Water Management Considerations for a Self-Sustaining Moonbase

TL;DR

This paper explores water management strategies for establishing a self-sustaining lunar colony, including location selection, water extraction methods, and infrastructure needs to support human and agricultural life.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of water needs, extraction techniques, and infrastructure design for a lunar base, advancing planning for sustainable lunar habitation.

Findings

Optimal lunar location identified for water access

Heat drill model effectively sublimates lunar ice

Water treatment and recovery systems outlined for sustainability

Abstract

The most pragmatic first step in the all-but-inevitable 3rd-millennium V\"olkerwanderung of humanity throughout the Solar System is the establishment of a permanent human presence on the Moon. This research examines: 1. the human, agricultural, and technical water needs of a 100-person, 500 m x 100 m x 6 m self-sustaining lunar colony; 2. choosing a strategic location for the moonbase; 3. a heat drill model by which the needed lunar water ice could be sublimated; and 4. the robust water treatment and recovery infrastructure and water management personnel that would be needed for a self-sustaining moonbase.