To build a base on another planet or moon, there will be a need to learn how to use available resources as construction materials. Some of these materials are found on Hawaii Island, including Hawaiian basalt.
To build a base on another planet or moon, there will be a need to learn how to use available resources as construction materials. Some of these materials are found on Hawaii Island, including Hawaiian basalt.
Learn more about the search for quality construction materials at 7 p.m. Friday during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Maunakea Skies talk with Rodrigo Romo, program manager at the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems.
Basalt is a volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava. Volcanoes in Hawaii primarily erupt basalt and have a relatively high fluidity that favors the formation of lava flows.
“We have conducted chemical analysis on the composition of Hawaiian basalt using samples collected at various locations on Hawaii Island,” Romo said.
“We’ve found that some of these samples closely resemble lunar regolith (fine dust) in composition.
“This makes our local basalt an ideal lunar simulant, and we are using it to research how we can harness the basalt found on the moon as a construction material.”
PISCES has been involved in researching various methods through which Hawaiian basalt can be used to produce quality construction materials.
This work has been done in collaboration with NASA and Honeybee Robotics and led to various research proposals being evaluated.
During his talk, Romo will present an update of the work being done in this field of study.
Romo originates from Guadalajara, Mexico, where he obtained his degree in chemical engineering. He joined PISCES in 2014 and has more than 25 years of experience in project management. Romo has been interested in space exploration and the development of sustainable materials ever since his experience as a crew member during Biosphere 2’s second manned mission in the Arizona desert in 1994.
Maunakea Skies presentations are the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member-level discounts apply).
Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 932-8901.