Project Steps for Space Survival Case Study

Prepare for an exciting mission where creativity meets survival and innovation! In this project, students will explore the survival, lunar mining, and the future of space.

In this activity, students use research, collaboration and creativity to design a detailed poster and presentation in specific sectors for a survival and lunar mining base. Along the way, students will critically examine the environmental challenges of mining in space and develop sustainable solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This project will inspire students to think about space exploration in new and innovative ways. Follow the steps below to bring your space solutions to life!

Project Steps

Step 1

Case Study & Research in Mission Control Teams

Students will be assigned to Mission Control teams, tasked with guiding a fictional lunar mining expedition led by Dr. Aztrow Naught. Through this case study, students will research various survival and operational challenges on the Moon, including resource extraction, energy use, environmental sustainability, and legal considerations.

Each team will investigate how lunar mining can support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on clean energy, economic development, and minimizing environmental impact. Students will collaborate to gather data, think critically, and develop sustainable strategies for future lunar operations.

Step 2

Poster Design and Presentation Preparation

After completing their research, students will bring their ideas to life by creating a poster and presentation that showcases their proposed solutions for their specific sector.

Encourage students to label key features that pertains to their sector. Diagrams, infographics, or flowcharts can also be included for further explanation of the solutions proposed by their mission control teams.

Step 3

Showcase, Discussion and Reflection

Students will present their posters to the class, explaining how their lunar base addresses both survival needs and sustainable resource extraction. During the showcase, students will walk their peers through their designs, highlighting key features like energy use, habitat design, and environmental protection strategies.

After each presentation, open the floor for peer feedback and interactive discussion, encouraging students to ask questions and suggest alternative approaches.

Conclude the activity with a reflection session, where students analyze the challenges of lunar mining, consider the potential risks of repeating Earth’s environmental mistakes, and explore opportunities for sustainable space exploration.

Case Study

In the early 2030s, Dr. Aztrow Naught embarks on a historic mission as part of the Lunar Exploration Initiative, tasked with laying the groundwork for mining on the Moon sustainably. Learning from the past, the lack of sustainable mining on Earth has presented many challenges such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social impacts. Thus, Dr. Aztrow employs the expertise of her mission control teams to establish humanity’s presence beyond Earth through sustainable In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU).

When Dr. Aztrow arrives on the moon’s surface, she is equipped with a very basic setup to adequately provide for the primary needs of one person (a temporary shelter, small green house, solar panels, water generator); she must expand and improve her lunar base in order to facilitate more astronauts.

Dr. Aztrow needs to adapt to the new life on the moon considering ethical implications, navigating legal frameworks, and other important factors.

So she contacts her mission control teams (the students!) for guidance in various sectors.

Mission Control Teams

Survival Sector

You have been assigned to the Survival sector. Dr. Aztrow is currently looking for solutions to improve her life on the moon. How can lunar settlements be built/improved using sustainable ISRU solutions while still maintaining survival needs? Considering the holistic approach of indigenous ways of knowing, why is it important that Dr. Aztrow’s well-being is accounted for spiritually, mentally and emotionally as well? What methods will ensure that Dr. Aztrow’s well-being is maintained holistically during mining expeditions?

Research the different ways of survival on the moon and types of lunar settlements
Research how mental, emotional and spiritual well-being may be impacted on the moon
What are your ideas and strategies for survival needs and ISRU?

Social Sector

You have been assigned to the Social sector. Dr. Aztrow must consider the ethical implications for the lunar mining operation. What ethics are involved in lunar mining? What can you learn from the Indigenous approach to collaboration about the importance of including various perspectives in the development and enforcement of ethics? What kind of a system can be implemented to ensure that ethical decisions are enriched by diverse perspectives? How can you improve on the overall concept and structure of lunar mining to make it as ethical as possible?

Research common ethical issues related to mining and resource harvesting
Research how ethics on the moon differ from on Earth
What are your ideas and strategies for the social sector in regards to space survival and lunar mining?

Sustainability Sector

You have been assigned to the sustainability sector. What are some sustainable practices that can be used in Dr. Aztrow’s survival set-up or during mining expeditions? What approaches from indigenous principles of environmental stewardship can you learn from? Which professions might be involved in implementing sustainable practices on the moon?

Consider how autonomous technology and the practice of recycling can be useful
Research about the environmental impacts that lunar mining has on the moon
What are your ideas and strategies for sustainability for space survival and lunar mining?

Technology Sector

You have been assigned to the technology sector. What types of equipment and machinery would help Dr. Aztrow achieve her objective? Why is it important to develop new technology with an awareness of its impact on the surrounding environment, considering the indigenous approach to holistic thinking. How can Dr. Aztrow utilize technology to improve her survival set-up and lunar mining tactics?

Research new and existing space equipment and machinery, considering impacts technology can have on the environment
Research how 3D printing and additive manufacturing may be useful
What are your ideas and strategies for technology in space survival and lunar mining?

Mining Sector

You have been assigned to the Mining sector. What are some mining, processing, and rening techniques involved in lunar mining? What types of equipment is used for lunar mining? Why is it important to consider the indigenous approach to resource use to ensure that mining processes are efficiently utilizing resources and time?

Research the mining methods used in the past on Earth
Research the types of resources that can be mined on the moon
What are your ideas and strategies for the mining sector for space survival and lunar exploration?

Legal Sector

You have been assigned to the Legal sector. What are some legal issues that Dr. Astrow may face as she is on her mission? What professions could be involved with legal issues on the moon? How could the Indigenous way of knowing and respect support in this sector?

Research the types of international agreements relating to the moon 2.
Research ownership and property rights in space
What are your ideas and strategies in the legal sector for space survival and lunar exploration?

Investigation Sector

You have been assigned to the Investigation sector. What type of exploration techniques will allow her to collect samples safely for her research? Considering the Indigenous way of harmony and balance, why is it important that Dr. Aztrow obtains her samples without disturbing the lunar environment? What equipment and technology can Dr. Aztrow use to conduct her research?

Research about lunar geology and its importance
Research about existing research processes on the moon
What are your ideas and strategies in the Investigative sector for space survival and lunar exploration?