Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

NASA's Future Inflatable Lunar Base

Posted by Zonk on from the yay-camping-watch-out-for-space-bears dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "If you think that future NASA's moon camps need to have a science fiction look, you might be disappointed. Today, NASA is testing small inflatable structures. In fact, if these expandable 'tents' receive positive reviews, astronauts will 'camp' on the moon as early as 2020. These 12-foot (3.65 meter) diameter inflatable units could be used as building blocks for a future lunar base. Right now, a prototype is tested at NASA's Langley Research Center. But NASA also wants to test other inflatable structures in the not-too-friendly environment of the Antarctic next year. Still, it's too early to know if NASA's first habitable lunar base will use inflatable or rigid structures."

15 of 203 comments (clear)

  1. Inflatable by BajaTech · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does it come with an inflatable Astronaut for entertainment on those long cold nights?

    1. Re:Inflatable by Tablizer · · Score: 2, Funny

      Well, if you get desperate, you could always breathe them [inflatable companion].

      I think we all know where the valve is...

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    2. Re:Inflatable by Tackhead · · Score: 2, Funny
      > > Well, if you get desperate, you could always breathe them [inflatable companion].
      >
      > I think we all know where the valve is...

      Oh, my God. It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to blow.

    3. Re:Inflatable by rubberchickenboy · · Score: 2, Funny

      It's the same thought I had about the inflatable space hotel story a few months ago... there you have to deal with increasing space junk. Or Chinese anti-satilite weapons.

      I would think most of the space junk (especially that obliterated by Chinese anti-satellite weapons) would fall to Earth, rather than the moon. You know, more gravity and shit.

      But this is all good news, because the Chinese will have men on the moon soon, too. Which is even better, because then our astronauts can go to the Chinese inflatable base, buy some Kung Pao chicken and a few crates of cheap DVD players and open an inflatable Wal-Mart.

      Wow. I can't wait for moon development!

  2. Those "nights"? by geoffrobinson · · Score: 2, Funny

    Are they planning to have the base on the dark side of the moon?

    --
    Except for ending slavery, the Nazis, communism, & securing American independence, war has never solved anything.
  3. Re:Got Fix-a-flat? by Da+Fokka · · Score: 5, Funny

    Good thinking, you should call NASA. They probably haven't thought about that yet.

  4. Moonbounce by Spazmania · · Score: 4, Funny

    So its going to be a "moonbounce" only it'll actually be on the moon?

    --
    Moderating "-1, Disagree" is simple censorship. Have the guts to post your opinion.
  5. Famous Moment by Tablizer · · Score: 3, Funny

    That's one small step for
    Shplplplplplplplplpl...
    ah shit!

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  6. Re:Moo by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

    That looney idea is full of hot air.

    It will inflate the budget, burst public confidence, and bloat up NASA's beurocracy resulting in balooning costs creating an economic bubble until we float our currency or until an internal leak pops up that deflates the whole program. I take my mind off of such problems by listening to Led Zepplin.

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  7. Bastards! by Schraegstrichpunkt · · Score: 2, Funny

    In fact, if these expandable 'tents' receive positive reviews, astronauts will 'camp' on the moon as early as 2020.

    Frickin campers!

    --
    http://outcampaign.org/
    1. Re:Bastards! by FauxPasIII · · Score: 4, Funny

      >> In fact, if these expandable 'tents' receive positive reviews, astronauts will 'camp' on the moon as early as 2020.

      > Frickin campers!

      It's a legitimate strategy !

      --
      25% Funny, 25% Insightful, 25% Informative, 25% Troll
  8. They should contact Dr. Schlock by fmobus · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm sure he can help then...

  9. What could *possibly* go wrong? by BeProf · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hey, Bob, toss me that putty knife.

    Oh crap...

    --
    You are attempting to read sigs. Cancel or Allow?
  10. Re:Does anyone take NASA seriously any more? by dozer · · Score: 2, Funny

    "unsuccessful development efforts have cost approximately $4.8 billion since the 1980s."

    Yeah? Unsuccessful nation building efforts have cost the U.S. approximately $500 billion since 2003. If congress really wants to conserve money I think they know where to look.

  11. Woohoo! by nih · · Score: 2, Funny

    Bouncy Castle!

    --
    I'm a rabbit startled by the headlights of life :(