Europe builds on the Moon

In the late 60s of the last century, humans set foot on the Moon. Currently, European scientists intend to build a base on the moon.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Foster Construction Design Company are pursuing a base construction project on the Moon that applies 3D printing technology.

The self-propelled robot controls a 3D printer that makes the base on the Moon

Experts are currently considering the soil's nature. They are studying whether this type of soil can be used to make building bricks. If successful, it can solve the dilemma of constructing the Moon's architecture without bringing the material from the earth.

When using this 3D printing technology, they can take advantage of materials on the spot, making the construction of the base on the Moon much simpler. By design, 4 people can stay in the dome-shaped base on the Moon. First, it is necessary to put the tubular modules on the surface of the Moon, then deploy them into the self-loading dome-shaped structures. Automatic robots will control 3D printers to print weathered layers, for this weathered layer to cover the entire dome architecture as a protective layer to create bases around the dome.

Tubular modules create dome structures

Previously, NASA and Washington University used to study the soil on the Moon, thinking that the types of rocks on the Moon could be used to make some tools and components replaced by printing technology.

Monolite supplies D series printers, which contain adhesive solvents that spray onto granular materials to make bricks. The company said 3D printers could create artificial corals.

Mr. Enrico Dini, founder of MONOLITE, said: 'First of all, mix MgO with materials similar to the soil on the Moon, turn them into' printing paper '. Next, use a thick salt to mount the materials into blocks'. Currently the construction speed of this company is about 2m / hr, the design for new generation printers will be 3.5m / hour, and can complete the construction of a complete structure within 1 week .

Test built with 3D printer

The initial test was done. In vacuum chambers similar to the Moon, researchers used materials like rock to create 1.5 tons of bricks. In the future, this may be a new way to explore the Moon, and may help protect astronauts.

Once completed, the base on the moon can avoid adverse impacts from meteorites, gamma-ray radiation and temperature differences. The European Space Agency intends to build this base at the South Pole of the Moon.