ESA Want To 3D-Print A Lunar Base
Presented at the beginning of 2013, the lunar base project of the European Space Agency (ESA) is realized. A new video presents synthetic images the process of building interiors made in 3D printing from moon dust.
Technological advances in the last century in the field of astrophysics suggest new possibilities for space exploration. Consequently, some projects once relegated to the order of science fiction are now tangible. Among these new perspectives, of course there are the construction of a habitable base on the Moon. The project is led by the European Space Agency (ESA), associated with Foster + Partners architectural firm. Presented for the first time in January 2013, it plans to build lunar habitats using 3D printing techniques and raw materials available on site include: the dust of the moon. A moon dust igloo Over a year later, the idea continues to take its course. This Thursday, November 6th ESA has released a video with computer generated images in the process of building the moon base.
Habitats are in a dome shape. For each of them, a cylindrical module will be transported from Earth by a alunisseur. Once deposited on the lunar surface that structure will be somewhat inflated to deploy an igloo as a basis of support. On either side of this dome will be installed several 3D printing robots capable of performing surface a closed cell envelope composed of lunar surface. The purpose of this layer is to effectively protect against solar radiation, meteorite impacts and large temperature fluctuations. "3D printing offers a potential means to facilitate the lunar colonization by reducing land logistics," says Scott Hovland in a communiqué of the Manned Spaceflight Directorate of ESA.
Indeed, this method solves the problem of transporting materials, recurring for this kind of mission. The challenge: to build an entire building in just one week the moment, the time to develop a passenger was evaluated around three months. However, researchers are endeavoring to accelerate their protocol. "Our current printer can build about 2 meters per hour, the next generation is expected to reach 3.5 m per hour and build a whole building in a week," says Xavier De Kestelier, Modeling Specialist Foster + Partners. Each structure will accommodate four people. If all goes as planned, the base should be functional in about 40 years.
