Planetary Robotic Construction on the Moon and Mars Using Waterless Sulfur-Regolith Printing Materials

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

Construction 3D printing (C3DP) is one of the few viable technologies for the automated construction of extraterrestrial structures, such as habitats, radiation shields, and launch/landing pads utilizing in situ planetary resources. Sulfur-Regolith Concrete (SRC), as a waterless construction material, offers a promising option for extraterrestrial construction. This study investigates the properties of 3D printed Lunar and Martian SRC produced with high-fidelity regolith simulants, under conditions of vacuum and temperature variations. The printed SRC specimens demonstrate higher performance under vacuum conditions and temperature variations compared to the 3D printed PCC specimens, highlighting the superior space resilience of these materials. Modifying the SRC material with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) significantly enhanced the mechanical strength and minimized the sublimation rate under vacuum and elevated temperatures.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Computing in Civil Engineering 2025 Resilient Robotic and Educational Systems Selected Papers from the ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2025

First Page

530

Last Page

538

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