Chinese scientists have taken a significant step toward building future lunar bases by creating “lunar bricks” from a material with a composition similar to lunar soil. A team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), led by Ding Lieyun, has developed these bricks with impressive strength, claiming they are over three times stronger than standard red bricks or concrete. The innovation is part of China’s broader ambition to construct a lunar base in the coming decades.
Advanced Lunar Building Materials
In addition to the lunar bricks, the HUST team has also explored 3D printing as a construction method. They have developed a specialized 3D-printing robot capable of using lunar soil as a building material, making it a viable option for future construction on the moon.
Zhou Cheng, a researcher at HUST, highlighted the team’s work with five different simulated lunar soil compositions and three distinct sintering processes. This approach provides crucial scientific data for selecting the optimal materials and processes for future lunar base construction. The lunar soil’s composition varies based on location, with some areas containing primarily basalt, while others consist mainly of anorthosite. The team aims to identify the best material for construction based on the location of future lunar missions.
Performance Testing and Space Research
Before the bricks can be used in space, they will undergo rigorous testing to assess their mechanical strength in the harsh lunar environment. The moon’s extreme conditions include significant temperature fluctuations, high levels of cosmic radiation, and the frequent occurrence of lunar quakes. The research team will evaluate whether the bricks can withstand these challenges and provide adequate insulation.
In a significant step forward, these lunar bricks will be sent to China’s space station aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft for further testing. Researchers will assess their mechanical performance, thermal resistance, and ability to endure cosmic radiation. The first of these lunar bricks is expected to return to Earth by late 2025 for detailed analysis.
China’s Ambitious Space Plans
This breakthrough aligns with China’s long-term plans for space exploration. The country recently unveiled a mid- to long-term space science development program, which outlines the roadmap for space science advancements through 2050. The construction of an international lunar research station, spearheaded by China, is set to take place in the second phase of the program between 2028 and 2035, with lunar bricks potentially playing a vital role in its development.
China’s advancements in creating durable materials for lunar construction demonstrate its commitment to establishing a permanent human presence on the moon and advancing global space exploration efforts.
Source: english.news.cn