Sintered or melted regolith for lunar construction: state-of-the-art review and future research directions

摘要

Low-cost robust processes are needed to produce construction materials for habitats and civil infrastructure in the early stages of the development of a permanent base on the moon. Sintered or melted regolith (SoMR) is an attractive solution as it requires only regolith and solar energy as inputs, both of which are readily available on the moon. This paper presents a review of SoMR technologies. It also provides an evaluation of the different technologies based on the results of 53 experimental studies of SoMR production which were identified in the literature. The key outcomes of these experimental trials are summarised, and the viability of each process for the production of lunar construction materials is evaluated. Finally, future research which would address current technical challenges and uncertainties is suggested.(c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.