China develops 'lunar soil bricks' for future moon habitats

Imagine building a house on the moon as easily as assembling LEGO blocks. This futuristic vision is becoming a reality thanks to the efforts of Chinese scientists.

Researchers at the National Center of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, have developed innovative bricks using a material that closely mimics lunar soil. These "lunar soil bricks" are not only similar in density to standard construction bricks but are over three times stronger than traditional red soil brick or concrete brick.

Inspired by ancient Chinese craftsmanship, the bricks feature a mortise-and-tenon structure, a hallmark of traditional Chinese architecture and furniture. This design, resembling LEGO building blocks, offers a highly efficient and interlocking assembly method.

Tianzhou-8 to deliver lunar soil bricks

China is launching Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft on Friday night to deliver these bricks to the China Space Station for space exposure experiments. The goal is to test the bricks' mechanical and thermal performance and their ability to withstand cosmic radiation.

The moon presents extreme environmental challenges for construction materials, including temperatures ranging from over 180 degrees Celsius during the lunar day to -190 degrees Celsius at night. Frequent moonquakes and cosmic radiation pose durability concerns. These tests will determine if the bricks can meet the rigorous demands of the lunar surface.

The total planned exposure period for the bricks is three years. Each year, a sample panel exposed to space conditions will be returned to earth for further testing. The first lunar brick is expected to return by the end of 2025, providing critical insights into the feasibility of building structures on the moon.

China unveiled a national medium- to long-term development program for space science in October, outlining a roadmap for the development of space science in China through 2050. An international lunar research station, initiated by China, will be constructed during the program's second phase from 2028 to 2035.