Chinese lab develops lunar soil 3D printing to build structures on the moon

A laboratory in Hefei has created a lunar soil 3D printing system aimed at building structures on the moon using local resources. This technology allows for on-site resource utilization, eliminating the need to transport materials from Earth.

Technical head Yang Honglun stated, "Since it exclusively uses lunar soil, this technology eliminates the need to transport building materials from Earth." The system is expected to be tested during the Chang'e 8 mission and could contribute to the International Lunar Research Station's development.

The 3D printer works by melting lunar soil with concentrated solar energy and can craft standard bricks and custom structures on the moon's surface.