Novel aerospace technology research has been driven by increased interest in governmental and privatized space travel efforts. One such technology is friction stir welding (FSW), often promoted as a capable in-space manufacturing process. FSW literature currently has gaps regarding its operation in lunar conditions. As an initial approximation, this study simulated lunar cooling heat fluxes via a controlled furnace. Regulating the heating and cooling of AA6061-T6 allowed an evaluation of material property changes caused by the lunar cooling rate. Sample analysis utilizing energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed silicon, magnesium, and iron precipitate growth in the friction stir welds due to simulated lunar cooling. Mechanical testing of the samples showed a minor strength decrease of 6.8% from the ambient condition weld to the simulated lunar cooling weld. The associated in-process torque variations created by heat accumulation suggest reduced energy requirements for FSW compared to terrestrial operation. While a strength decrease was observed, it is minor. The strength and the reduction of in-situ power consumption supports FSW as a valid lunar technology and warrants future work on this subject.

人们对政府和私有化太空旅行的兴趣日益浓厚，推动了新型航空航天技术研究。其中一项技术是摩擦搅拌焊 (FSW)，通常被宣传为一种有能力的太空制造工艺。FSW 文献目前在月球条件下的操作方面存在差距。作为初步近似，本研究通过受控炉模拟了月球冷却热通量。调节 AA6061-T6 的加热和冷却可以评估由月球冷却速率引起的材料特性变化。利用能量色散光谱 (EDS) 进行的样品分析表明，由于模拟月球冷却，搅拌摩擦焊缝中的硅、镁和铁沉淀物生长。样品的机械测试表明强度略有下降 6。8% 从环境条件焊缝到模拟月球冷却焊缝。与地面操作相比，由热积累产生的相关过程中扭矩变化表明 FSW 的能量需求减少。虽然观察到强度下降，但它很小。现场功耗的强度和降低支持 FSW 作为一种有效的月球技术，并保证未来在这个主题上的工作。