Moonbase Alpha Operational Guide

• functions
• history
• organisation
• layout
• nuclear disposal areas
• environment
• procedures
• space operations

1. FUNCTIONS

"With the establishment of an international base on the Moon, new prospects for the future of Mankind have been opened up. Alpha will expand the frontiers of scientific understanding, industrial and medical technology and human endeavour. It is a symbol for a new era of international cooperation, the contributions of many nations serving to benefit the whole of the world. Moonbase Alpha brings rewards in science, technical innovations and international relations. It is an investment in Mankind's future."

Commissioner H. Mason, 1992

1.1 Objectives

The following principle objectives were defined in 'Moonbase Alpha: Proposal For Construction' (objectives 1 and 2 are also the functions of the World Space Commission as defined in its charter).

International Unity

To foster international cooperation in design, construction and operation of a major scientific project; to foster links between individuals from many countries and societies by bringing them together in one community.

Scientific Research

To undertake pure and applied research in such areas as astronomy and physics, life support and power systems, and to encourage and support commercially funded research projects.

Base For Further Exploration Of Space

To provide facilities for spacecraft construction, training of crews and mission control.

Disposal Of Hazardous Waste Materials

To provide long term isolated storage of certain dangerous waste materials (especially radioactive nuclear waste)

For economic and safety reasons the Moonbase should be self sufficient in all its requirements, using lunar raw materials or recycling.

1.2 Achievements

Some 48 nations have contributed to the Moonbase Alpha project, and the entire world has benefited from their investment. Over 300 people from all over Earth now live on the Moon, using the latest facilities to advance the frontiers of science. The most obvious achievements have been the historic space missions, the Astro probes and the unmanned Spacefarer series, constructed and controlled from Moonbase Alpha. Most prominent of the many astronomical discoveries made with Alpha facilities was Ultra, the tenth planet in the solar system. Space technology has been greatly advanced by research on Moonbase Alpha: Yasuda technology has been greatly refined into anti gravity fields and radiation screens, cold fusion devices were made viable by lunar minerals, and interstellar frequency was discovered. Progress has also been made in laser technology, explosives such as hypernitro, and refining techniques.

Cold fusion devices were critical to the Dorfman artificial heart, just one of many medical advances to come from Moonbase Alpha. Other medical technology developed on the base include thermographic scans and portable monitors derived from magnetic resonance imaging, Ellendorf brain wave equipment, and the Wilson hypodermic syringe. The Moonbase pharmacy has developed many significant drugs, including the metalectin family of cholesterol control drugs, and the choladrinal family of neuron control drugs including the stimulants tyomoxin, metaferadine, metrazine and mezadrine, the sedative somnol and the anaesthetics dexetrol, tricomagen and ionethermyecin.

Numerous other technologies, processes and techniques have been developed on Moonbase Alpha to benefit industry and business on Earth.