A Home on the Moon - 3D Printing Lunar Habitats

For decades we've seen images of huge glass domes on the moon and Mars, but the reality of building settlements off-Earth is likely to look much different. This week we're joined by Evan Jensen of ICON Build, a company that, in just a few years, has created housing across Texas via 3D printing. Now, in association with NASA, they are also investing heavily in researching how to 3D print habitats on the moon and one day Mars. It isn't easy working in a vacuum--water freezes and evaporates instantly, and any other materials you need must be transported there. ICON has some unique processes they are testing in their large vacuum chambers, and the results are truly fascinating. Join us for a look into the future of living on other worlds!
Headlines:
NASA has selected SpaceX for a $843 million contract to de-orbit the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030
ISS astronauts took shelter after a Russian satellite exploded, creating over 100 pieces of shrapnel
Boeing's Starliner capsule faces an indefinite delay in its return from the ISS due to technical issues
Feedback:
Listener Tim Lazaroff suggests two space-themed songs by the group Lord of the Lost
Rod Pyle addresses inquiries about the decision to de-orbit the ISS, explaining the aging technology and high maintenance costs
Main Topic: 3D Printing for Construction on Earth and Beyond with Evan Jensen
ICON's founders started the company in 2018 to push the limits of 3D printing technology for construction
ICON has completed several projects, including the House of Phoenix and a 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas
Project Olympus aims to use 3D printing for construction on the Moon and Mars, utilizing in-situ resources
On the Moon, ICON plans to use a laser-directed energy deposition system to melt and solidify lunar regolith
Challenges of lunar construction include the unsuitability of water in the concrete mix, extreme temperatures, and the need for robotic systems
ICON is developing lunar regolith simulants and testing robotic systems in their "Moon Box" facility
Mars construction may involve more traditional materials, but thermal energy deposition could still be viable
ICON's Vitruvius AI architecture model allows users to design homes based on their preferences and needs
The company's ultimate goal is to use robotics, automation, and AI to help solve the global housing crisis on Earth while enabling a sci-fi future of extraterrestrial habitation
Host: Rod Pyle
Co-Host: Isaac Arthur
Guest: Evan Jensen
This Week in Space episode 117
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TWiT.tv is a technology podcasting network located in the San Francisco Bay Area with the #1 ranked technology podcast This Week in Tech hosted by Leo Laporte. Every week we produce dozens of hours of content on a variety of programs including Tech News Weekly, MacBreak Weekly, This Week in Google, Windows Weekly, Security Now, and more.