Chinese researchers develop lunar bricks for future moon bases using advanced 3D printing technology

Chinese scientists have made a significant leap in space exploration by developing bricks from a material designed to simulate lunar soil. The development aims to create construction materials for building future lunar bases. This is reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

These "lunar bricks" are reportedly more than three times stronger than traditional red bricks or concrete, demonstrating the potential for durable infrastructure on the Moon.

In a recent breakthrough, the researchers utilised a lunar soil simulant, which closely resembles the composition of real lunar soil, to craft bricks. They have also developed a 3D printing robot, enabling the use of lunar soil in additive manufacturing technology to construct lunar habitats.

According to the source, the team experimented with five different simulated lunar soil compositions and three different sintering processes to optimise materials for future lunar base construction. The soil compositions simulate the varying conditions across the Moon’s surface, including soil at the landing site of China’s Chang'e-5 lunar mission.

To test the durability of these bricks, they will be sent to China’s space station aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft by 2025. The experiments will analyse the mechanical and thermal performance of the bricks, including their ability to resist cosmic radiation.

Photo: iStock