Chinese researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology have made significant strides in space construction by developing 'lunar bricks' designed for future lunar bases.
Led by Ding Lieyun, the team utilized a lunar soil simulant to create bricks that are over three times stronger than standard red or concrete bricks. Additionally, they introduced a 3D-printing robot capable of constructing houses using lunar soil, showcasing innovative additive manufacturing technologies.
Zhou Cheng from HUST explained that the team experimented with five different simulated lunar soil compositions and three sintering processes. These variations aim to provide precise scientific data for material selection and process optimization essential for future lunar base construction.
Recognizing the diverse composition of lunar soil across different moon locations, including basalt and anorthosite, the team emphasized the necessity for rigorous performance testing. This testing will evaluate the bricks' mechanical properties under lunar conditions, such as extreme temperatures, cosmic radiation, and the frequency of lunar quakes.
The lunar bricks are set to be sent to China's space station aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft for verification. Their mechanical and thermal performance, alongside resistance to cosmic radiation, will be assessed. The first lunar brick is anticipated to return to Earth by the end of 2025.
This development aligns with China’s recently unveiled national medium- to long-term development program for space science, which outlines a roadmap through 2050. The program includes constructing an international lunar research station between 2028 and 2035, marking a significant step in China's space exploration ambitions.
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Researchers develop 'lunar bricks' for future lunar base construction
cgtn.com
