Researchers at Ohio State University have proposed using laser-based directed energy deposition (DED) 3D printing to convert lunar regolith into durable building materials for Moon bases. Using Lunar Highlands Simulant (LHS-1), the team melted regolith with a laser to fuse layers onto base surfaces, finding that alumina-silicate ceramic substrates produced the best results due to crystal formation enhancing heat resistance and mechanical strength. The study, published in Acta Astronautica, is part of broader In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) efforts to make lunar bases self-sufficient. Future versions could be powered by solar or hybrid systems, and the technology has potential applications for sustainable manufacturing on Earth as well.
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