Chinese researchers have made a significant breakthrough in lunar exploration by developing ‘lunar bricks’ from materials that mimic the composition of lunar soil. This innovation could pave the way for constructing future lunar bases.
According to a recent video released by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), a team led by Ding Lieyun successfully created ‘lunar bricks’ using a lunar soil simulant. These bricks are reportedly more than three times stronger than standard red or concrete bricks.
The team also explored additive manufacturing technology as another construction option. They invented a 3D-printing robot capable of constructing houses using lunar soil, potentially revolutionizing the way habitats are built on the moon.
Zhou Cheng from HUST explained that the team utilized five different simulated lunar soil compositions and three distinct sintering processes. This approach provides more precise scientific data for selecting materials and optimizing processes for future lunar base construction.
“The composition of lunar soil varies across different locations on the moon,” Zhou noted. “For instance, one composition simulates the lunar soil at the landing site of Chang’e-5, which is primarily basalt, while others simulate anorthosite-rich soil from other regions.”
To ensure the bricks’ suitability for lunar conditions, they must undergo performance testing. This includes assessing whether their mechanical properties degrade in the moon’s harsh environment and whether they can withstand the high frequency of lunar quakes.
The moon presents extreme conditions, including a vacuum environment with significant cosmic radiation. Temperatures can soar above 180 degrees Celsius during the lunar day and plummet to minus 190 degrees Celsius at night. The team aims to determine the bricks’ insulation capabilities and resistance to radiation under these conditions, Zhou said.
The lunar bricks are scheduled to be sent to China’s space station aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft. This mission will verify their mechanical and thermal performance, as well as their ability to withstand cosmic radiation. The first lunar brick is expected to return to Earth by the end of 2025.
On Tuesday, China unveiled a national medium- to long-term development program for space science, outlining a roadmap through 2050. The program’s second phase, from 2028 to 2035, includes the construction of an international lunar research station initiated by China.
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Researchers develop 'lunar bricks' for future lunar base construction
cgtn.com
