Researchers develop microwave method for lunar infrastructure construction

Researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València and the Surrey Space Centre have demonstrated that microwave heating is a more efficient and rapid method for processing lunar regolith compared to traditional oven heating. This advancement could facilitate the sustainable construction of lunar infrastructure, such as roads, landing pads, and buildings, by using local materials in situ rather than transporting them from Earth.

The study analyzed lunar regolith simulants from both mare and highland regions to determine their dielectric properties. By heating the materials under a nitrogen atmosphere to prevent contamination, the team confirmed that microwave technology offers an optimal solution for melting or sintering lunar stone into usable construction materials.