The European Space Agency (ESA) is taking inspiration from Lego to build shelters on the Moon by transforming Space regolith (dust) into Lego-like bricks.

This concept will counter the challenges of building on the lunar surface by using modular, interlocking bricks that will be easy to transport and assemble in space, as per the report by space.com. This concept will be cost-effective as the bricks will be made by the lunar regolith.

space bricks
Image Source: Indian Institute of Science

ESA plans to create bricks from the lunar regolith ( the loose material covering the moon's surface, including dust and stones) with the help of a 3D printing technique called "sintering" (a technique that involves heating the regolith to fuse the particles together). This process will allow them to produce strong and sturdy bricks on the Moon, reducing the challenges of transporting heavy materials from Earth.

Lego-like bricks offer multiple advantages, one of them is modularity which will allow the astronauts to easily connect and reconfigure them anytime. It will be useful for the Astraunauts as they will be able to assemble or disassemble it as per their need.

It will add the element of flexibility to the buildings, which will be a crucial factor in adapting to the Moon's unpredictable nature.

The bricks from the lunar regolith will also ensure that the structure can survive in the extreme conditions of the Moon, adding an element of familiarity.

The interlocking design of the "Space bricks" will power the structural stability, which will be crucial for long-term lunar habitats and research facilities.

Every space agency around the world is focused on building shelters on the Moon. NASA has already developed the Artemis programme, to establish human residences by 2040. Artemis has a Lunar Homestand project that aims to design habitable structures that support extended stays and scientific activities on the Moon.

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