In a remarkable development, NASA is embarking on an ambitious mission to establish lunar habitats more than half a century after the historic moonwalk. This initiative represents a significant leap forward for potential moon residents.
NASA, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, has allocated a substantial budget of over $70 million for a partnership with ICON, a construction firm. Their shared goal is to construct cutting-edge lunar dwellings that can accommodate astronauts and civilians by the year 2040.
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As reported by the New York Times, ICON has enlisted the expertise of architects from prestigious firms such as the Bjarke Ingels Group and SEArch+ (Space Exploration Architecture). Together, they are leveraging 3D printing technology to envision and design these lunar habitats. The preliminary designs resemble structures with a pineapple-like shape, featuring advanced technology integrated within.
NASA has a groundbreaking plan to send a 3D printer to the moon, which will construct structures layer by layer. This innovative printer will utilize specialized lunar concrete, crafted from moon rock fragments, minerals, and dust, as reported.
Niki Werkheiser, NASA’s director of technology maturation, expressed confidence in the project’s potential success. She stated, “We’ve got all the right people together at the right time with a common goal, which is why I think we’ll get there.” Werkheiser believes that with the collaboration of experts and the development of core capabilities, the project is entirely feasible.
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Although Project Olympus is still in its early planning stages, it aims to facilitate longer stays on the moon. Construction is expected to commence within the next two decades, marking an exciting step toward lunar exploration and habitation.