Viability of in-situ Lunar Manufacturing of Life Support Systems using a Direct Writing Technique

Additive manufacturing of life support system components using the Moon’s resources could greatly benefit lunar colonization and commercialization. This direct writing technique for in-situ lunar manufacturing seeks to fabricate efficient, compact life support systems using multifunctional composite materials. By formulating conductive and pristine zeolite materials into paste-like inks and then co-printing them together in layers, the technology is expected to be able to create complex, multiple-material 3D devices that could, for example, remove carbon dioxide from cabin air.

Photos of parabolic flight campaign Problem Statement Although the printing of thermoplastics and the basic syringe-based extrusion of single function inks have been demonstrated in microgravity environments, they are incompatible in most lunar in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) applications. In addition, neither technique can offer a wide library of printable functions. This experiment will assess effects of lunar gravity and microgravity on the direct-ink writing process using well-understood room-temperature inks. In a lunar gravity environment, it will explore the design rules for direct-ink writing and seek to demonstrate the ability to print simple components. Technology Maturation A successful demonstration will reveal printable geometries only achievable in both lunar and cislunar gravity. It will also establish a model to constrain objective-driven device designs.

This innovation is designed to produce complex devices using lunar resources via 3D printing. By printing in lunar and cislunar gravity, slumping would be reduced. This technology would benefit future NASA missions and the commercial space industry. Future Customers • NASA lunar missions, including colonization • Commercial and academic use of lunar and cislunar environments • Lunar ISRU

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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