Seems like 3d-Printing is the new trend for next generation of Moon-walkers
"Industrial partners including renowned architects Foster + Partners have joined with ESA to test the feasibility of 3D printing using lunar soil." (ESA)
3d printing has been implemented in many different areas of engineering, design and arts. The idea is pretty simple all you need is:
-3d CAD (Computer Aided Design) model of your product
-3d printer
basically what the 3d printer does is get all the information of your 3d model, meaning, x,y,z coordinates of every single point/layer, and then (depending on the type of 3d printer) the printer will begin to draw your 3d model.
For example imagine you want to print a 3d cube, well the 3d printer will begin with a 16 micrometers thick (this means 0.000016 meters), squared layer, imagine a 2d square made out of a fine powder. Layer by layer, the 3d printer will continue to do this process but also adding a binding chemical which allows every layer to be glued to each other.
here is a video I found in youtube, showing a 3d printer in action:
Now would you imagine this same process but at the moon?
well this is the expected result:
 |
| artist's concept from ESA |
and this is the 3d printer used by scientists at ESA, to demonstrate how astronauts could print their Lunar base using the moon's fine dust.
"The UK’s Monolite supplied the D-Shape printer for ESA's 3D-printed lunar base study, with a mobile printing array of nozzles on a 6 m frame to spray a binding solution onto a sand-like building material. 3D ‘printouts’ are built up layer by layer – the company more typically uses its printer to create sculptures and is working on artificial coral reefs to help preserve beaches from energetic sea waves. First the simulated lunar material with magnesium oxide – turning it into ‘paper’ to print with. Then for structural ‘ink’ a binding salt is applied which converts material to a stone-like solid." (ESA)
are we watching the next generation of building ideas for extraterrestrial habitats?
Thanks for reading, don't forget to comment
I.
It's funny how our Moon attracted so much attention to us in the 60's and after more than 50 years no one has done anything to use/take advantage of the analyses done. Printing in the moon would make our beautiful celestial guardian to be able to come up with a man-made product, perhaps needed for some to think about how many things we can do over there and direct more investments into living at the Moon.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely true, perhaps man has lost his awe towards the known things. Surprisingly I dare to say that the moon actually still has its own well kept secrets , therefore as Newton once said "What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean" we should not take knowledge for granted. We don't know what are the immense opportunities our moon could give us. As you mention "many things we can do over there and direct more investments into living at the Moon." would be a great advice.
DeleteThanks for your opinion!