Description: Cislune Inc., in collaboration with the University of Central Florida (UCF), proposes the SHEARPREP project aimed at enhancing lunar surface preparation for infrastructure development through the innovation of electrostatic concrete technology. This technology leverages in-situ lunar regolith to create structures with improved shear strength, utilizing a unique process that requires no imported materials and minimal energy. The Phase I STTR funding will be dedicated to testing the shear strength of various electrostatic concrete mixtures in a vacuum environment, optimizing the mix for maximum compacted strength. The project focuses on applications critical to lunar exploration, including launch/landing zones, blast protection structures, and pathways, thereby directly supporting NASA's vision for sustainable lunar infrastructure. SHEARPREP's approach combines geotechnical investigation, advanced material science, and robotic construction concepts, intending to minimize lunar surface disturbance and maximize utilization of lunar resources. The project's target market encompasses NASA's lunar exploration initiatives, commercial lunar payload services, and international lunar exploration missions, positioning it as a pivotal technology for the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Through this endeavor, Cislune Inc. aims to address critical gaps in lunar construction technology, transitioning from low TRL concepts to practical, deployable solutions for lunar surface operations and infrastructure development.

Benefits: SHEARPREP aligns with NASA's lunar exploration directives by offering a scalable solution for the creation of sustainable lunar infrastructure through the use of electrostatic concrete technology. This technology supports the construction of bulk regolith-based structures essential for lunar habitation and operations, including launch/landing zones that minimize plume surface interaction risks, protective berms against rocket exhaust and blast effects, and robust pathways for enhanced mobility and trafficability on the lunar surface. By leveraging in-situ materials for construction, SHEARPREP directly contributes to the objectives of NASA's Artemis program and future missions by reducing dependency on Earth-originated construction materials, thereby lowering logistical costs and enhancing the feasibility of long-term lunar presence. Furthermore, the project's focus on developing technologies for geotechnical site investigation, regolith compaction, and autonomous construction operations positions it as a critical enabler for the construction of habitats, support structures, and utility corridors, aligning with NASA's vision for lunar infrastructure development under the Space Technology Mission Directorate's strategic thrusts. SHEARPREP's innovative approach to using lunar regolith not only supports immediate construction needs but also lays the groundwork for future exploration efforts, demonstrating a versatile application potential across various mission directives aimed at sustainable living and working on the Moon.The SHEARPREP technology presents substantial commercialization opportunities beyond NASA applications, particularly in the burgeoning space economy. As the international interest in lunar and Martian exploration grows, commercial space entities are seeking efficient, cost-effective methods for in-situ construction and infrastructure development. SHEARPREP's electrostatic concrete technology, optimized for lunar conditions, offers a viable solution for constructing durable, resilient structures using local materials, significantly reducing the need for expensive cargo missions to transport building materials from Earth. This technology is ideally suited for companies involved in lunar mining, habitat construction, and the development of commercial lunar bases, providing a competitive edge in constructing launch pads, shelters, and roads with minimal environmental impact and lower logistical costs. Additionally, the principles of SHEARPREP could be adapted for terrestrial applications in remote or harsh environments where traditional construction methods are impractical or too costly, such as Antarctic bases, desert research stations, and underwater habitats. By offering a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials and methods, SHEARPREP positions Cislune Inc. at the forefront of ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) technology, with potential markets extending from space exploration to challenging terrestrial projects, contributing to the development of off-Earth infrastructure and advancing human presence in space and other extreme environments.