Inspired by LEGO, ESA scientists have apparently used dust from a meteorite to 3D-print LEGO-style ‘space bricks’. And this isn’t just a fun exercise – the aim is to test out construction ideas for a possible future Moon base.
And yes, the space bricks do click together in the same way as the regular toy versions, albeit they’re a bit rougher.
The agency writes:
“The idea seems simple. Rather than take building materials all the way to the Moon, we could use what is already there to construct a Moon base. The surface of the Moon is covered with a layer of rock and mineral fragments known as lunar regolith. This material could be used to make space bricks. The only problem was that there’s not much lunar regolith available on Earth to experiment with.”
“Undeterred, ESA scientists came up with a solution: they made their own version of lunar regolith by grinding up a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite. The dust from the meteorite formed the basis of a mixture that was then used to 3-D print some LEGO-style space bricks.”
To be precise, as Lego further explains, the particular meteorite in question was discovered in Northwest Africa in 2000. This is thought to be about 4.5 billion years old and it contains space materials like metal grains and chondrules. By mixing this meteorite dust with a some polylactide and regolith simulant, the team was able to 3D-print the bricks, a la LEGO.
And the bricks come in any colour you like, as long as its ‘space grey’!
Note that the ESA space bricks will be on display in selected LEGO Stores from 20 June to 20 September, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of space engineers.
Image: The LEGO Group
See also: Picture of the Day: Munich Moon mission control centre
Alun Williams
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