TOMSK, Dec 13 – RIA Tomsk, Karina Sapunova. Scientists of the Tomsk State University of Architecture and Construction (TSUAB) plan to create 3D-printer, which could print concrete constructions from lunar dust, the Vice Rector for Academic Research of the university Vasily Klimenov reported in an interview of RIA Tomsk.
He explained that 3D-printer for operation with ordinary concrete is developed by a graduate student of TSUAB now. However, world scientists work on creation of similar devices for the printing of constructions from materials on the basis of lunar soil.
"Scientists begin such works also in Russia, and we set similar tasks for ourselves. For what is it made? The moon is really considered as a development subject for the purpose of receiving the necessary resources, which are absent on Earth, and, of course, as intermediate base for development of distant space", – Klimenov told.
He explained that radiation is most dangerous among the factors posing a threat for a person on the Moon. "Therefore any metal cell should be "sealed" with some concrete designs. There is a lot of dust on the Moon – regolith, it is an analog of ashes, which appear at eruption of volcanoes. Many experts already work with this material, trying to receive a concrete analog", – the Vice Rector noted.He added that similar printers will be demanded not only in space. They can be used on Earth, for example, to receive compounds for construction of roads on the basis of volcanic and cindery materials.