Public defence in Space science and technology, M.Sc.(Tech.) Leo Nyman

The title of the thesis: Critical Technologies and Architectural Research in the Context of Lunar Habitats

Thesis defender: Leo Nyman
Opponent: Dr. Advenit Makaya, European Space Agency
Custos: Prof. Esa Kallio, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering

Space habitats are currently a topic of interest for space agencies around the globe. As of now, such habitats are operational only in low Earth orbit, but this is expected to change in the near future. An international consortium is in the process of constructing hardware for the planned Lunar Gateway, which will be the first space habitat situated beyond the protective cover of Earth's magnetosphere. Additionally, several nations have plans to establish outposts in the Moon's south pole region. These deep-space environments challenge technology in specific areas, including additive manufacturing, thermal design, sensors, and specialised thin-film coatings. 

This dissertation presents research findings in the aforementioned areas. Of particular significance is additive manufacturing, given that logistical support for the initial lunar outposts will be limited, making the in situ production of spare parts crucial. To address this issue, this work outlines a path towards additive manufacturing of space-grade parts and evaluates their performance. Importantly, the development of additive manufacturing for use in space will enable the use of locally resourced materials on the Moon. With relevance to thermal systems, this work showcases the performance of a low-emittance copper-coating system enhanced with atomic-layer- deposited aluminium oxide. Such coating systems are vital to provide the required thermo-optical properties necessary for the external surfaces of spacecraft. These surfaces can also fulfill aesthetic roles and thus be useful to architects designing future habitat systems for the Moon. Despite robust thermal systems, spacecraft components are commonly exposed to low and elevated temperatures. Therefore, parts that have been additively manufactured must survive thermal cycling tests designed to screen spacecraft parts. Furthermore, parts made using additive manufacturing can be coated with area-selective atomic layer deposition, and this work explores some of the synergies of this technique. 

This dissertation represents a multidisciplinary approach – merging technology and architecture – in the context of lunar habitats.

Keywords: Space habitats, additive manufacturing, atomic layer deposition, emissivity, space architecture

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

Contact: 

Doctoral theses in the School of Electrical Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/53