roadways, landing pads and habitats on the moonAustin-based ICON is developing a laser system that would melt the moon's soil to build structures layer by layer — melting one section of soil, adding more soil on top and then repeating the process.This machine would be capable of printing nearly any design, and it would save NASA billions of dollars sparing the agency from having to launch aluminum and other building materials into space.
ICON expects to send a technology demonstration to the moon later this decade. Its 3D printer that uses laser technology, called the Olympus construction system, will melt the moon's soil to create a small structural element, said Melodie Yashar, ICON's vice president of building design and performance.
ICON recently built a structure at NASA's Johnson Space Center to simulate a Mars habitat. NASA is going to haveto help the agency identify and remedy the physical, mental and social challenges that arise when living on another planet.
Why not start with Texas first?
Not one more penny of taxpayer money should be pissed away on manned rocket ships. Space is for robots.