Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Credit: ESA/NASA

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a new General Studies Program called “Conceiving a Lunar Base Using 3D Printing Technologies.”

At the heart of the study is to find ways of creating habitable structures using all resources available at the destination – the Moon.

The study is looking into additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) technology from a wider perspective, including the ancillary equipment needed to operate this and the high-level requirements to ultimately achieve a lunar habitat.

Credit: ESA/Foster + Partners

Additive manufacturing has been identified as one of the most promising applications for building structures on the Moon.

Analyze the possibilities

This new appraisal is to analyze the possibilities of using additive manufacturing for the realization of a lunar base, including:

• production of internal equipment for the crew
• the processing of food based on a limited number of basic elements
• the possibility of making spare parts needed to maintain the base

Past studies have focused on conceptual designs, often based on single elements, rather than taking into account the overall needs in terms of energy, collection and transportation of the regolith, machinery, and so on.

Moon village advocate, ESA’s chief, Johann-Dietrich Woerner.
Credit: ESA–S. Corvaja

Moonville

ESA’s chief, Johann-Dietrich Woerner, has been vocal regarding the establishment of a “Moon Village.”

“Moon Village is not a single project, nor a fixed plan with a defined time table,” explains Woerner. “It’s a vision for an open architecture and an international community initiative.”

The Moon Village is open to any and all interested parties and nations, Woerner explains. “There are no stipulations as to the form their participation might take: robotic and astronaut activities are equally sought after. You might see not only scientific and technological activities, but also activities based on exploiting resources or even tourism. It is precisely the open nature of the concept that would allow many nationalities to go to the Moon and take part while leaving behind them on Earth any differences of opinion.”

To view a ESA video regarding the Moon Village, go to: