Image: Base of the future moon

A vision of a future lunar base that could be produced and maintained with the help of 3D printing.

The habitat modules are visible next to the "garages" for the rovers, with an adjacent launch site. Note the robotic vehicles on the surface, proceeding to the construction of the base.

A new project led by ESA is studying ways to use 3D printing to create and manage a habitat on the moon, thereby reducing the logistical dependence of the Earth. Everything from building materials to solar panels, equipment and tools, to clothing, even nutrients and food ingredients can potentially be printed in 3D – as detailed in this new video.

Space agencies around the world view the basic lunar concept as a possible next step in the exploration of the human space – and 3D printing is a key technology to achieve it.

The goal would be to "live from nature" as much as possible by printing as many structures, items and spare parts as possible in lunar regolith, or using and reusing the materials brought for the mission, rather than leaning continuously on the wallpaper. , expensive supply line from Earth.

Optimized 3D printing would also enable the on-demand production of items and parts by regularly recycling the materials available in the base, which would make the lunar colony much more self-sustaining and durable.

"The selected printing processes would recycle the materials available for different purposes," says Antonella Sgambati of OHB System AG, who manages the project. "Another major benefit of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, lies in the sheer scale of the design options that it allows." The components, products, and print process itself -Even can be redesigned according to their intended end use in the lunar base.The decisions can be made made on the best way to link the available materials with the material to be printed. "

Explore further:
What is your idea of ​​3D printing on the moon – to make you feel at home?