Scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) are experimenting with a new idea to build lunar habitats using space dust. They have started using a simulant made from regolith taken from a meteorite discovered in Northwest Africa in 2000, to create LEGO-like bricks for lunar construction. The 3D printed bricks resemble classic 2×4 LEGOs and allow builders to stack and assemble them like traditional LEGOs.
Building future lunar habitats is a challenge due to the high cost of lifting cargo into space against Earth’s gravity. Every gram of material sent to the moon must be carefully considered to minimize the burden. This becomes even more prominent when it comes to building structures with limited resources available on the moon. The ESA’s moon bricks will be showcased to the public at select LEGO stores from June 20 to Sept. 20, offering people a glimpse into the future of lunar construction possibilities.
While these space bricks are rougher in texture than regular LEGOs, they serve as an essential tool for scientists to test construction methods and determine the most effective techniques for building structures with available lunar materials. Aidan Cowley, ESA Science Officer, expressed excitement about the project, stating that it was both fun and beneficial in understanding the limitations of these techniques. The project represents a significant step forward in our understanding of how materials from the moon could be used for construction purposes, paving the way for sustainable building methods for future lunar missions.
