All articles tagged with #regolith
Researchers weathered lunar and Martian regolith with waste-derived effluent from NASA’s bio-regenerative life-support system (BLiSS), releasing nutrients like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium that could help convert in-situ materials into soil-like growth media for crops on the Moon or Mars—though real regolith lacks some nutrients and the approach still needs refinement.
In lab-made Martian soils (MGS-1 and OUCM-1), tardigrades showed reduced activity in MGS-1 and remained reasonably active in OUCM-1; a simple water rinse of MGS-1 restored vigor, suggesting some regolith components harm organisms but can be washed away. The study informs planetary-protection considerations and Mars-exploration planning, but results rely on simulations and further work under Mars-like pressure/temperature is needed.
NASA selected three new CLPS payloads—EMILIA-3D, LISTER, and SELINE—to land on the Moon by no earlier than 2028. EMILIA-3D will create 3D thermal models of the terrain, LISTER will drill and measure subsurface heat flow, and SELINE will study the lunar radiation environment. These experiments don’t require a fixed landing site and will advance lunar science, exploration safety, and the growing lunar economy by leveraging U.S. industry.
Scientists have successfully produced iron from Mars-like soil conditions on Earth, paving the way for in-situ metal manufacturing on Mars, which could significantly reduce the need to transport materials from Earth for future colonies.
Researchers with the ESA PAVER project have developed a method to melt lunar regolith with lasers, creating interlocking pavers that could be used to construct paved roads and landing pads on the Moon. The hardened molten regolith is durable enough to withstand the weight of rovers and spacecraft, minimizing dust kickup. This technology could play a significant role in the development of lunar infrastructure and contribute to all phases of lunar exploration. In-situ production of paving materials from available resources on the Moon is preferred to reduce costs and logistical challenges. Further research and testing are needed, including using a lens to concentrate sunlight instead of a laser, but this method shows promise for future lunar missions.
NASA's Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT) team is preparing for the first construction projects on a planetary body beyond Earth. The team is planning to use regolith, the Moon's surface material, to build sustainable, long-lasting structures. The first step toward 3D printing on the Moon will involve using lasers or microwaves to melt regolith, which will then be printed into desired shapes. The team is also developing synthetic versions of lunar regolith to experiment with. The MMPACT team's first off-planet project is tentatively scheduled for late 2027.
NASA's Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT) team is preparing for the first construction projects on a planetary body beyond Earth. To avoid the high cost of shipping material from Earth, the team plans to use the regolith that's already there, turning it into a paste that can be 3D printed into thin layers or different shapes. The team's first off-planet project is tentatively scheduled for late 2027. The MMPACT team has to make their own synthetic versions of lunar regolith to make it into a building material strong enough and durable enough to protect human life.