Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) may have unlocked how to build sustainable structures on the moon and beyond for a fraction of the cost previously required. The new concept involves using lunar soil mixtures to create bricks. Here’s everything you need to know.
You Can’t Build Without Supplies?
This strategy is crucial for the planned international moonbase, as bringing building materials and construction supplies would be impossible. Even with the price per pound to launch an item into orbit shrinking significantly from thousands to hundreds over the last five years, the idea is still unrealistic. Consequently, Chinese researchers turned their attention to using the supplies available.
Problems with Lunar Soil
Lunar soil differs from the Earth in many ways. The moon exists in the vacuum of space and is showered in cosmic radiation that the Earth’s atmosphere protects against. This unique and hostile environment has 1/6th the earth’s gravity, meaning that the tiny particles that make moon soil will stay suspended for much longer than soil on Earth.
Moon soil has sharp edges like glass, is easily disturbed, and can float, adding to its complications. For researchers, this soil creates major problems with gear and is very hazardous to your lungs. If all of these issues aren’t enough, the moon experiences active seismic waves all the time. These moonquakes can cause massive mood soil dust clouds to form, worsening the scenario.
Lunar Bricks Study
Chinese researchers decided not to shy away from the most prominent resource on the moon. Instead, devices plan to transform this dangerous dust into bricks. These lunar bricks would be built by a proprietary 3D printing robot. This approach would allow astronauts to remain focused on more important tasks and limit their exposure to hazardous moon dust.
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Source – Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
The researchers created five different simulated lunar soil compositions as part of their strategy. Three different types of soil mixtures are designed to mimic the various types of soil found on the moon. Notably, the two main ingredients for moon dust are basalt and anorthosite. Both are found at different levels depending on the location. Additionally, the team utilized three different sintering approaches as part of the study.
Lunar Bricks Test
The engineers successfully created simulated lunar soil, and their 3D printing robot was able to take this lunar dust and create bricks. These bricks consisted of a variety of different mixtures, allowing the team to conduct performance tests across the types and determine the best site to build a camp based on the best building material mix.
The team tested to see the load each mixture could handle. Also, heat tests enabled the team to determine if the bricks could handle the strong temperature swings the moon experiences. These temperature swings can be over 100 degrees, which can place a lot of stress on building materials as they flex and stretch at different temperatures.
Space Testing Lunar Bricks
The bricks have completed earth testing and are ready to be taken into space. Specifically, they will undergo space performance testing that is slated to begin on China’s space station. The bricks are scheduled to be taken to the station aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft.
Once in orbit, researchers will examine lunar-specific environmental conditions and how they affect the performance and durability of the lunar bricks. The team wants to see if the added radiation combined with wild temperature changes causes the bricks to fall apart. Notably, the testing will have the bricks in orbit by mid-2025.
Benefits Lunar Bricks Bring to the Industry
It’s easy to see why engineers want to work with local resources rather than importing items from Earth. The moon may not have much on it at first glance, but the unique chemical makeup of the lunar soil has proven to be a good building resource.
Stronger
According to the data, the lunar bricks outperformed their earth-bound counterparts in nearly every way. They surpassed concrete and red bricks in terms of durability with test results showing lunar bricks to be almost 3x stronger. This added strength could allow builders to create structures using fewer resources.
Automated Process
Another major benefit of this research is the creation of a special 3D printing device that can process lunar soil and create bricks onsite. This robot would be instrumental in creating a lunar base without putting astronauts at unnecessary risk. The robot can take the soil, compact it, and heat it enough to crate strong, resilient bricks.
Unique Design
The use of additive manufacturing in the process opens the door for more ingenuity and innovation. Already, several 3D home printing projects have shown that the use of intricate structural walls can help reduce heating costs and material waste. The lunar environment is unique. As such, the lunar brick printer can create new and experimental designs that could change the building sector.
Lunar Bricks Researchers
The Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) hosted the study led by Ding Lieyun. The project is a smaller part of the larger international lunar research station that China announced earlier in the year. This project would create a permanent lunar presence and allow for in-depth research, shorter space launches, and much more.
Companies that Could Benefit from Lunar Bricks
There are a lot of industries and companies that could benefit from the many breakthroughs this research brings to the table. For one, the better understanding of lunar soil, the easier it will be for people to colonize the moon one day. As such the lunar brick study demonstrates a shift in strategy from bringing supplies to survive to becoming self-autonomous on site. Here’s one company that could benefit from this study.
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab went live in 2006 as a satellite launch firm. The company is part of a wave of space launch platforms that have helped shrink the price per pound of getting items into space. The company specializes in small satellites at the moment, which is one of the most active sectors of the market.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB -2.42%)
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB -2.42%)
Rocket Labs Electron launch vehicle has worked with both enterprise and government firms to get satellites in the sky. Currently, it has contracts with the US Department of Defence, NASA, and was pivotal in the Gateway Pathfinder Mission. Notably, Rocket Lab is set to see continued growth this year, hitting all-time highs recently. As such, it’s considered a smart “buy.”
Follow the Lunar Brick Road
There’s still a lot of testing that needs to be completed before lunar bricks are an official option. However, the researchers have put forth a compelling argument explaining why and how these items will benefit moon travelers. For now, you can expect to see further research into the lunar brick concept and how it could help man reach new destinations.
Learn about other cool Space Projects here.
