Whether you’re thinking about building house on the moon or you’re already on the moon, there are some things to think about before you begin. Some of the issues to consider include the weight of the Lunar regolith, environmental concerns, and solar energy.

Lunar regolith

Several countries are planning to send humans to the Moon over the next decade. Some will build bases, while others may choose to launch their habitats. The European Space Agency recently announced that it will begin studying the possibility of building houses on the Moon using lunar regolith, which is loose rock and debris that is found on the surface of the moon.

The most common types of regolith are clay, silicates, and oxidized minerals. These are all minerals with a characteristic chemical composition and structure. They include aluminum, iron, magnesium, and silica.

Some researchers are exploring whether regolith could be used to manufacture polymers. Scientists also are testing the ability of regolith to bond with other materials. This could be beneficial for constructing new construction materials.

A recent study compiled data from 53 studies on the simulants of lunar regolith. The simulants should be tested at temperatures that are close to those of the Moon.

Researchers have found that the surface temperature of regolith can reach 250 deg F. Its thermal conductivity is low, which means it is able to accumulate an electrostatic charge.

Solar energy

Having solar panels on the moon would have a huge impact on our planet. It could be a way to solve our energy challenges and also reduce carbon emissions.

The physics of the concept are quite simple. The sun constantly shines on one hemisphere of the moon. The light is converted into microwave laser beams that are then sent back to earth.

The same idea is also being studied by scientists who are looking to build a solar-harvesting rig on the moon. In addition to self-replicating solar cells, an array of ten circular collecting bases would be built on the moon’s nearside. Each base would contain billboard-sized microwave reflectors.

Another option is a kilometer-wide, two-gigawatt solar panel array. The panels would be a good sized step toward creating a lunar power station.

The most notable feature of this type of solar system is that it will be able to operate 24 hours a day. That means the solar panels won’t be affected by cloud cover or bad weather on the moon.

Weightlessness

Developing a lunar base has been a key part of NASA’s plan to send humans back to the Moon. They have already given the green light to a private corporation, Robert Bigelow, to build an orbiting space station by the mid-2020s. In the meantime, ESA scientists have been tinkering away on a lunar base since the early aughts.

Aside from the fact that NASA hasn’t actually made a decision on whether or not they’ll get there, the space agency has already approved the first round of inflatable space habitat modules. These could be used as hotel suites or laboratories, depending on the mission. Using an Airbus A310 will create the same albeit weightless conditions as microgravity, which is the basis for NASA’s “Zero G” program.

The first lunar shelters are likely to be borrowed from Earth. Aside from the usual suspects, the Chinese are getting serious about sending astronauts to the Moon. China plans to launch a probe in the next three months.

Environmental concerns

Whether it’s a house on the moon, a lunar base, or a permanent outpost, there are plenty of environmental concerns to keep in mind. For instance, the brittleness of materials at very low temperatures can lead to damage. And radiation shielding is important. The Earth is constantly bombarded by cosmic rays, and they’re even more intense on the Moon. If you stay on the moon for an extended period of time, you could receive a dose of radiation that’s similar to a 10-meter water shield.

One solution to these problems is to build structures on the moon that are below ground. These could protect residents from space debris, solar wind particles, and other hazards. Bulldozers and other heavy equipment could be used to build underground dwellings. Another idea is to use lava tubes, the hollow deposits left behind by ancient magma flows.

In addition, lunar regolith provides insulation. It also helps protect against the cancer-causing cosmic rays.