{"id":15627,"date":"2023-10-23T10:15:46","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T15:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arch.tamu.edu\/?p=15627"},"modified":"2023-11-03T11:22:08","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T16:22:08","slug":"suermann-consults-with-nasa-on-moon-habitat-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arch.tamu.edu\/news\/2023\/10\/23\/suermann-consults-with-nasa-on-moon-habitat-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Architecture dean Suermann featured in New York Times for moon-based habitat project work with NASA\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
A new moon mission is being planned by NASA, one where ordinary people could live long-term in lunar structure homes in a subdivision-like community, possibly by 2040. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The particulars of the ambitious mission, which includes partnering with academics and industry leaders to advance and utilize new earth side technology to overcome obstacles around taking up residence on the moon, are outlined in a New York Times article by Debra Kamin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among those featured as sources working with NASA and associated groups include Austin-based construction technology company ICON, which would be involved in a space-based construction system to 3D print nearly anything needed on the moon with concrete, from landing pads to habitats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weighing in on the challenges and feasibility of constructing in space and consulting with NASA to develop a robot-operated system to build is Patrick Suermann, interim dean of Texas A&M\u2019s School of Architecture and former head of its Department of Construction Science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For building, Suermann told the Times, \u201cChemistry is the same up there, but physics are different. Traveling light is critical, because every additional kilogram of weight carried on a rocket to the moon costs about $1,000,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCarrying materials from Earth to build in space is unsustainable,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd there\u2019s no Home Depot up there. So you either have to know how to use what\u2019s up there, or send everything you need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n