A squad of scientists has obtain that materials on Mars and the Moon can be used to 3D - mark objects , such as tools for future manned missions .
The research was carry out by Northwestern University in Illinois , US , and published inNature Scientific Reports . They used simulated dust of the lunar and Martian environment to create a “ pigment ” that was then used to make objects like elementary dick and even Lego blocks .
“ For places like other planets and moon , where resources are limited , multitude would necessitate to utilise what is available on that planet to live , ” said cobalt - author Ramille Shah from Northwestern in astatement .
The idea of 3D printing tools in space is not entirely new . ESAand NASA have both looked into the possibility before , and there ’s also a3D printeron the International Space Station ( ISS ) run by Made In Space .
But 3D impression on other universe , where terra firma - same materials are not get going to be pronto usable , lay a new challenge . “ Our 3D paint really open up the ability to print dissimilar usable or morphological objects to make habitats beyond Earth , ” tote up Shah .
A previous ESA conception of three-D - printed habitats on the Moon . ESA / Foster + Partners
The paints were composed of 90 percent Martian or lunar rubble , with the balance of the composition come from bare result and a biopolymer . The result material was apparently similar to rubber , being flexible , elastic , and tough .
In their paper , the team noted that previous attempts at replicating this cognitive operation had to trust on break the detritus into a powder , or using a high - push radio beam , to make a desirable stuff . This method acting , however , mixed it together into an ink .
The team said that in the future it may be possible to heat this ink and harden it , to create rigid structures like walls for a habitat on the airfoil of the Moon or Mars . If we ever desire to colonise one of these worlds , being self - sustainable via techniques like 3D printing will be fundamental .
