China is planning an exciting step toward building a base on the moon by 3D-printing bricks from lunar soil. The mission, part of China's Chang'e 8 spacecraft, is set to launch in 2028. It's designed to pave the way for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and could revolutionize how we explore and potentially live on the moon. Instead of sending materials from Earth, which is extremely costly, China aims to use lunar resources, a process known as in-situ resource utilization.
Here's how it works: The Chang'e 8 mission will use a groundbreaking device to make bricks from lunar soil. This system will collect sunlight, transmit it to the moon through fiber optics, and concentrate it to melt the lunar dirt. The temperature will reach between 1400 and 1500 degrees Celsius (2,552 to 2,732 degrees Fahrenheit), which is enough to melt the soil and transform it into bricks using 3D printing technology. This method could significantly cut down the cost of sending building materials from Earth and open up possibilities for future moon construction projects.
If successful, this technology could be key for China to move forward with even bigger plans to create a permanent lunar base, making moon habitation more feasible.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
