Simulants for Lunar Construction by 3D

he key to a sustainable presence in space is the ability to manufacture structures and spare parts on-site. This approachreduces costs and limitations on what can be launched for long missions. Future habitation on the Moon and Mars will depend on utilizing local resources to create building materials that meet infrastructure needs while ensuring environmental safety. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional binders, gaining attention for their environmental advantages. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding their fresh properties. This article investigates the feasibility of producing construction materials from lunar regolith simulants by analyzing the rheological behavior of AAMs derived from LMS lunar regolith simulant. The study focuses on lunar regolith simulants mixtures activated with sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions, examining how factors such as the liquid-to-solid ratio (Li/So), silica modulus (SiO2/Na2O), metakaolin substitution (Mk), and curing temperature (T) influence their properties.