A new study published in Scientific Reports introduces a laser-based method that can melt simulated lunar soil to create strong materials for the construction of lunar thoroughfares and landing platforms. The experimental work, conducted on Earth with a lunar soil analog, demonstrates this method’s potential for application on the Moon, though further refinement is needed.
The research showcased the ability of lasers to convert lunar soil into a hardened, layered structure for the purpose of establishing infrastructure on the Moon, utilizing in-situ materials.
On Earth, utilizing an analog to Moon dust, scientists have experimented with laser melting to envisage how the lunar regolith might be turned into a sturdy substance suitable for infrastructure such as paved paths and landing platforms, as detailed in a proof-of-concept study published in Scientific Reports. While the process shows promise, there is a necessity for further development to perfect it, the researchers note.
The Hazards of Lunar Regolith
Lunar regolith, or Moon dust, presents a formidable obstacle for lunar rovers because it can become airborne with ease in the Moon’s weak gravity, posing risks to equipment. Constructing roads and landing platforms on the Moon is crucial to lessen the challenges presented by dust and to improve transportation. With the high cost of transporting construction materials from Earth, leveraging lunar resources becomes crucial.
Employing a 12-kilowatt carbon dioxide laser, the PAVER consortium successfully melted a lunar dust stand-in to form a vitreous solid surface, demonstrating a potential method for constructing paved surfaces on the Moon. At the Clausthal University of Technology, the consortium managed to attain a melting area of 5-10 cm in diameter. Through an iterative process, a method was developed using a 45 mm diameter laser beam to create interlocking triangular, hollow-centered shapes of about 20 cm in diameter, which could pave extensive lunar regions for roads and landing pads. Acknowledgment: PAVER Consortium
Experimental Approach and Findings
The team, including researchers Ginés-Palomares, Miranda Fateri, and Jens Günster, used a carbon dioxide laser to melt a fine-grained material known as EAC-1A, an ESA-developed lunar soil substitute. They investigated the use of laser beams of varying power and size, up to 12 kilowatts and 100 millimeters in diameter, to produce a stable material. However, they noted that overlapping beams could cause cracks. They established a technique employing a 45-millimeter diameter laser beam to create sizable triangular, hollow-centered geometric shapes that could interlock to form a continuous surface across vast lunar areas for roads and landing structures.
Replicating the Process on the Moon
To apply this method on the lunar surface, the researchers estimate that a lens about 2.37 square meters in size would need to be transported to the Moon to concentrate sunlight, replacing the laser used on Earth. The compact size of such equipment presents an advantage for upcoming lunar expeditions.
For detailed information on this study, refer to the article “How Lasers Transform Moon Dust Into Roads.”
For reference, consult “Laser melting manufacturing of large elements of lunar regolith simulant for paving on the Moon” by Juan-Carlos Ginés-Palomares et al., dated 12 October 2023, in Scientific Reports.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42008-1
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about lunar construction lasers
Can lasers be used to create roads on the Moon?
Yes, lasers can potentially be used to melt lunar soil into a solid material suitable for constructing roads and landing pads on the Moon, as indicated by a proof-of-concept study.
What are the challenges associated with lunar dust for rovers?
Lunar dust, or regolith, can float in the low gravity of the Moon, causing disturbances and damage to equipment, which makes the construction of infrastructure like roads and landing pads essential.
What did the PAVER consortium achieve in their study?
The PAVER consortium used a carbon dioxide laser to melt a lunar dust substitute, successfully forming glassy solid surfaces that could be used to create interlocking structures for lunar roads and pads.
How does the new method work for paving on the Moon?
The method involves melting lunar regolith using a laser to create interlocking triangular, hollow-centered shapes that can form a solid surface for infrastructure on the Moon.
What is needed to implement this laser melting technique on the Moon?
To implement this technique on the Moon, a sunlight concentrator lens approximately 2.37 meters squared would need to be transported from Earth to focus sunlight in place of the laser.
More about lunar construction lasers
- Scientific Reports Study
- PAVER Consortium Findings
- Lunar Infrastructure Development
- Lunar Regolith and Dust Management
- Laser Melting on the Moon Overview
5 comments
lasr technology has come so far, this could really help with setting up a base on the moon, or maybe even for future mars missions, just a thought.
I read the article twice and it’s still hard to believe this isn’t sci-fi! Lasers building stuff on the moon, what a time to be alive.
there’s a lot of talk about using whats already on the moon to build stuff, which is smart cause imagine the cost of sending bricks from earth.
but how do they plan to deal with the moon’s extreme temperatures, won’t that affect the laser melting process or the roads when they’re done
really intriguing study, it seems we’re getting closer to actual living on the moon, imagine driving on a road made by lasers from moon dust