SCIENTISTS CREATE LEGO BRICKS FROM METEORITE DUST TO TEST BUILDING ASPECTS ON MARS

As for regular space enthusiasts, scientists have long been fascinated by the idea of building permanent structures on the Moon's surface. However, the particular difficulties associated with building in space have compelled scientists to think creatively and unconventionally in order to transform their concepts into workable solutions. A popular colourful building block and material engineering are combined in one of their latest inventions.

The European Space Agency's scientists have created and printed bricks that resemble LEGO parts using dust from meteorites that are 4.5 billion years old. The components, known as ESA Space Bricks, are part of a project to create sustainable and clean structures for lunar residents to live and work in. Theoretically, astronauts might construct buildings, launch pads, and other essential infrastructure components on the lunar surface using materials that are easily found there, eliminating the need to rely entirely on resources from Earth.

However, why did the scientists choose to create their ESA Space Bricks using a design influenced by LEGO? Even while the bricks aren't meant to be utilised for building structures on the moon right now, their existence shows researchers that it is feasible to 3D print sturdy interlocking building bricks from lunar resources.

According to ESA Science Officer Aidan Cowley, "Since no one has built a structure on the Moon, it was great to have the flexibility to try out all kinds of designs and building techniques with our space bricks." "It helped us scientifically understand the boundaries of these techniques and was also enjoyable."

Given that a team of NASA astronauts is slated to land close to the Moon's South Pole as part of the Artemis Programme, it's likely that these ideas will be put to use as early as late 2026. However, in the interim, the ESA shipped individual bricks to a few locations worldwide to be on display through the end of September, so you might be able to see them in person at your neighbourhood LEGO store.