Accession Number:

AD0258661

Title:

PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY OF DRILLING A HOLE ON THE MOON

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

HUGHES TOOL CO HOUSTON TX

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1960-09-23

Pagination or Media Count:

305.0

Abstract:

Research was concerned with the feasibility of drilling a hole on the moon. The preliminary feasibility study showed that of every known proven drilling method and many untried methods, percussion drilling will be the most suitable for Lunar drilling, where the weight and space requirements are limited for the first drillequipped Lunar craft. Study indicated that the mechanical simplicity of the rotary system should give it a reliability advantage for small dimeter 12 in. holes which are less than 5 feet deep. Conversely, deeper holes and holes of 34 to 4 in. diameter can best be made by a percussor. For heavier space craft of the future where deep holes larger than 4 in. diameter are desirable, it is almost certain that rotary drilling with rolling cutter bits will have many advantages.

Descriptors:

• *GEOLOGY
• *LUNAR PROBES
• *MOON
• *DRILLING MACHINES
• LOAD DISTRIBUTION
• SPACECRAFT
• PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
• DIAMONDS
• RELIABILITY
• SURFACE PROPERTIES
• POWER SUPPLIES
• DRILLS
• HAMMERS

Subject Categories:

• Astrophysics
• Geology, Geochemistry and Mineralogy
• Unmanned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE