In previous blog posts, we have discussed the great relationship between the Rocket City Space Pioneers (RCSP) and the Huntsville Center for Technology (HCT). The students at HCT have been amazing with the three RCSP projects they’ve taken on this school year – the Engineering Development Lander (EDL), the Rover Prototype, and the Moonscape. With this post, we’re focusing on construction of the Moonscape.

The Moonscape project has been a very collaborative effort within HCT, engaging students from multiple programs. The project got underway with Mr. Evans’ “Drafting Design Technology” students using Solid Edge CAD software to model the framework design. Then they built a small visual model using balsa wood, EPS and putty. With a design in place, and a model as a guide, Mr. Roberts’ “Construction / Residential Wiring” students began building the flooring frame with 2”x6” and 2”x4” lumber. Once the framing was complete, they covered the surface with plywood to finish the flooring system. That is one solid floor! And the whole thing is on industrial casters, making it surprisingly easy to move around on the shop floor.

Once the structural work was complete, the students moved into the finishing phase – making the moonscape useable and ready for display. The “Construction / Residential Wiring” students boxed-in the flooring system by putting cabinet-grade plywood around the perimeter. Then they turned it over to Mr. Rice’s “Collision Repair Technology” group. Those students painted the ‘lunar surface’ with a very rough texture to mimic the rocky moon landscape. After that rough painting, the students turned attention to the perimeter. They put a very nice, smooth, display-worthy paint job on the outer surfaces.

Mr. Rice’s work wasn’t quite done. His students also painted the black-sky background, and installed the foam-board backdrop pieces to the flooring system. We brought in some help from an RCSP industry partner to airbrush a starfield and place an earth image in the background, really giving it all a lunar feel. The only item left to tackle was the lunar regolith. Mr. Evans’ students were called back into duty to mix up some regolith simulant and make final surface preparations. We won’t give away all of our secrets, but the simulant turned out quite well. RCSP now has a lunar surface.

The Rocket City Space Pioneers now have a Moonscape that is roughly 12’ x 32’, and includes multiple slope angles and useable flat area. This Moonscape will be used as a testbed for Rover maneuverability, as well as for demonstrations and photo and video presentations. Now that we have a Moon, we’re just waiting for a landing!