![[Image Credit: Nils Napp, Cornell University]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56f67f2820c64796d51b3a33/1594735669249-QRY3IP22BHRRFHOACPOW/Picture1.png)
[Image Credit: Nils Napp, Cornell University]
About
Multiscale Granular Stacking (MSGS) is a technology for assembling planetary-surface infrastructure from unprocessed regolith. Re-defining the limits of traditional additive manufacturing, MSGS uses the unprocessed grains directly as additive manufacturing feedstock. A reduction in mass transport and energy cost is a result of minimizing and potentially fully replacing terrestrial adhesives, fluids, and binders with single grain scanning, computation, and packing. This drastic reduction in the reliance of terrestrial resources provides hope for sustaining a deep-space human presence.
MSGS Capabilities
MSGS finds its purpose in constructing utility structures on planetary bodies prior to human arrival. By providing insight into the tradeoff between surface quality and construction effort, robotic systems can prepare habitat foundations, landing pads, communications towers, paraboloid reflectors, and almost any other desired structure prior to human arrival.
Research
Millions of in-situ regolith particles may be required for construction, which demands extensive computation. Similar packing solutions exist in literature (e.g., some versions of the knapsack problem) but without configuration considerations. Furthermore, dry-stacking of micro- to macro-scale particles has never been investigated, especially in the context of in-space additive manufacturing. Thus, a successful research program in MSGS will revolutionize in-situ additive manufacturing. Preliminary calculations suggest MSGS minimizes mass transport and energy consumption for construction as compared to traditional terrestrial building methods. MSGS promotes human deep-space presence and long-term exploration goals by reducing the reliance of earth resources.