A first construction module for a modular landing platform is for vertical landing aircraft. The module includes a module body with a resting wall placed on a supporting surface. A landing wall opposite to the resting wall is adapted be contacted by the aircraft during the landing step. First and second interconnecting walls are opposite to each other and interposed between the resting wall and the landing wall. First and second coupling portions protrude laterally outwards from the first interconnecting wall, the first and second coupling portions being of a different type and mutually spaced apart. Third and fourth coupling portions protrude laterally outwards from the second interconnecting wall, and are of a different type and spaced apart. The third and fourth coupling portions of the first module are adapted to couple respectively with the first and second coupling portions of a second module identical to the first module.

A modular roadway structure that includes a body portion including a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be positioned on a surface, and the top surface is formed with a predetermined textured pattern for defining a predetermined coefficient of friction across the top surface.

A system and associated method constructs a building material from lunar soil. A magnetic sorter magnetically sorts the lunar soil and the system creates a layered surface comprising a microwave susceptible, thermal conductive top layer of lunar soil and a poorly microwave-susceptible and poorly thermally conductive sublayer of lunar soil. A microwave generator generates microwave energy into an antenna and directs the microwave energy onto the top layer of lunar soil to sinter the microwave susceptible, thermal conductive top layer of lunar soil.

Described herein is a method of constructing a landing pad using a rocket engine while in-flight. Among other benefits, this method can reduce ejecta that otherwise would occur during landing on an unimproved surface. While a spacecraft is hovering over an unimproved surface, the spacecraft can inject particles into its rocket engine, after which the particles absorb heat from the engine and are projected at ballistic speeds toward the unimproved surface to create a landing pad. After constructing the landing pad and waiting for the landing pad to cool, the spacecraft can land on the landing pad. Also described herein are landing pads created from such particles as they impact the surface in a disc splat mode into the unimproved surface.

The disclosure provides a method and device for supporting the vertical and lateral loads on expedient ground surfaces. The disclosure provides a screw-type ground anchor with an external hollow stiffening cage to increase the ground anchor's lateral load bearing capacity and an anchor screw to provide vertical load bearing capacity without compromising its ease of installation. The anchor screw installs the stiffening cage concurrently while being installed by pressing down the stiffening cage while the anchor screw is rotated into the ground. By combining the stiffening cage with the anchor screw, rapid installation can be achieved while retaining lateral and vertical load bearing capacity.