Imagine constructing a home on the moon with the ease of snapping together LEGO blocks. This futuristic vision is edging closer to reality, thanks to the innovative efforts of Chinese scientists.
Researchers at the National Center of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, have developed groundbreaking bricks using a material that closely mimics lunar soil. These \"lunar soil bricks\" match the density of standard construction bricks but boast over three times the strength of traditional red soil or concrete bricks.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese craftsmanship, the bricks feature a mortise-and-tenon structure—a staple of traditional Chinese architecture and furniture. This design, reminiscent of LEGO building blocks, allows for a highly efficient and interlocking assembly process.
Tianzhou-8 to Deliver Lunar Soil Bricks
China is set to launch the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft on Friday night, tasked with delivering these lunar soil bricks to the China Space Station for space exposure experiments. The primary objective is to assess the bricks' mechanical and thermal performance, as well as their resilience against cosmic radiation.
Building on the moon presents extreme environmental challenges. Temperatures can soar above 180 degrees Celsius during the lunar day and plummet to -190 degrees Celsius at night. Additionally, frequent moonquakes and cosmic radiation pose significant durability concerns. These tests will determine whether the bricks can withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar surface.
The bricks will undergo a total exposure period of three years. Each year, a sample panel exposed to space conditions will be returned to Earth for further examination. The first lunar brick is expected to make its return by the end of 2025, providing essential insights into the feasibility of constructing structures on the moon.
In October, China unveiled a national medium- to long-term development program for space science, outlining a roadmap through 2050. As part of this ambitious plan, an international lunar research station initiated by China is set to be constructed during the program's second phase, spanning from 2028 to 2035.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
