasella leucotricha) as a cool season forage grass
No full textTexas wintergrass (Nassella leucotricha) presents a promising forage option for winter grazing, yet its commercialization is hindered by physiological dormancy, seed morphology constraints, and limited genetic diversity. This study addressed these challenges through seed dormancy analysis, genome assembly, and genetic diversity assessment. Dormancy was found to be primarily exogenous, with phenolic inhibitors and structural barriers restricting germination. Treatments with sulfuric acid scarification and hydrogen peroxide effectively improved germination, modulating abscisic acid (ABA) metabolic pathways. To facilitate molecular breeding, the first-ever genome assembly of Texas wintergrass was generated using Illumina and PacBio sequencing. The PacBio-derived genome exhibited improved resolution but limited alignment to the rice reference genome, underscoring its evolutionary divergence. Genome annotation identified key genes, transposable elements, and species-specific simple sequence repeats (SSRs), laying the foundation for marker-assisted selection. Transposable element analysis suggested that long terminal repeats (LTRs) may have contributed significantly to genome expansion, but highlighted the necessity for further genome refinement through chromosome-level sequencing. Genetic diversity analysis using SSR markers revealed low heterozygosity and a strong tendency toward self-fertilization across populations. Outcrossing was hypothesized to be strongest under wetter conditions, but populations from environments of this sort actually demonstrated low within population diversity. Phylogenetic clustering suggested that genetic similarity correlated with geographic proximity, though long-distance gene flow, likely driven by anthropogenic activity, still had some influence on population structure. These findings highlight the need for advanced breeding strategies, such as mutation breeding and genomic selection, to enhance genetic variation and improve agronomic traits in Texas wintergrass. Further genomic refinement and broader diversity assessments will support the development of Texas wintergrass as a commercially viable forage crop, optimizing its potential for sustainable livestock production
Rationalization of Thermal Simulators for Operations - Real Time Thermal Flight Correlation
No full textFrançois Brunetti, Dorea, FranceVincent Vadez, Dorea, FranceAlexandre Darrau, European Space Agency (ESA), FranceMaxime André, Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), FranceThierry Basset, Thales Alenia Space, FranceICES207: Thermal and Environmental Control Engineering
Analysis and SoftwareThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.This paper focuses on the rationalization of thermal
simulators for operational purposes, leveraging existing
thermal models and tools. By reusing thermal mathematical
models throughout the satellite's lifecycle, spanning
design, thermal analysis, testing, and operations, this
approach aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Sharing a common thermal model between analysis and
operations enables spacecraft manufacturers, such as Thales
Alenia Space, to streamline simulator implementation while
improving accuracy.
The study uses Sentinel-3 as a case study due to its flight
status and well-characterized platform. The activity,
supported by ESA and CNES, involved implementing a
real-time spacecraft thermal simulator demonstrator based
on Sentinel-3B's thermally validated model from thermal
vacuum testing. This simulator addresses in-flight
operational challenges such as anomaly detection and
recovery testing by simulating new active thermal control
strategies.
Key technical challenges include telemetry recovery,
initializing thermal model temperatures from telemetry, and
achieving real-time performance. The simulator integrates a
dynamic orbit propagator, PI-based thermal regulation, and
a platform dissipator, while solving radiative and thermal
equations on-the-fly even for unpredicted scenarios.
The present paper details the current results of the
real-time thermal flight correlation study, including
replay simulations (8x faster than real time) that
demonstrate performance for a hot-case scenario validated
against telemetry. Additionally, the benefits of a
reliable thermal simulator are discussed, including the
ability to validate thermal behavior, refine margins, and
correlate models during testing and flight. Potential
future work, notably estimating equipment dissipation from
telemetry and expanding use-case demonstrations, are
detailed
Framework for Optimizing Crop Selection for Future Space Missions
No full textOlivia Mendelson, McGill University, Canada / Canada and German Aerospace Center, GermanyMark Lefsrud, McGill University, CanadaICES204: Bioregenerative Life SupportThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.Establishing sustainable food production systems is
essential for supporting human life on long-duration space
missions, where resupply opportunities are limited.
Selecting the optimal crops for these systems is a critical
task, as they must meet the crew’s nutritional demands
within resource limitations. However, there is currently no
overarching tool for selecting crops based on the
mission-specific timeline, crew requirements, and available
resources. This research addresses this gap by developing
the framework for a dynamic crop selection model to enhance
mission planning and increase the success of future lunar
plant cultivation systems.
The foundation of this framework includes the creation of a
database for a selection of space system candidate crops.
Key plant factors included in the database are the plants’
nutritional qualities and their growth requirements (e.g.,
temperature, humidity, water, nutrients, light, and growth
cycle). The framework accounts for user inputs such as
mission duration, the astronauts’ dietary needs, and the
system’s constraints and environmental control
capabilities. The projected output would include
suggestions for the most suitable crops to be grown in the
given bioregenerative life support system.
This framework will lay the groundwork for a dynamic model.
The interactivity of the model would allow for easy
comparison of crop options and prediction of plant yield
and resource consumption rates. Additionally, it will
calculate oxygen production, carbon dioxide uptake, and
water flows within the controlled environment, which is not
only crucial to optimizing plant growth but to maintaining
optimal air quality and astronaut health. This framework
aims to ensure that the most appropriate crops are chosen
for the mission scenario while optimizing the overall
biomass production and nutritional output within the
system. Being able to eventually simulate different biomass
scenarios instantaneously will greatly improve the
efficiency of lunar food production initiatives
Effects of Manure Applications on Crop Growth and Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Texas High Plains
No full textNutrient management and availability in agriculture have been an issue throughout time. Some regions encounter issues with nutrient availability more than others. The Texas High Plains (THP) has a unique set of nutrient management challenges, as well as other issues pertaining to the semi-arid climate. Fertilizer, a substance added to soil to increase fertility, is necessary to sustain agricultural production. Alternative fertilizer sources are a viable option to combat the profound issue of nutrient demand and availability in this region, along with other issues. As the price of inorganic chemical fertilizer increases, alternative natural or organic sources are becoming more popular. Along with fertilizer prices increasing, carbon emissions are following the same trend as agricultural production becomes more intense. Organic fertilizers can provide benefits to soil biological, chemical, and physical properties which may be a reason for preference towards organic fertilizers over inorganic fertilizers in addition to its potential advantage in cost, accessibility, and reproducibility.
Soil erosion and limited precipitation are well-known problems that farmers in the THP have endured since the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Conservation management practices in addition to organic soil amendments used as alternative fertilizer sources can be utilized to reduce soil erosion and retain soil moisture. Some conservation strategies include cover cropping, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Because of the frequency of drought in this region, conservation practices that improve the water holding capacity of soils are necessary. According to the National Weather Service, this region receives an average of 457 mm of precipitation per year (2022). Another imminent issue of concern in THP is the depletion of the Ogallala aquifer. The THP produces 66% of Texas cotton and cottonseed, and with dwindling water resources, conservation management is required to keep agricultural production functioning and sustainable (Plains Cotton Growers, 2024).
The objective of this research is to assess the effect of anaerobic digestate and manure soil applications on cotton growth and soil greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the THP. The effects of organic amendments were evaluated in two newly established cotton cropping systems (winter cover cropping and a cotton and wheat rotation). Greenhouse gas emissions, soil characterization, cotton and wheat yield, and nutrient cycling were assessed.
An imminent topic directly related to agriculture is climate change which is attributed to the increased accumulation of GHGs in the atmosphere. Management practices associated with crop production account for a large quantity of GHG emissions into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The accumulation of detrimental GHGs in the atmosphere can lead to the greenhouse gas effect, where heat is trapped by GHGs, in turn contributing to increased temperatures. If the mitigation of excess GHG emissions does not become a priority, climates will become more extreme. Difficult climatic conditions hinder the production of food and fiber needed to sustain the growing population. Between the depleting aquifer and drought-like conditions in this region, global warming mitigation is a requisite for efficient crop production
Haven Demo: Rideshare as a Test Bed for Future Crewed Spaceflight
No full textAdrianne Jackson, Vast, United StatesMarcos Simon, Vast, United StatesLeslie Cottingham, Vast, United StatesAnton Bouckaert, Vast, United StatesICES511: Reliability for Space Based SystemsThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.Vast is pioneering the development of next-generation space
stations, beginning with the uncrewed Haven Demo mission in
2025, followed by the launch of Haven-1, the first
commercial crewed space station, in 2026. Haven Demo is an
on-orbit test bed to validate and gather data for Haven-1
ahead of flight. This paper examines the benefits of an
orbital test bed like Haven Demo to future crewed
spaceflight missions for system validation and reliability.
It covers the many tests and risk reduction activities
planned for Haven Demo, including computing,
communications, GNC, environmental exposure, mission
control, and propulsion. In addition, Haven Demo provides
the opportunity to demonstrate spinning for future
artificial gravity implementation
Transforming Education through Teacher Quality in the Permian Basin: The Impact of Texas Tech University Residency Programs
No full textResearch shows that access to high-quality teachers support the academic and economic success of students. This access is particularly important in rapidly growing regions like Texas's Permian Basin. This brief summarizes findings from an evaluation of Texas Tech University's teacher residency programs—Tech Teach and Tech Teach Across Texas—from 2021 to 2023. The study compares student outcomes between Texas Tech residency-prepared teachers and those from traditional, alternative, online, and uncertified pathways across 178 school districts.
Texas Tech residency-prepared teachers notably improved student achievement, adding approximately one month of math learning (Tech Teach) and four months of math and reading learning (Tech Teach Across Texas) compared to traditionally prepared teachers. Additionally, these residency-prepared teachers reduced student suspensions (~30%) and chronic absenteeism (~10%). Implications are discussed on support for teacher residency models and Grow Your Own pathways, especially in the Permian Basin post-pandemic context
Tailoring Material Properties: Synthesis, Characterization, and Interface Engineering of Composite Structures and Metal Fuels for Energy Applications
No full textAluminum (Al) particles are a highly efficient source of potential chemical energy with widespread applications ranging from solid fuels to batteries. The core-shell structure of Al particles with a highly passive alumina (Al2O3) shell restricts the oxidation diffusion mechanism and limits its reactivity. Shell modification by replacing the passive shell with a favorable alternative is a highly promising approach to overcome this limitation. Hydrating the Al particles allows the dissolving of the original Al2O3 shell and forming a bayerite (Al(OH)3) layer with a fuzzy surface and lower energy barrier. The goal of this study is to modify the shell properties of composites and metal fuels such as Al as a function of particle size to increase reactivity in power generation applications. To achieve this goal, a solid understanding of the reaction mechanism is necessary which will dictate favorable modification methods for the shell. Different types of shell modification approaches can provide advantages for different types of applications. For this study, the first objective is to identify the surface reaction mechanism of hydrated nano vs micron-size metal particles. The second objective is to explore the influence of surface hydration on metal-core oxidation. The last objective is to introduce a new oxygen-rich shell passivation strategy for power generation applications.
The hydration kinetics for nano Al (nAl) are different from micron-sized Al (µAl) because of a 91% difference in their surface energy. While it is possible to hydrate nAl particles with a pH alteration method, the process does not extend to micron-sized particles (µAl). Instead, the µAl powder achieves similar hydration by only controlling solution temperature and time. The surface reaction mechanism as a function of particle size is explored in this study using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, DSC, and TGA. Accelerated aging tests, combined with thermal analysis, were performed to evaluate the reactivity of surface-hydrated aluminum particles. Additionally, safety assessments, including electrostatic discharge (ESD), impact, and friction sensitivity tests, were conducted to determine their viability for energy generation applications. The hydration mechanism was regulated to control the hydration concentration from 3 to 91% to explore the thermochemistry underlying (de)hydration and oxidation. The oxidation-melting enthalpy data from DSC reveals an 89% increase in apparent oxidation efficiency by modifying the accessibility to the core for hydrated compared to standard Al. This change in oxidation kinetics can be attributed to the newly developed porosity-created voids and surface structure on the dehydrated surface of the previously hydrated shell. Upon dehydration, the energy barrier reduces and the apparent activation energy for oxidation is lowered by 29% for hydrated Al. Density functional theory calculations were performed in combination with experimental data for a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism. The successful shell modification by hydration leads to the passivation strategy of halogen-based oxygen-rich aluminum iodate hexahydrate (AIH) shell on Al particles. The presence of abundant oxidizing species in close molecular proximity to the Al core, combined with the relatively low decomposition energy of AIH, created optimal conditions to enhance the energy output of Al particles. Recent studies on replacing the original Al2O3 shell with AIH on nAl were confirmed as highly reactive with a flame speed of 3200 m/s. However, this composite is highly ignition sensitive and unsafe to handle as nAl itself has a low ignition threshold due to its high surface energy. Also, the limited control of AIH concentration on nAl restricts its intended application. The µAl powder with 91% lower surface energy is a suitable alternative to extend the AIH-based shell modification approach. This study utilized µAl particles to synthesize a controlled concentration of the AIH shell (µAl@AIH) by controlling three variables—H2O to I2O5 solution ratio, solution temperature, and time in solution. The oxidation-melting enthalpy data from DSC shows better core accessibility with a 24% increase in apparent oxidation efficiency compared to standard µAl. Accelerated aging studies reveal both physical and chemical transformation of the AIH shell that leads to a 1992% higher apparent oxidation efficiency than the standard µAl. The apparent activation energy for unaged and aged µAl@AIH powder was found to be 16–34% lower than standard µAl, corresponding to the key thermodynamic changes in equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. The findings presented in this study open new doors for developing advanced metal fuels with enhanced energy release capabilities. Unlike traditional particles restricted by a nearly impenetrable passivation layer that limits reaction kinetics, this approach overcomes those limitations, enabling rapid and sustained power generation