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Foundation Design and Seismic Protection of Lunar Infrastructure

The Apollo Lunar Seismic Experimental Package (ALSEP) recorded 12,000 moonquakes between 1969 and 1977. These seismic events occur in different materials and therefore experience different wave propagation than terrestrial earthquakes. Additionally, the seismic sources originate from lunar functions that aren't as relevant on Earth, where we largely experience earthquakes through tectonic movement. Infrastructure placed on the moon takes millions of dollars to situate and needs to survive the lunar conditions we are unaccustomed to on Earth. Any previous development of a ground motion model for the moon was produced extrapolating assumptions taken from earthquakes, until now.


Slate is working with experts in the fields of engineering and aerospace technology to develop a lunar ground motion model, a lunar granular mechanics foundation model, and a vertical and lateral force analysis for launch pad foundations. The goal of the project is to safeguard our infrastructure and equipment from lunar quakes and protect research from disruption.

Slate services:

  • Development of lunar ground motion model  
  • Development of lunar granular mechanics foundation model
  • Vertical and lateral force analysis


Technical components:

  • This project presented unique challenges given the unknowns of developing ground motions outside of planet Earth. 


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