This text is part of the special section Professions and Careers
Within ten years, humanity will have established a permanent base on the Moon from which scientific and mining activities will be conducted. Is this a science fiction scenario? Not according to Giovanni Beltrame, who leads Polytechnique's newest space resources and infrastructure engineering research unit, Astrolith.
He is not the only one who says this: it is the ambition of NASA that launched the Artemis program, which aims to send the first woman and the first black person to our satellite by 2026. “He is strong. It is likely that mining activity will continue.” The moon will be profitable within 10 years, says the full professor in the Department of Computer and Software Engineering. Especially if we consider the impact of this type of activity on the Earth's climate. »
However, there is still a lot to do before we go to the moon. It is precisely for this purpose that the researcher set up this unit, the first of its kind in Canada. “As I talked to my colleagues, I noticed that many people were working independently on projects focused on the moon. But if we want to explore space, we have to join forces,” he emphasizes. It brought together professors from across the Polytechnique's departments, who are now working together to develop Canadian expertise in lunar engineering.
Space engineer
What will training to become a lunar engineer look like? “Someone who studies engineering receives special training to understand the peculiarities of the moon,” summarizes Pooneh Maghoul, professor in the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering and member of the research unit. “After all, the training we currently offer is adapted to our planet,” she adds with a smile. The trained professionals will be able to adapt to differences in gravity, materials, temperature variations and the seismic activity of our satellite. “And once we understand how to build on the Moon, we can expand further, to Mars and asteroids!” » says Giovanni Beltrame.
However, the two researchers are categorical: the scientific advances that the new space race brings with it will also be of use here on Earth. According to her, the challenges that lunar engineers will have to overcome will have many similarities with those associated, in particular, with climatic upheavals. “It’s like planning for the year 2070,” explains Pooneh Maghoul. Robotization will be very advanced, waste will have to be carefully managed, everything will have to be recycled. »
For this reason, the research unit has adopted the Latin motto “Ad Lunam pro Terra,” which translates as “to the moon, for the earth.” In addition to climate change, the researchers also want to promote innovation in the energy sector. “In the Nordic regions we see great potential for small modular reactors,” says Pooneh Maghoul. These remote regions, which must generate their own energy, have many similarities to the lunar surface. “If we manage to develop a battery that works in space, it will also work on Earth,” she summarizes.
new moon
For Giovanni Beltrame, looking into space is essential to achieving everything he hopes for from this new entity. “The moon is a powerful motivator,” he claims. By making people dream by talking to them about space, we can also develop technologies that help the Earth. »
His colleague also believes that it is high time for Canada to take a leading position in the field of space technology. The economic and strategic opportunities offered by space exploration are indeed enormous. “I can’t wait to see how many Polytechnique students will start businesses and contribute to the development of lunar technology,” she says enthusiastically. She believes Canada's unique expertise, particularly in the mining sector, provides it with significant advantages on a global scale and in space.
“I want Canada to be a reference point for space exploration, on the moon and beyond,” dreams Giovanni Beltrame. Pooneh Maghoul has a more specific goal: “I can’t wait to see the Canadian flag fly on the moon! »
This content was created by Le Devoir's Special Publications team, reporting to Marketing. The editors of Le Devoir did not take part.