China Develops Lunar Soil Brick Maker: Solar-Powered Lunar Base Construction

A Chinese research team has developed a prototype machine that uses solar energy to transform lunar soil into durable construction bricks, marking a significant step towards building lunar structures from in-situ resources. The machine, a solar-powered 3D printer, uses a parabolic reflector to concentrate sunlight, reaching temperatures exceeding 1300°C to melt the regolith without any additives. While the bricks alone can't withstand lunar pressures, they'll serve as protective layers for pressure-retaining habitats. This technology is a key part of China's broader vision for lunar construction, aligning with the International Lunar Research Station project and aiming for full-scale surface construction with automated robots.