MoonFibre
RWTH Aachen University research project for the development and application of fibers based on lunar regolith. Funded by DLR, ESA, Airbus, among others.
RWTH Aachen University research project for the development and application of fibers based on lunar regolith. Funded by DLR, ESA, Airbus, among others.
A new integrated approach on spacecraft modularity and standardization is based on the iBOSS project funded by DLR‘s Space Administration.
The Swiss Space Center coordinates this international student project demonstrating key enabling technologies for life support in frozen worlds.
These are our reasons why we are making it!
67.5 t fibres would be required for one lunar base comparable to ISS
Would be spent only for the transport of fibres for a lunar base comparable to ISS
For fibre-reinforced composites, thermal insulation and filters
Astronaut suits are made of fabrics, which could be manufactured on-site as required
This is what we are going to make possible!
AMPEX 2020 will develop and construct a miniaturized spinning unit, which is able to produce endless fibers from processable raw materials by the nozzle drawing process under microgravity as well as under space conditions. Due to space restrictions during space missions, the spinning plant is miniaturized for its assembly in the space element iBLOCK, which has an installation space of less than 30 × 30 × 30 cm3. The system in this work aims to perform the process with minimal human interaction. The complete automation of industrial fibreglass production plants has not yet been realized, and AMPEX 20 spinning unit will be the first to achieve automation in these systems. A control system will be integrated into the unit, including temperature sensors, cameras and logic processors.
iBLOCK is the component of the iBOSS satellite. The aim of the iBOSS project is to create a modular satellite system that enables on-orbit servicing and assembly. AMPEX 20 aims to develop and construct a spinning unit capable of producing mineral continuous fibres, e.g. from lunar regolith simulants, using the nozzle drawing process. This will be miniaturised for the first trials of the technology on the iBLOCK, which has a space restriction of less than 30 × 30 × 30 cm3.
If we see further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants
The foundations of our project are based on major space engineering projects of international relevance. Thanks to the IGLUNA 2020 initiative, our team has the perfect means to make this mission a reality.
MoonFibre is a research project of two institutes from RWTH Aachen University, the Institute for Textile Technology and Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design. The aim of the MoonFibre project is to create fibres from lunar regolith on the Moon itself. A small, modular automated and highly robust spinning facility is to be build and used to produce fibres and different fibre based material to be used on diverse application for the lunar settlement. This way exploration and exploitation of the Moon will become more financially viable and more sustainable.As the so called New Space age beginns, mankind’s interest is being shifted from LEO towards exploring Mars and our closest celestial neighbour – the Moon. However, the transport of payloads into space, e.g. to carry out research missions or to set up and supply manned lunar stations, poses immense economic challenges in addition to the technological tasks to be solved. Moon raw materials in the form of regoliths are suitable for the production of habitat building materials and thus the reduction of freight and costs during missions into space. MoonFibre are very versatile and could support the implementation of a lunar habitat in various ways: They can be used for structural support of 3D-printed structures, thermal and acoustic insulation or as a substrate for hydroponic agriculture.
iBOSS (Intelligent Building Blocks for On-orbit Satellite Servicing) is a project funded by the DLR. In the context of the iBOSS project standardized building blocks are developed, that altogether form a maintainable modular spacecraft. The iBOSS design provides a great flexibility in satellite development and productions while enabling on-orbit servicing and assembly.
As one of the key partners of the iBOSS project, the SLA is currently developing the iSSI (intelligent Space System Interface) while also qualifying developed structures in accordance with current space standards and refining structural components and mechanisms. In the context of IGLUNA 2020, we will use the iBOSS technology for exploration of celestial bodies. One of the main goals of our project is to miniaturize the MoonFibre spinning plant, so it can fit into an iBLOCK. Using the iSSI, our spinning plant could be easily transported to production sites by autonomous rovers and coupled to power supply infrastructure.
At the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA), research assistants work in the field of materials, production processes and products for technical applications of textile structures. The ITA has a fully equipped and modern research centre with around 250 textile machines and test benches for all stages of textile processing. In addition, various laboratories (textile testing, polymer analysis) and workshops (mechanics, electronics, software and hardware) are staffed with technicians.
Over the past 60 years, the Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design (SLA) has built up extensive expertise in the design, dimensioning and qualification of aerospace structures. With more than 50 employees, its own production facilities and a well-equipped structural testing laboratory, the SLA is able to carry out the so-called "Triad of Lightweight Construction": Test, Numerics and Analytics.
Student teams from countries around Europe are collaborating in this project called IGLUNA – A Human Habitat in Ice: Demonstrating key enabling technologies for life support in frozen worlds. IGLUNA 2020 is coordinated and organized by the Swiss Space Center and builds upon the IGLUNA 2019 project under the ESA_Lab initiative. The purpose of this mission is to investigate an approach for realizing a human habitat on the moon, directly in the ice craters near the poles. The ice provides a natural source for water, oxygen and fuel. Building the habitat underneath the surface of the moon will protect the humans and the habitat from radiation and micrometeorites. The student team technologies will be tested in a similar extreme environment given in a test bed in Switzerland in July 2020.
A group of ambitious individuals determined to take humanity one step further
Team Leader
PR & Marketing
Safety & Risk Engr.
Automation System
Thermal System
Thermal System
Winding System
Induction System
Winding System
Mechanical Engineer
Our advisors provide our with critical support in their areas of expertise.
SLA Councillor
ITA Councillor
ITA Project Manager
SLA Project Manager
Help the human progress technologically, and make possible a habitat for humans on the Moon and AMPEX 20.
As a student project, AMPEX 20 relies on the sponsorship and support of industry organizations, as well as support via donations both by organizations and individuals. AMPEX is continuously looking for general sponsors and project-based partners, striving to ensure the production of fibres and different fibre based material to be used on diverse application for lunar settlements. AMPEX 20 is supported by the Hans Hermann Voss Foundation, and we hope you are able to join us in achieving this endeavour.
These organizations have our trust and support us!
Interested to sponsor AMPEX 20?
Not interested in a sponsorship but still willing to support us?
Web made by Juan Carlos Arañó Romero
You can reach out to:
webmaster@ampex.space
AMPEX Team
Otto-Blumenthal-Straße 1
52074 Aachen
Germany
Tobias Schalm
tobias@ampex.space
Otto-Blumenthal-Straße 1
52074 Aachen
+49 241 80 23400