Engineers say Moon roads could be built using laser-melted soil.

A new study in Scientific Reports suggests that laser technology could pave the way for constructing roads and landing pads on the Moon, reducing dust-related challenges for lunar missions. 

The moon's low gravity causes dust to float when disturbed, potentially damaging equipment. Transporting materials from Earth for construction is costly, making the use of lunar resources crucial.

In the study, Ginés-Palomares, Miranda Fateri, and Jens Günster used a carbon dioxide laser to melt a lunar soil substitute called EAC-1A, simulating how lunar dust could be solidified by concentrated solar radiation. 

Lunar dust samples were analysed for their mineralogical composition, internal structure, and mechanical properties, demonstrating their suitability for lunar surface construction.

They experimented with various laser strengths and sizes, ultimately finding that a 45-millimetre diameter laser beam could create robust, hollow-centred geometric shapes approximately 250 millimetres in size. 

These shapes could interlock to form stable surfaces, ideal for roads and landing pads on the Moon.

To replicate this approach on the Moon, the authors estimate that a 2.37-square-meter lens could serve as a sunlight concentrator, replacing the laser. 

The relatively small equipment required for this method presents a valuable advantage for future Moon missions.

Creating roads and landing pads on the Moon is crucial to mitigate dust-related issues and facilitate lunar transportation. 

Moreover, this approach aligns with the concept of in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) to enhance the sustainability of lunar missions. 

By concentrating sunlight, this laser-melting technique shows great promise for lunar infrastructure development.