ACHIEVING SELF-RELIANCE
- how an off-Earth base could quickly become self-sufficient -

The SquareHab would not be a part of the initial base (InstaBase) but rather, the modular component that could be constructed from material sourced on the Moon (i.e. metals). As these modular components are produced, because they are rectangular and of specific sizes, they could be connected together for ever-expanding living area.

METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
As the base is able to produce sheet metal from local resources, a set of them would be welded together in order to make a largely dust-free, outdoor work area. A jig would be set up which would receive sheet metal, cut them to their appropriate shapes, and weld them together to construct air-proof habitats. Upon this outdoor platform, sheet metal would be brought and cut transversely to the right length. More sheets of the same length would be produced and set side by side. The rig would then weld them together to make the floors and the ceilings of the habitat being constructed. After the floor is welded together, tubes of sheet metal would be produced, set in place on the floor and welded in place. These tubes will serve at the tethers holding the floor and ceilings together against air pressure. On top of these poles would be placed the ceiling which would be welded to the poles.

Next, sheet metal would be cut so as to produce the walls and doors of the air locks. Upon their own jig, they would be bent and welded until the airlock was completed.

Finally, sheets to make walls would be produced and their ends cut in a hyperbolic shape such that they would fit perfectly with the curved ends of the walls of the other side of the SquareHab. The wall sheets would be passed through a rollers on the jig which progressively curve the metal until the entire length of the wall forms a half tube cut lengthwise. The jig would bring the airlocks, place them in place and then weld the airlock to each wall.

The jig would hold these sides up and hold them against the side of the floors or walls so that the linear welders could weld them together. The last step would be for the jig to weld each corner thereby sealing the SquareHab together.