Moon dust, 3D laser technique could be used to make future lunar bases

Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a laser 3D printing technique that melts lunar regolith (Moon dust) to create durable, heat-resistant, and non-toxic ceramic-like structures. This process, part of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), could enable the construction of lunar bases and infrastructure such as habitats, tools, landing pads, and radiation shields without the need to transport heavy building materials from Earth. Due to the scarcity of actual lunar regolith on Earth, the team used a synthetic simulant called LHS-1 to replicate Moon dust and demonstrated that firing a high-energy laser at thin layers of this material fuses the particles into solid layers, which can be built up repeatedly. The resulting material adheres well to alumina-silicate ceramic surfaces, enhancing mechanical strength and thermal shock resistance, but sticks poorly to steel and glass. The researchers also found that environmental factors like oxygen levels and laser power significantly affect the material's properties, a critical consideration given the Moon’s harsh