For a long time, science fiction was filled with stories about humanity living in houses on the Moon. Although it may seem unbelievable, NASA plans to create 3D-printed houses on the moon that will be inhabited by both astronauts and ordinary citizens by 2040.
According to a New York Times report, which interviewed seven NASA scientists, they all believe that the agency’s ambitious plan for lunar structures by 2040 is realistic if it continues to achieve its goals, Techspot writes.
According to NASA’s Chief Technology Officer, Nicky Werkheiser, this period is a key moment for advancement in space.
The plan involves sending a 3D printer to the Moon to build buildings from lunar concrete made from stone particles, mineral fragments, and dust from the Moon’s surface.
For this project, NASA is partnering with Austin, Texas-based ICON, which has already created hundreds of buildings using 3D printing.
3D printing houses on the Moon, and later on Mars, has its own problems due to the vacuum (on the Moon) and high levels of radiation. However, the ICON system will be tested for resistance to these factors next February at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
To realize this plan, NASA is also working on a simulation of lunar concrete for testing on Earth.
For common household items, such as doors and furniture, NASA partners with universities and private companies.
The first step in the implementation of this plan will be the Artemis 2 mission, which will send astronauts to the moon’s orbit next year. Humanity’s return to the lunar surface will take place in 2025-2026 during the Artemis 3 mission with the help of SpaceX’s Starship.
