Global space programs—from America’s Artemis to the Russian-Chinese International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative and the European Space Agency’s “Moon Village” concept—all share a common goal: the Moon is becoming a target for long-term human presence. Following the success of the Artemis II mission and announcements about plans to build a lunar base by the 2030s, the shift from expeditions to infrastructure is becoming a practical challenge.
The key limitation of such projects is construction under lunar conditions, where transporting equipment from Earth is extremely costly. One solution involves using local soil—regolith—as a building material. Researchers at the University of Florida have proposed an approach where lasers are used to “sinter” and shape regolith and glass directly on-site, turning them into structural components.
The study, conducted by a team led by Victoria M. Miller from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida, has been published in the journal Springer Nature. The work builds on a previously conducted program, partially funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and focuses on laser shaping of materials under conditions similar to those in space.
Technology
The laser shaping method relies on concentrated infrared radiation to heat and deform material without contact. Unlike traditional mechanical processing, it does not require molds, presses, or heavy machinery—the material bends due to localized thermal stress. The researchers tested how this process works under different atmospheric conditions, which is crucial for application in the vacuum of the Moon and other bodies with thin atmospheres.
Experiments used samples of simulated lunar soil and glass made from it. The technology demonstrated that laser exposure can effectively shape glass and ceramic structures, potentially suitable for building elements of future bases. This approach falls under the In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) strategy—using local resources instead of shipping materials from Earth.
According to Miller, the key advantage of the technology lies in drastically reducing the mass and volume of equipment that needs to be launched into space: instead of heavy construction systems, a compact laser energy source shapes material directly on the Moon. This is especially important for the lunar environment, where every extra ton of cargo significantly increases mission costs.
Beyond base construction, laser shaping could also be used to manufacture tools and spare parts directly in orbit or on the Moon’s surface, reducing dependence on Earth supplies. This is particularly relevant for long-duration missions, including work on space stations, where a lack of spare parts is considered a constant limitation.
The authors also note that the technology has broader potential beyond space—from flexible manufacturing to applications in construction on Earth. Amid population growth and the need for more efficient production methods, such laser technologies could form the foundation for new approaches to building infrastructure, both in space and on the planet.
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