Research
Simulated moon dust turned into LEGO-like blocks for settlements
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- Researchers at the University of Arkansas report that simulated lunar regolith can be 3D-printed into LEGO-like interlocking bricks.
- The work uses pure regolith without binders, according to the source summary.
- The source says the approach could reduce the need to haul construction materials from Earth.
Why it matters
It suggests a route to building lunar structures from local material, which bears on how future settlement logistics might be planned.
Who’s affected
- space engineers
- astronomers and planetary scientists
- anyone following lunar infrastructure plans
- #lunar regolith
- #3d printing
- #space construction
- #moon settlements
- #in-situ resource utilization
Permanent structures on the moon could start with something already there: lunar dust. New research from the University of Arkansas shows that pure regolith, the loose material that covers the moon, could be 3D-printed into LEGO-like bricks. Using it for construction could reduce…
Timeline
Space News reported the University of Arkansas research on 3D-printing simulated lunar regolith into LEGO-like blocks
Space News - Space, Astronomy, Space Exploration
Simulated moon dust turned into LEGO-like blocks for settlements