Ever dreamt of chilling in your own moon crib? 🌙🏠 Thanks to experimental lunar soil bricks, that sci-fi vibe might be closer than you think.
Earlier this month, China’s Shenzhou-21 spacecraft returned on November 14, bringing back 34 tiny bricks made from lunar soil simulant. Weighing just 100 g total, these mini marvels were pressed, zapped with electromagnetic induction, and microwaved to shape.
Here’s the jaw-dropping part: they pack over three times the compressive strength of standard red or concrete bricks—each square centimeter can handle more than 1 tonne! And after floating in space for a full year, surviving intense radiation and wild temperature swings, they’re still in great shape.
Why it matters? China’s eyeing taikonaut landings on the moon by 2030 and plans to set up an International Lunar Research Station by 2035. Sturdy bricks that can withstand the lunar environment are a big step toward actual moon habitats.
Of course, these lunar soil bricks still need more testing before they can start building your future moon home. But with density and strength on their side, architects and engineers are already sketching ideas for zero-gravity bungalows and crater-edge condos. 🤩
Ready to draft your moon house blueprint? The future is out of this world! 🚀
Reference(s):
Hot Take: Which bricks to use when building a house on the moon?
cgtn.com
