Abstract#

This is a high-level description of the idea. Please use ELI5 (explain like I'm five years old) wording and summarize things for anyone to understand what you want to achieve.

I would like to propose the purchase and installation of new vacuum chamber components at the University of New Mexico's human rated altitude chamber. By supporting this chamber we would obtain access to human capable flight testing as a DAO. There will be open testing opportunities to support lunar habitation research projects within the community.

Problem#

Describe the problem your proposal solves.

Many altitude chambers in the world are restricted to technology only use and are prohibitively expensive to use, if you can even obtain access. For example, the US Navy chamber costs upwards of $20,000 usd per day to operate.

These high prices extended into human rated chamber systems.

We must bring the price down in order to test spaceflight technologies we hope to use on the surface of the moon, Mars and beyond. Technology must advance through the TRL levels before being able to be flown to space aboard a spacecraft. Altitude chamber testing is pivotal to enabling success for items like satellites, radios, habitats, and other technologies.

Solution#

Describe the "meat & potatoes" of the proposal. Go into necessary detail about the work that needs to be done, alternative solutions considered, open questions, and future directions. Keep it concise.

The solution to high vacuum chamber price and restricted access is to use research relationships in the university sphere to renovate and outfit existing chambers to be able to obtain space equivalent altitudes. Under this proposal I would like to request funding to purchase a refurbished vacuum pump, hoses, and auxiliary items to integrate into the University of New Mexico's human rated altitude chamber. As a part of the proposal I would also request funds to support DAO member technology testing in the chamber.

Benefits#

Point out the core benefits of the proposal implementation and how it will affect MoonDAO. If the proposal can create revenue please create justification for how much revenue it could generate.

Benefits support the Dao's vision of space habitation by enabling all members projects an opportunity to be tested in space vacuum conditions.

Risks#

Highlight any risks from implementing the proposal, how could this go wrong? How are you addressing those risks?

The chamber at UMN is in need of a new vacuum pump and sealing of leaks. It is possible that we may not be able to seal all leaks and get the chamber down to a perfect vacuum. This should not be of any concern as the chamber only needs to obtain space equivalent altitudes which for testing purposes can be much higher than perfect vacuum. We have calculated that with the unit improvements anticipated, this is a non issue.

Any DAO members who would like to take advantage of the chamber for testing will only be able to be done during prescribed times. The chamber availability may or may not align with members testing timelines which is a risk.

It is also a risk that DAO members testing materials may not be compatible with the safety standards of the chamber. To combat this we will need to create an approved list of materials.

Objectives#

You can write as many OKRs as you think are needed. One focused goal is preferred instead of many. OKRs should use SMART principles (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound).

Objective #1: Successfully integrate altitude chamber with new components to reach space equivalent altitudes.

Key Results for Objective #1:

• Install a new (refurbished) vacuum pump with hoses
• Seal existing leaks in the chamber with approved sealants
• Demonstrate the chamber can reach altitudes over 65,000ft.

Objective #2: Test DAO members' technology in the chamber to help improve TRL levels.

Key Results for Objective #2:

• Assist DAO members to qualify their technology to be tested in the chamber by providing a materials acceptance sheet and personal guidance.
• Physically obtain DAO member technology to test during prescribed testing timeframes.
• Return their technologies with testing details.
• Outline DAO booking system to maintain the community resource.

Objective #3: DAO marketing

Key Results for Objective #2:

• MoonDao stickers on the Vacuum pump
• Recognition in any media announcement
• Details on chamber use on the DAO website

Team (Table A)#

Role 2: Chamber Operator, Jacob Dawes

Role 3: Chamber Install Tech: Cole Garrison | | Multisig signers | Five signers are required with their ETH addresses listed.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. | | | |

Team Bios

Please include a quick paragraph bio for each member of the team and multisig. If someone is on both the team and multisig then just reference the team bio.

Trent Tresch

Trent Tresch works in bridging the gap between traditional aerospace and new-space innovation. He launched his work at Biosphere 2, serving as a volunteer Co-Director for the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars habitat. He now imparts his expertise leading Center for Human Space Exploration initiatives in teaching spacesuit operations and spacecraft egress, while actively designing, researching, and testing space exploration technologies.

Piloting both hot air and hydrogen gas balloon systems, Trent has managed crewed and uncrewed high-altitude projects. He has a keen eye set on exploration of near-space environments such as the stratosphere and mesosphere. His further experience ranges from polar to deep ocean submarine exploration, to micro gravity flight, simulations, centrifuge and hypobarics. Working with the UA School of Medicine, APEX aerospace fellowship (APEX), he is currently engineering a two-person pressurized space capsule for rescue simulations and flight. Among many things, Trent additionally has contributed to international diplomatic efforts on the commercialization and economics of outer space, collaborating with organizations such as the Secure World Foundation and the Paris Peace Forum.

Jacob Dawes

Masters student at University of New Mexico and veteran Chamber Operator.

Cole Garrison

Professional Hitachi vacuum chamber technician. Licensed to provide chamber improvements and install with the University of New Mexico.

Timeline (Table B)#

Deadline for the project: End of Q4, 2026

Budget (Table C)#

These are fixed costs to make your project happen. This might also include bounties that you'll make inside of the DAO (it's recommended to have some amount allocated for bounties or competitions), or specific work that must be contracted out to complete the project. Please provide links to quotes where possible. The total may be expressed in any token, however funding amount will be sent in ETH or MOONEY based on current prices at the time of the transaction being created. Proposal budgets must be less than or equal to 1/5 of the total quarterly budget.