Related Sections: Buildings Future Tech Space
Lunar bricks could be used to build igloos for the Moon, by the Moon
Most of the concepts for lunar bases we tend to see are dome-shaped, built locally here on Earth and then transported. The "Masons of Regolith," a team of seven Virginia Tech students named for the rock that is present on the Earth, the Moon and asteroids, think that those domes could be built on the lunar surface instead, made from rock gathered on site.
All told, the Tech students are informed by old-school and ancient building practices to get the job done. Structures built by the team's simulated regolith were about as strong as concrete and, since mortaring several brick together isn't really an option in space, the team had to make an igloo of specially molded blocks that could support its own weight.
There are still a few hurdles to clear, however. The process used to fire the bricks hasn't been tested in a vacuum and the domes aren't exactly airtight (though they could still shield astronauts from debris and radiation). Still, it's a promising show of progress for NASA's proposed return to the lunar surface.
By Shazammer at 8:40 PM ON 01/13/09
I wonder why they couldn't just use a concept like the bigelow aerospace inflatable modules? Erect an inflatable structure on the moon then these guys could build their brick structure right over it.
By Ron at 2:01 AM ON 01/14/09
I'm not expert but A) Wouldn't they still be exposed to radiation? B) I thought the moon dust was fine like cigarette smoke (or was that Mars?) wouldn't it get in their suits and samples like last time? And finally wouldn't it be prone to (accidently) floating off in space like the ISS bag if something is loose?q
By still badass at 10:51 AM ON 01/14/09
How about building a surface structure from the usual material used in space missions with a solar dome thrown in, then commence tunneling to create an subterranean extension to the base.
By still badass at 10:54 AM ON 01/14/09
The mountain ranges can be used in the tunneling to provide structure.
By Vrmithrax at 11:10 AM ON 01/15/09
Things wouldn't float away, there is still gravity on the moon, just about 1/6 of that on earth. I would think tunneling into more solid bedrock would make the most sense for the bulk of any structure, but there is no reason why bricks could not be made of the fine dust to form outer structures, like storage facilities or additional protective layers over living areas. And there would definitely need to be multiple layers of protection - since there is no atmosphere to ward off micrometeorites, building protective shielding out of moon materials would make alot of sense.
If the dust has the proper composition, just adding a tiny mist of water could congeal it into a pretty solid mass (think moon-crete) for use in structure assembly. Getting enough water to the application would be the fun part.
By scales at 12:54 AM ON 04/16/09
hats off to those students, i'm glad SOMEONE is finally thinking logically. to those who think tunneling is a good idea, how many people have died in mine collapses? and how many more could die because we tunneled into the moon when depressurization could kill everyone not in the collapse area? so why not land mir on the moon and do experiments in construction that way? even if we have to control a crash landing it would still be repairable and cost way less to fix then building a whole new system from scratch.
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
scales:
hats off to those students, i'm glad SOMEONE is finally thinking logically. to those who think tunneling is a good...More »