THE idea that a moonbase could actually be a reality within our lifetime is exciting enough, but researchers have revealed plans to 3D print the structure using materials found on the actual moon.
Architectural firm Foster + Partners and the European Space Agency have revealed they will 3D print the parts necessary to build the moonbase.
"What in the world is 3D printing?" you ask.
Picture a regular inkjet printer, but instead of finding ink inside the cartridges, it contains almost any substance necessary for building the desired item - from metals, to plastics, rubbers even food. If you're still confused about how it works, scroll down to watch a demonstration YouTube video, then get all excited about the fact that it won't be long before we have a 3D printed structure ON THE MOON.
But the firm won't just be printing with any old material, they will build the moonbase out of the moon!
The major hurdles of a moonbase are traditionally cost and access to materials but the London-based firm have figured out a solution using 3-D printing, and a substance called regolith, according to dvice.com.
MOONBASE 1

A 3D printed moonbase, coming to a lunar surface near you. Picture: Foster + Partners Source: Supplied
Regolith makes up most of the surface of the moon, and it happens to be a surprisingly good building material.
It also naturally provides good protection from meteorites, radiation, and temperature fluctuations.
The material can also be found on Earth allowing Foster + Partners to begin testing their plan inside a sealed vacuum chamber.
Its not yet clear when the project may be completed, but according to the European Space Agency, once the printers are on the moon, the building could be completed in a week


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