China’s Ambitious 2028 Plan: 3D-Printing Moon Bricks from Lunar Soil to Build the First Base (Watch Video)

China is on the verge of a groundbreaking mission: 3D-printing bricks on the moon using lunar soil. This ambitious project is part of the upcoming Chang’e 8 mission, set to launch around 2028. The mission aims to help establish the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and could significantly advance lunar exploration.

Sending supplies to the moon is costly. That’s why using materials from the lunar surface, a method called in-situ resource utilization, could save a lot of money and open new possibilities. Chang’e 8 hopes to revolutionize how we think about space construction with innovative 3D printing technology.

Wu Weiren, chief designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, shared exciting news: "We have developed the world’s first device to produce bricks from lunar soil. Our system collects solar energy and transmits it to the moon via fiber optics." He explained that they can achieve temperatures between 1400 to 1500 degrees Celsius (about 2552 to 2732 degrees Fahrenheit) to melt the lunar soil. Once melted, the material is shaped into bricks using 3D printing.

If this test succeeds, it will pave the way for more ambitious lunar projects. China has already sent samples of lunar soil bricks to its Tiangong space station for testing. These samples will be outside for three years to see how they hold up against the harsh conditions of outer space.

Before launching Chang’e 8, China will send Chang’e 7 in 2026. This mission will explore the moon’s south pole, looking for water resources. Finding water ice could mean there’s a source for drinking water, oxygen, and even fuel right on the moon. A special robot will search for ice in the moon’s permanently shadowed craters.

The search for water is crucial. As Wu noted, "If we find water in the craters, it would be a monumental achievement." These ambitious missions come on the heels of China’s successful space efforts over the past two decades, including the latest Chang’e 6 mission, which returned samples from the moon’s far side.

In a broader context, China aims to have astronauts land on the moon before 2030, echoing the spirit of space exploration first sparked by the Apollo missions in the 1960s. With advancements like the 3D printing of bricks, we might witness a new era of lunar colonization.

Space innovation captures the imagination, and many people are excited about these developments. Social media is buzzing with discussions about the potential of building on the moon and what this means for the future of humanity. As we stand on the brink of these monumental advancements, the significance of this mission extends well beyond bricks and mortar on the moon.

For more detailed insights into China’s space ambitions, you can check out their official plans and updates at Chinese National Space Administration.

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