Propellants and Lava Tubes for Lunar Base

Exploring Interfaces and Propellant Formulations for Lunar-Based Facilities | AIAA Conference Presentation

Join Ali Reichenberg, in collaboration with Astro Technology and Brigham Young University, as she presents at the 2025 AIAA Conference on the future of lunar colonization and sustainable space exploration.

This presentation explores how in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) can support the development of permanent human colonies on the Moon. Focusing on four innovative lunar-derived propellant formulations, the research emphasizes alternatives to water-intensive fuels like LOX/LH₂ in favor of aluminum, silicon, and silane-based systems.

The work examines:
🚀 Propulsion system interfaces for lunar-to-orbit transportation
🌕 Use of lunar regolith for fuel and construction
🏠 Habitats within lunar lava tubes for temperature and radiation shielding
🔬 Chemical synthesis and manufacturing feasibility using lunar materials
⚡ Future energy strategies including solar, fission, and helium-3 fusion potential

The forward-looking vision is rooted in reducing reliance on Earth-based resources while enabling scalable, sustainable infrastructure to support human life and commerce on the Moon.

Ali Reichenberg is an incoming Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Florida. She graduated high school from Austin High on the engineering pathway with a distinction from the Academy for Science and Innovation. She recently completed an internship at Astro Technology, where she supported engineering teams working on applied technologies for aerospace and energy systems. An Eagle Scout and active tutor through Mu Alpha Theta, Ali has developed strong leadership and communication skills through her involvement in Model United Nations, peer mentoring, and STEM outreach. This fall, she will begin her undergraduate studies in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida, with aspirations to contribute to the future of flight and space exploration.

David Brower is the President of Astro Technology, a Houston-based engineering firm focused on innovative solutions for subsea monitoring, aerospace instrumentation, and structural health systems. With over 30 years of leadership at Astro Technology, David has overseen the development and deployment of groundbreaking technologies in extreme environments, from deep-sea oilfields to aerospace applications. He holds a degree from the University of Utah and has been a driving force behind cross-disciplinary innovation bridging materials science, sensing systems, and applied engineering. Under his leadership, Astro Technology has collaborated with NASA, offshore operators, and academic institutions to advance monitoring systems that ensure safety and performance in mission-critical operations.

🔗 Download the full paper and learn more about lunar ISRU.

#AIAA #LunarExploration #SpacePropulsion #ISRU #Helium3 #AerospaceEngineering #MoonBase