At NASA’s request, a team from Washionton State University investigated whether it was possible to use lunar rocks for 3D printing. Supplied by NASA with simulated Moon rocks (or lunar regality simulant) the researchers used a 3D printer to make small objects out of the melted rocks.

Supplied by NASA with simulated moon rocks (lunar regality simulant), the researchers used a 3D printer to make small objects out of the melted rocks which then resolidified. The team’s finding have been published in the Rapid Prototyping Journal in 2012.

If there was ever an effort to colonise the moon, being able to use resources already present there to print out spare parts or tools needed would be quite valuable due to the high cost of transporting everything needed. Using 3D technology and lunar rocks would mean only the digital files would be needed.

Source: BBC News