Scientists have proposed using the urine of astronauts to create a colony on the moon

Transportation of 1 kg of cargo from Earth to space costs budgets $22 thousand, so the construction of a lunar

module will be very expensive.Space agencies are looking for an alternative to sending building materials from Earth - most often scientists propose using raw materials from the surface of the Moon for this, but some studies also suggest using other means.

Soil samples

Scientists from Norway, Spain, the Netherlands and ItalyIn collaboration with the European Space Agency, they conducted several experiments to test the potential of cosmonaut urine as a plasticizer, an additive that can be incorporated into concrete to soften the initial mixture and make it more ductile.

To make geopolymer concrete that willused on the Moon, we propose to use what is already there: regolith - bulk material from the surface of the Moon - and water from ice, which is present in some areas.

Professor of Cartagena Polytechnic University Ramon Pamis

Using material similar to lunar regolith,together with urea and various plasticizers, the researchers made various concrete cylinders using a 3D printer and compared the results. It turned out that the samples made with the use of urea withstood heavy scales and remained practically stable in shape. Their resistance was also tested at a temperature of 80 ° C.

Sample Printing Device