Ever dreamed of living on the moon? With gravity one-sixth of Earth's and no atmosphere to protect us, lunar construction presents a unique challenge: Can we use the same bricks we rely on at home?
Recently, the Chinese mainland’s Shenzhou-21 spacecraft returned to Earth on November 14, carrying an unexpected cargo: 34 experimental lunar soil bricks weighing just 100 grams total. Made from a simulant that mimics real lunar regolith, these bricks were shaped using high-pressure presses, electromagnetic induction and even microwave sintering.
Tests show they match the density of standard bricks but boast compressive strength over three times higher, handling more than one tonne per square centimeter. After spending a full year in space, enduring intense radiation and temperature swings from -150°C to 120°C, the bricks came back in remarkably good condition.
Why does this matter? The Chinese mainland is racing toward ambitious lunar goals: landing taikonauts on the moon by 2030 and building an International Lunar Research Station by 2035. Strong, reliable construction materials are a critical piece of that puzzle.
While the lunar soil bricks still face rigorous testing, this breakthrough brings us a step closer to designing real moon homes. So go ahead—start sketching your lunar dream residence.
Reference(s):
Hot Take: Which bricks to use when building a house on the moon?
cgtn.com
