Induction Furnace-Nozzle for Forming and Placing Lunar Regolith Bricks for Landing Pad Construction

Proposed is an integrated induction furnace and nozzle for in-situ 3D printing and landing pad construction using lunar regolith. Through applied research, we combine two elements into one "innovation": The furnace element uses an induction heater for reducing regolith feedstock into a fluid melt, which can be applied to a variety of solidification applications. Inductin heater advancements include automatic frequency tuning to the composition and properties of the feedstock. The nozzle element enables single-step lunar regolith melting, brick production and placement for landing pad creation or any flat hardened surface area such as roads or foundations. Our proposed solution is based on the principles of additive construction processing in-situ materials (regolith) into construction bricks. At the system level, basic components include a 3D printer using an Induction Furnace-Nozzle mounted onto a mobility platform for single step brick production and placement. The applied research focus for this proposal is on integration of the induction furnace and nozzle (an Induction Furnace-Nozzle) for regolith brick production.

Lunar landing pad construction Lunar road and berm construction Lunar dust mitigation Planetary infrastucture foundational elements

Technology has the potential to be utilized for low cost & rapid construction on earth (IP & operational know-how; material processing; assembly automation; remote operations). In-situ resource utilization of locally sourced material could have potential terrestrial applications, for low cost housing for low income indigenous housing and/or next-gen, ecological advanced construction applications.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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