Lunar Base Construction Robot LunarBuilder Completes Antarctic Simulation Test: In-Situ Resource Utilization Validated
The NASA and CNSA co-funded LunarBuilder lunar base construction robot completed a 3-month simulation test in Antarctica. Using local rock and ice as building materials, it constructed a 2-person sealed habitat through microwave sintering technology.
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The NASA and China National Space Administration (CNSA) co-funded LunarBuilder lunar base construction robot project completed a 3-month field simulation test near China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica in May. LunarBuilder used local basalt and ice as raw materials, sintering rock particles into structural material through microwave technology, then layer-by-layer assembly by robotic arms into a sealed habitat.
During this test, two LunarBuilder robots constructed a sealed habitat with 4-meter interior diameter, suitable for two occupants, over 47 days without human intervention. The habitat withstood Antarctic winter temperatures of -55°C while maintaining 18°C interior temperature, meeting airtightness design requirements.
NASA Artemis program senior technology advisor Nujoud Merancy said in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is a key technology for lunar base construction. "Transporting building materials from Earth to the Moon costs approximately $1 million per kilogram. If we can use lunar rock and ice as construction materials, base construction costs could be dramatically reduced."
The LunarBuilder project plans to send robots to the Moon for real testing by 2030, preparing for the Artemis program's permanent lunar base construction.
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