The dream of establishing permanent structures on the moon has captivated scientists and space enthusiasts for decades. With the challenges of building in such an extreme environment, researchers are compelled to innovate and explore new possibilities.

One of the most exciting developments comes from the European Space Agency (ESA), which has created 3D-printed bricks inspired by LEGO, made from 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite dust. 

These ESA Space Bricks represent a significant step toward sustainable lunar construction and could pave the way for future lunar settlements.

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Building on the moon with local materials

The idea behind the ESA Space Bricks is straightforward yet revolutionary. Instead of transporting building materials from Earth, why not use the resources already available on the Moon? The lunar surface is covered in a layer of rock and mineral fragments known as lunar regolith, which could potentially be transformed into building materials. However, the challenge lies in the fact that there is very little lunar regolith available on Earth for experimentation.

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A creative solution: Meteorite dust

Undeterred by the lack of lunar materials, ESA scientists devised an innovative solution. They created a synthetic version of lunar regolith by grinding up a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite. This meteorite, discovered in Northwest Africa, is rich in space materials and served as the perfect foundation for their 3D-printed bricks. By mixing this meteorite dust with a polylactide and regolith simulant, the team successfully created bricks that mimic the properties of LEGO bricks.

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LEGO-inspired space bricks

ESA’s Space Bricks are designed to interlock and click together just like traditional LEGO bricks, allowing for a range of construction possibilities. While they may appear a bit rougher and are only available in a stylish space gray, their functionality remains intact. This modular design enables scientists to experiment with various building techniques and structures, fostering creativity and innovation in lunar construction.

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Space Bricks in a box   (ESA)

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How ESA’s space bricks spark new ideas for building on the moon

As ESA Science Officer Aidan Cowley noted, “Nobody has built a structure on the moon, so it was great to have the flexibility to try out all kinds of designs and building techniques with our space bricks.” 

This playful approach not only aids in scientific understanding but also encourages a spirit of exploration and creativity that is essential in space engineering.

Displaying the space bricks

ESA is showcasing these remarkable space bricks in select LEGO stores worldwide, from June 24 to Sept. 20 to further engage the public and inspire future generations of space engineers. This initiative aims to spark interest in space exploration and engineering among children, encouraging them to imagine and create their own lunar bases using LEGO.

Space Brick on display at LEGO store  (ESA)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The development of ESA’s Space Bricks represents an exciting step forward in our journey to build sustainable habitats on the moon. By using materials found right there on the lunar surface and embracing some really creative design ideas, scientists are not just laying the groundwork for future lunar homes but also sparking the imaginations of the next generation of builders and dreamers.

After reading about ESA’s Space Bricks and the potential for building on the moon, do you think you would want to live there someday? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Tesla has stopped selling the $60,990 RWD Cybertruck, the cheapest version of its angular EV truck, Jalopnik writes. At the same time, the company increased the price of the next-in-line AWD Cybertruck by $20,000. Now $99,990, it elevates the EV’s price floor by a whopping $39,000.

The Cyberbeast — the tri-motor version of the truck with more torque and a higher top speed than the standard all-wheel drive EV — is also costlier, at $119,990 (it was $99,990 before August 6th). The updated prices are especially bleak when you consider Tesla had said in 2019 that the Cybertruck would start at $39,990.

On the bright side, the company bumped up delivery times. Tesla estimates it can get AWD Cybertrucks to customers between August and September 2024, while it cites October to December 2024 for the Cyberbeast. Before, orders were pegged for 2025 deliveries, as shown on The Internet Archive earlier this month.

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– SAG president Fran Drescher slams ‘AI fraudsters’ as congressional bill on deepfakes receives massive support
– AI advancements can be both a tool and a threat, cybersecurity officials say
– Olympic swimming pool heated by AI data center

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, bringing unprecedented benefits to us, yet it also poses serious risks, such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. (Cyberguy.com)

‘HUGE WIN’: A new bill on artificial intelligence deepfakes introduced by a bipartisan group of senators is bringing together actors, studios, and tech companies. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told Fox News Digital that “from our point of view, this is absolutely crucial. The timing is now, and it’s desperately needed.”

TWO-EDGED SWORD: Cybersecurity experts say ransomware attacks have increased substantially in recent years. 

MAKING A SPLASH: The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has spurred demand for data centers which put out massive amounts of heat, one of which is putting excess heat to use at the Paris Summer Olympics. 

Regan Smith of Team United States competes in heat one of the Women’s 200m Butterfly on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 27, 2021, in Tokyo. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

END OF TOUCH?: It seems like AI is taking over every aspect of our lives, and now it’s coming for our massages, too. Companies like Phillonlabs and Aescape are leading the charge.

A woman getting massaged by an AI-powered robot. (Aescape)

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