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China is sending sample bricks into space to study how they behave under the extreme conditions of the Moon, with the aim of building a research base. Learn how this mission could revolutionize lunar construction!
China is moving ahead with its ambitious space plans and is preparing to test bricks made from simulated lunar soil in extreme conditions in space. These sample bricks will be sent from the Tiangong space station next month aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo ship in a groundbreaking experiment to see if they could be used to build a research base on the moon.
The lunar base, called International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), is one of Beijing's main goals for the coming years.
China plans to build this science and technology facility exploration until 2035, focusing on the lunar south pole region.
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Sending bricks into space is an important step in this direction, as it will allow Chinese scientists to observe how the material behaves under extreme temperature and radiation conditions, characteristic of the hostile environment of the Moon.
Testing the strength of bricks
The bricks that will be sent into space were made from simulated lunar soil, created to mimic the composition of lunar regolith.
In tests on Earth, these bricks achieved an impressive strength of up to 100 megapascals, making them stronger than regular concrete.
For comparison purposes, standard clay bricks have a strength ranging from 10 to 20 megapascals, while high-strength bricks used in some constructions can reach 50 megapascals.
The experiment that will take place in space will be crucial in determining whether this material can withstand lunar conditions.
For three years, scientists will monitor the degradation of brick samples exposed to harsh radiation conditions and temperature changes.
and successful, the project could make it possible to build the ILRS with local materials, avoiding the need to send large quantities of material from Earth, which would be extremely expensive and complex.
The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS)
The ILRS is an initiative that reflects China’s growing ambitions in the international space arena. With the goal of building a lunar base by 2035, the project is designed to be scalable and sustainable, enabling both long-term robotic operations and short-term human missions.
The Chinese lunar base will, in addition to its role in scientific research, have the objective of developing resources on the Moon, such as water and minerals, which could be crucial for future exploration missions deeper into space.
The project is divided into two phases. The first phase will involve building a basic facility at the lunar south pole. The second phase, scheduled for completion by 2050, will expand the infrastructure to connect different regions of the Moon, such as the equator and the far side.
In addition to being a milestone for Chinese space exploration, the ILRS also aims to foster international collaboration. Since 2017, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been inviting countries to join the initiative, with more than 40 global institutions already signing cooperation documents.
ILRS embraces the principles of mutual consultation, joint construction and shared benefits, fostering partnerships that range from concept development to participation in full missions.
Global collaboration in lunar exploration
International participation in China's lunar program is nothing new. Previous missions, such as Chang'e-6, have already benefited from the cooperation of countries such as France, Italy and Pakistan. And the future of the ILRS program promises to continue along these lines.
The Chang'e-7 mission, scheduled for 2026, will carry six international science instruments, while Chang'e-8, scheduled for 2028, will include 200 kilograms of international payload, integrating these elements into the basic ILRS model.
Wu Yanhua, chief designer of China's largest deep space exploration project, stressed that the country is encouraging the establishment of international organizations to strengthen collaboration around the ILRS.
These institutions include a cooperation committee, an expert advisory committee and technological and scientific innovation alliances, as well as a coordination headquarters.
Towards a new era of lunar exploration
The coming years will be decisive for lunar exploration, and China is positioning itself as one of the leaders in this field.
With the construction of the ILRS and the continued advancement of its space programs, Beijing seeks not only to strengthen its presence in space, but also to stimulate global collaboration around search and lunar exploration. The
Testing the simulated lunar soil bricks is just one of the first steps toward a more permanent human presence on the Moon.
