Key Technology Development for Future Lunar Utilization— Block Production Using Lunar Regolith

Abstract

For initial human activity on the lunar surface, many kinds of supplies will have to be carried from the Earth. Most of the cost of exploring the lunar surface relates to carrying a payload from the Earth to the Moon. Therefore, the authors expect that in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) will be an important key technology. As the first step of ISRU technology demonstration, we produced blocks without any additive materials other than lunar regolith simulant through sintering. In the experiment, to find the best conditions for block production, test pieces were sintered under various conditions such as temperature and holding time. After sintering, a visual inspection and a breaking-strength test were performed. The results of experiments showed that it was possible not only to make large blocks and but also to produce blocks with fine structures by sintering using an appropriate temperature-time profile. It was also confirmed that the blocks had sufficient strength for construction, and the compressive and bending strength are comparable to those of typical concrete blocks used in terrestrial construction. Such blocks are expected to be used as construction materials and radiation shielding at a human outpost. This paper details our technological developments relating to block production from lunar regolith that will enable future lunar surface activities.