China has an ambitious plan to build moon bases using bricks made from lunar regolith — and the project could start as soon as 2028.
The need: On April 8, more than 100 researchers gathered at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) for the Extraterrestrial Construction Conference, China’s first conference to discuss the creation of future moon bases.
“Eventually, building habitation beyond the Earth is essential not only for all humanity’s quest for space exploration, but also for China’s strategic needs as a space power,” participant Ding Lieyun told China Science Daily, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
“We will be using real moon soil to make the first brick right there on the moon.”
Ding Lieyun
The plan: Ding could play a key role in helping China get its future lunar bases off the ground — his research team at HUST has designed several potential moon bases and developed technology that could be used to actually construct them on the moon.
One of those is the “Chinese Super Mason,” an autonomous robot designed to create structures out of bricks. Another is the bricks themselves — Ding’s team has come up with a LEGO-like design for the blocks, which it proposes to make using 3D printing, lasers, and lunar regolith.
They could get a chance to see their ideas put to the ultimate test as soon as 2028, as China reportedly plans to send a Super Mason to the moon to build a lunar brick as part of the Chang’e 8 mission, which is expected to launch in 2028.
“We will be using real moon soil to make the first brick right there on the moon,” Ding told Changjiang Daily, according to the SCMP.
“It might take us 20 to 30 years or longer to eventually settle down on the moon, but we must start working together now.”
Yu Dengyun
Looking ahead: China has a lot planned between now and the construction of that first moon brick — in 2025, it will send Chang’e 6 to the moon to collect samples, and in 2026, Chang’e 7 will land on the moon to hunt for water that could be utilized by future lunar astronauts.
The success of those missions could help China meet its goal of landing its first astronauts on the moon in 2030 — and later establishing moon bases to sustain a long-term presence on its surface.
“It might take us 20 to 30 years or longer to eventually settle down on the moon, but we must start working together now,” Yu Dengyun, deputy director of the Science and Technology Committee at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, told China Science Daily, according to SCMP.
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of space exploration, particularly lunar colonization and construction, I can offer valuable insights into the ambitious plan proposed by China to build moon bases using bricks made from lunar regolith. My extensive knowledge is backed by a keen interest in developments within the aerospace industry and an ongoing commitment to staying informed about cutting-edge advancements in space exploration.
The article dated April 19, 2023, authored by Kristin Houser, sheds light on China's strategic initiative to establish moon bases, as discussed at the Extraterrestrial Construction Conference held at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The conference marks China's first dedicated effort to explore the creation of future habitable structures on the moon, emphasizing the significance of expanding human presence beyond Earth.
The key player in this endeavor, Ding Lieyun, a participant in the conference, highlights the essential nature of building habitats beyond Earth for both global space exploration and China's strategic interests as a space power. Ding Lieyun's research team at HUST has designed potential moon bases and developed technology to construct them, including the innovative "Chinese Super Mason," an autonomous robot designed for bricklaying on the lunar surface.
The technological innovation lies in the proposed use of lunar regolith, the soil on the moon, to create bricks using a LEGO-like design. The process involves 3D printing, lasers, and lunar regolith, presenting a novel approach to extraterrestrial construction. The team aims to put their ideas to the test during the Chang'e 8 mission, scheduled for 2028, where a Super Mason is expected to be sent to the moon to build a lunar brick.
Looking ahead, China has a comprehensive plan leading up to the construction of the first lunar brick. In 2025, the Chang'e 6 mission will be sent to collect samples from the moon, followed by Chang'e 7 in 2026, tasked with hunting for water that could be crucial for future lunar astronauts. The success of these missions is pivotal to China's goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2030 and establishing sustainable moon bases for long-term human presence.
In conclusion, China's lunar exploration and construction plans represent a significant leap in space exploration, with the utilization of lunar regolith for building materials and the deployment of autonomous robots showcasing the country's commitment to pushing the boundaries of human presence in space. The integration of 3D printing and innovative construction methods underscores the forward-thinking approach adopted by China in its quest for lunar colonization.
