Building materials on the Moon

The surface of the Moon is covered with a material called regolith, formed from fragments created in meteorite collisions billions of years ago. This abundant resource offers a potential solution to construction needs.

Sample of bricks used for construction on the Moon by ESA.

However, collecting actual regolith on the Moon is a challenge. To overcome this limitation, scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA) have initially created an artificial version of lunar regolith by crushing a one-year-old meteorite. This material is then used to 3D print Lego-style bricks, which ESA calls "space bricks".

The space bricks are designed to be easily assembled, offering flexibility in constructing various structures. The bricks have a rough texture and are gray in color, having been tested in a simulated lunar environment. ESA space engineers are continuously refining their construction methods ahead of actual lunar missions.

The ability to build habitable environments and other necessary infrastructure on the Moon could significantly reduce the need for supplies from Earth, making exploration and longer stays on the Moon, and ultimately creating habitable environments, more feasible.

HUY QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/vat-lieu-xay-dung-tren-mat-trang-post747286.html