Overview
- Lab experiments used laser directed energy deposition to melt LHS-1 lunar highland regolith simulant into strong, heat-resistant, non-toxic, ceramic-like components.
- Printed material bonded well to alumina-silicate ceramic but adhered poorly to stainless steel and glass, underscoring substrate-dependent behavior.
- Oxygen level, laser power, and print speed were shown to strongly influence mechanical strength and resistance to thermal shock.
- The team presents the method as a potential ISRU pathway for habitats, tools, landing pads, and radiation shields for Artemis-era missions, while calling for flexible machines and solar or hybrid power options.
- The research, published in Acta Astronautica on Dec. 10, 2025, cautions that lab results must be validated in lunar vacuum, dust, and extreme temperature swings and could guide more sustainable manufacturing on Earth.