BEIJING: Astronauts aboard China’s space station are preparing to conduct an experiment involving brick samples crafted from simulated lunar soil using a traditional Chinese mortise-tenon joint structure. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the construction of lunar habitats using local resources.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the concept was developed by a team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). The team used simulated lunar soil to create bricks incorporating ancient Chinese masonry techniques. These bricks, weighing 226 grams, were delivered to the orbital laboratory via the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft in November. The upcoming spacewalk mission will move these samples to the outside of the Wentian Module for endurance testing.
The ambition to establish lunar bases is not exclusive to China; major space-faring nations have outlined plans for lunar habitats. In 2017, China initiated a cooperation plan for an international lunar research station, aiming for its fi
rst phase completion by 2035 at the lunar south pole. While NASA and the European Space Agency prefer 3D printing for such endeavors, the mortise-tenon structure inspired by ancient Chinese craftsmanship offers a promising alternative to overcome the vulnerabilities of 3D-printed structures.
The mortise-tenon technique, dating back 7,000 years to the Hemudu culture, uses interlocking joints without nails. This traditional method inspired modern space architects led by HUST’s Professor Ding Lieyun to propose using similar interlocking bricks on the moon. The team also developed a robotic system for assembly, followed by 3D printing to reinforce the structure.
Building on the moon presents challenges, including extreme temperature variations, exposure to cosmic radiation, frequent micrometeorite impacts, and reduced gravity. The current experiment aims to assess the bricks’ resilience to these conditions, utilizing the Wentian Module equipped with 22 standard payload interfaces for extravehicular exposure exp
eriments. The bricks, in cylindrical and slab forms, will test mechanical integrity and insulation properties.
The samples are divided into three groups, with the first retrieval planned for 2025, followed by subsequent ones in 2026 and 2027, as stated by Zhou Cheng, a professor at the National Center of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction under HUST. The long-term goal is to understand material aging and decay processes essential for sustainable lunar construction.
In May 2023, HUST researchers acquired 500 mg of authentic lunar samples from China’s Chang’e-5 mission, which collected 1,731 grams of lunar material. The team used this to explore in-situ construction methods, focusing on utilizing lunar resources to minimize the need for transporting materials from Earth. They selected volcanic ash from Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province to simulate lunar regolith for brick production.
The team employed three sintering techniques – vacuum, inert gas, and air sintering – to prepare experimental br
icks for space testing. Inert gas sintering yielded the highest strength, while vacuum sintering was effective at temperatures between 1,000 to 1,100 degrees Celsius. Ding Lieyun envisions future tests involving brick firing on the moon, emphasizing the cost benefits and potential for advancing space exploration by leveraging lunar resources.
In the NCTI-DC lab, a conceptual model of a lunar dwelling, resembling an eggshell, stands as a testament to these ambitions. The design includes a Lego-like lunar base and a landing pad, illustrating the possibilities for future space habitation.
Ding concludes, “These lunar experiments lay the groundwork for future space exploration. The moon can be a springboard to advance our reach into the cosmos.”