China’s Amazing New Invention: Making Bricks from Moon Soil! 🌕🧱
Did you ever imagine building a house on the moon? Well, China is one step closer to making that a reality! They have created a special machine that can turn moon soil into bricks. How cool is that?
How Does It Work?
The machine uses the moon’s soil, known as lunar regolith (which is just a fancy word for moon dirt and rocks), and heats it up to super high temperatures of 1,400–1,500 degrees Celsius! That’s hotter than a volcano! 🌋 It uses solar energy (since the sun shines brightly on the moon) and special optical fibers to melt the soil completely.
Once the soil is melted, it’s like lava. This molten material can then be used in a 3D printer to create bricks of all shapes and sizes. Imagine building things on the moon without having to bring building materials from Earth! 🚀
Why Is This Important?
By using the moon’s own resources, scientists can save a lot of time and money. They don’t have to carry heavy materials from Earth, which means rockets can travel lighter and faster. This is called “in-situ resource utilization“, which means using what’s already there.
Big Plans for the Future
This amazing invention was showcased at a special exhibition in Beijing, celebrating China’s two decades of exploring the moon. They are getting ready for their next missions, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, planned for 2026 and 2028! 🚀
The Chang’e-7 mission aims to land at the moon’s south pole to look for water. Maybe one day, astronauts can drink water found on the moon! 💧 The Chang’e-8 mission will help set up communication systems and energy sources, making it easier to live and work on the moon.
Working Together
China hopes to invite scientists and space agencies from around the world to join them in studying and exploring the moon. Who knows? Maybe one day you could be part of a moon mission too! 🌠
Reference(s):
China unveils future lunar exploration plans at exhibition in Beijing
cgtn.com
