Historic Lunar Mission on the Horizon

China is poised to revolutionize moon exploration with plans to 3D-print bricks using lunar soil as early as 2028! This groundbreaking initiative is envisioned as a key step towards establishing a permanent base on the moon's surface.

Chang'e 8: The Game-Changing Spacecraft

Scheduled for launch around 2028, the Chang'e 8 mission is designed to serve as a foundational paving stone for China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This mission could redefine the future of lunar habitation and exploration.

In-Situ Resource Utilization: A Cost-Effective Solution

Transporting materials from Earth to the moon is a costly affair. That’s why using on-site resources, known as in-situ resource utilization, could dramatically reduce expenses and broaden our lunar possibilities. Chang'e 8 aims to harness cutting-edge 3D printing technology to turn lunar soil into usable construction materials.

Innovative Brick-Making Technology

Wu Weiren, chief designer of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, revealed that China has developed the world's first device capable of producing bricks from lunar soil. This extraordinary system utilizes solar energy transmitted via fiber optics to the moon.

By channeling sunlight to achieve scorching temperatures of 1400 to 1500 degrees Celsius (about 2552 to 2732 degrees Fahrenheit), the technology can melt lunar soil, which is then shaped into bricks through advanced 3D printing. "This allows us to tap into lunar resources without relying on Earth’s supplies," Wu explained.

Testing Durability with Out-of-This-World Samples

But that’s not all! China has already sent a sample of bricks made from lunar soil simulants to its Tiangong space station. These samples will endure three years of harsh space conditions, helping scientists assess their durability and feasibility for future lunar habitats.

The Quest for Water: Chang'e 7 Prepares for 2026 Launch

Before the Chang'e 8 mission, China will launch Chang'e 7 in 2026, targeting the moon's south pole to explore environmental resources. A significant focus will be on locating water ice, a potential game-changer for human habitation and resource production on the moon. A specialized hopping robot is set to probe permanently shadowed craters in search of this elusive resource.

As Wu emphasizes, discovering water in these craters would represent a monumental achievement in lunar exploration, doubling down on China's commitment to expanding our horizons in space.

A Legacy of Success in Space Exploration

The ambitious plans for lunar construction follow a series of triumphant missions by China over the past two decades, including the illustrious Chang'e 6 far side sample return last year. With Chang'e 8 on the way, the future of lunar living is just around the corner!