Arizona Cadets Assist with Lunar Landscape Project

Lunar colonization was the focus recently when cadets from the Arizona Wing’s Davis Monthan Composite Squadron 334 recently teamed up with Trent Tresch, the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2 director of research and development, to assist with his moon-oriented  experiments.

Using high-tech equipment, the cadets participated in ongoing experiments to determine more accessible cost-efficient materials for building on lunar landscapes.

The path to the partnership began with a trip to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather station at the university in Tucson. There the cadets took part in filing a practice-tornado warning and launching a weather balloon to record real-time data on the skies and wind patterns around them.

Just like the balloon, their space exploration took off from that point. The project stemmed from the experiment they developed — submitted as part of Civil Air Patrol’s national High-Altitude Balloon Challenge — with Tresch using concrete mixed with lunar aggregate from a moon rock sample.

The foundation for the venture was the idea that concrete formed on the moon using materials found there could be the next step in building on a lunar landscape.

With this theory in mind, the cadets also took heat-sealing space suit material and bonded it together using high-tech equipment under Tresch’s guidance . That project was also sent up with one of the three CAP balloon challenge capsules to determine if space would negatively or positively affect the sealant.

Upon arrival back on Earth, the experiment was taken to the Biosphere 2 for testing.

“The squadron sent prototype lunar concrete to near space in order to better understand the effects of differential pressure, temperature, and radiation on future moon habitats,” Tresch said.

“What better way to connect their experiment to real life than at the Biosphere 2?”

The Biosphere 2 is a “laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education.” according to the university. Scientists living at the facility engage in analog experiments designed to test space’s potential effects space on everyday human lifestyles.

The experiments all contribute to the idea that one day humans could colonize the moon.

Divided into five domed biomes, the Biosphere 2 also features a laboratory and living quarters for the scientists. The enclosed research facility covers 3.14 acres and is one of the central focal points for scientific research in Arizona.

The Davis-Monthan Composite adets were given a “backstage pass” to the facility to test and contribute their data to the scientists’  ongoing experimentation carried out by the University of Arizona’s scientists.

“These cadets are the next generation of explorers, engineers, and scientists,” Tresch said, “and we want to give them the best tools we can to tackle all future challenges.” –

The Biosphere 2 visit provided numerous glimpses of experiments in progress. During a trip through the biomes the cadets heard about the research labs and tests conducted in each dome.

Also  involved  was U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Hans Jagow, director of  the Air Force’s ARCWERX innovation arm. Jagow guided cadets through testing and recording the findings of their experiments.  

“I wanted the cadets to see solutions don’t need to be expensive, hard to obtain, or difficult to create,” Jagow said.

“I work with high tech daily; sometimes, a saw, wood, drill and a mind is the answer,” he said. “In space you are limited to resources you have on hand.

“I hope that this might spark an answer for tomorrow’s proble solvers that might one day be in space.”

The cadets ended the day by returning to  their squadron with their findings to consolidate the research and tests into a conclusive report.

“It’s inspiring to see the drive and interest these cadets carry with them. 

“CAP and the world are lucky to have such capable and bright students,” Tresch said.

The participating cadets were:

 _____Cadet 2nd Lt. Liberty SagowDavis-Monthan Composite Beach 334Arizona Wing