NASA and ICON are developing infrastructure on the Moon
By ForGeeks The space agency NASA and ICON are working on a joint Olympus project to build infrastructure on the moon using 3D printing by the 2040s.
The Olympus project is a joint effort between NASA and ICON to build infrastructure on the moon using 3D printing by the 2040s.
The joint NASA and ICON project aims to create living quarters suitable not only for NASA astronauts but also for ordinary citizens, with the long-term goal of establishing a permanent human colony on the moon and eventually Mars. ICON is also collaborating with architectural firms including Bjarke Ingels Groups and SEArch+ (Space Exploration Architecture) on the Olympus project.
The Olympus ICON is also working with a number of architectural firms, including Bjarke Ingels Groups and SEArch+ (Space Exploration Architecture).
To date, the project plans are mostly in the form of digital renderings, but the NASA and ICON team plans to begin extensive testing soon to develop a 3D printer that can work in the harsh lunar environment. This space-based 3D printer will be controlled from Earth.
So far, this space-based 3D printer will be controlled from Earth.
With this project, weight is a key factor – each additional kilogram on the rocket will cost about $1,000,000 (95,900,000 rubles), and the high radiation and low gravity field also present significant challenges.
NASA scientists are also developing a simulated lunar concrete material capable of replicating the lunar dust-based material during tests on Earth. They report that they are testing concrete spheres made from simulated regolith. This material is resistant to temperatures of up to 1870°C.
They report that they are developing concrete spheres made of simulated regolith.
Among other things, NASA’s space agency is also working with universities and private companies to create furniture and interior prototypes on the moon. NASA is already working with researchers at Stanford University who are separating minerals in artificial lunar soil to create tiles that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
An example of how NASA is working with researchers at Stanford University to create tiles that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
