June 28th 2024.
Scientists have come up with a fascinating idea to use meteorite dust as a substitute for the moon's regolith. This could potentially change the way we approach building structures on the lunar surface. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been brainstorming innovative ways to construct future lunar bases, and they have found inspiration in an unexpected place - Lego bricks.
Of course, the agency isn't planning on building actual Lego structures on the moon. But the concept of using materials already present on the lunar surface has intrigued them. It could eliminate the need for us to transport materials from Earth, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option. Plus, utilizing natural resources could also make it easier for astronauts to maintain and repair buildings on the moon.
This is where Lego comes in. The experts at ESA have turned to the popular toy for ideas on how to create structures using lunar resources. The good news is that lunar regolith is abundant on the moon, as it is a layer of loose rocks and dust that covers the bedrock. However, the bad news is that it is difficult to find on Earth. So, the team decided to experiment with a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite that was discovered in northwest Africa in 2000.
To make these Lego-style space bricks, the scientists combined tiny metal grains and chondrules with a thermoplastic polymer called polylactide. This mixture was then used to 3D print the bricks, which resemble Legos in shape and size. ESA Science Officer Dr. Aidan Cowley explained, "No one has ever built a structure on the Moon, so we have to figure out not only how to build them, but also what materials to use. We can't take everything with us, so utilizing space dust seemed like a promising solution."
Dr. Cowley's team had a blast exploring different building techniques with these space bricks. And the best part? They actually work! The bricks click together just like regular Legos and come in one color - space grey. Though they may look a little rougher than traditional Legos, they still have the same clutch power, which allowed the team to test and play with their designs.
But will future astronauts actually use these Lego-inspired lunar bases? Only time will tell. For now, the ESA's space bricks are embarking on a world tour to inspire the next generation of kids and possibly future moon dwellers. These bricks will be on display at various stores, including the Leicester Square Lego store in London, from June 24 to September 20, 2024. So, if you're in the area, make sure to check them out and get inspired by the possibilities of building structures on the moon with meteorite dust and Lego-style bricks.
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