China revolutionizes space construction with 3D moon brick printer

Goodbye transportation costs: an innovative machine uses lunar soil and solar energy to build bases. A giant step toward the ambitious International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

Building on the Moon is no longer a distant dream. China has taken a decisive step toward this reality with the development of a "lunar brick-making machine." This innovation, the brainchild of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) in Hefei, allows for the production of sturdy bricks directly from lunar soil, using only solar energy . A game-changer for space exploration and colonization.

The in-situ 3D printing system uses parabolic reflectors to concentrate solar energy at over 3,000 times its normal intensity, focusing it to heat the lunar soil to over 1,300°C . The result? High-strength, high-density, additive-free bricks, perfect not only for buildings, but also for platforms and roads .

Although the machine is a success, building habitats on the Moon requires overcoming further hurdles. Yang Honglun, senior engineer at DSEL, explains : " The lunar bricks will primarily serve as a protective layer. They will need to be integrated with rigid structural modules and inflatable soft shells to create a habitable base capable of withstanding vacuum and low gravity. The project includes the development of assembly systems and robots for on-site construction ."

This technology is an integral part of the ambitious International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a Chinese initiative that envisions a scientific base on the lunar south pole by 2035 , with expansion in the 2040s. To date, 17 countries and more than 50 international research institutions have joined the ILRS, demonstrating global interest .

A crucial test is already underway: in November 2024, simulated lunar bricks were delivered to the Chinese space station via the Tianzhou-8 cargo vehicle. Astronauts will evaluate their mechanical, thermal, and radiation resistance properties, vital data for future missions.