Building on the Moon: China’s 3D Printing Mission

China’s plans to use additive manufacturing to construct buildings on the moon are becoming a reality. The countries aim to begin testing this technology during its upcoming Chang’e 8 mission, set to take place in 2028, will reportedly include an experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of 3D printing using lunar soil as a raw material. This ambitious plan represents a significant step forward in developing space exploration and using technology to support human habitation in space.

Scientists confirmed last week at a meeting in Wuhan that they are considering 3D printing blocks using lunar surface materials. The Chang’e 8 mission will oversee the project, which involves deploying a 3D printer on the moon’s surface, using lunar regolith as its building material. This regolith, essentially moon dust, is abundant on the lunar surface and has been identified as a possible source of materials for future lunar settlement.

Lunar soil particle micrographs brought back by the Chang’e-5 probe, displayed at an exhibition themed on lunar soil research achievements in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province on April 19, 2023.

According to the report, Ding Lieyun, a Huazhong University of Science and Technology scientist, demonstrated a six-legged, insect-like robot prototype termed a “super mason” that could assemble these printed bricks similarly to Lego parts. During the conference, Ding told China Science Daily, “Eventually, building habitation beyond the earth is essential not only for all humanity’s quest for space exploration but also for China’s strategic needs as a space power.”