The reaction is known as a thermite reaction, and is used to weld metal together or create ceramics. Logan came up with the idea to form moon bricks because she helped develop tank armor using a similar reaction when she worked at Georgia Tech. Like tanks, moon brick buildings would be tough and protect the residents inside them. A moon brick home would survive most meteor strikes. It would also shield astronauts from most radiation, according to initial tests run by the VT team. While strong, a moon brick Voissoir dome home would likely be drafty. Some kind of membrane would be have to be installed to keep air from leaking out if humans were to live inside a moon brick dwelling. A more likely scenario is to use the technology to create landing pads, launch pads, protected sheds for equipment, and the like, said Jerry Sanders, who studies in-situ resource utilization at NASA. "It's an intriguing idea and an interesting technology," said Sanders. "But whenever we look at in situ resource utilization, you have to weigh the cost of the equipment and materials necessary." Moon bricks don't require many raw materials, but other in situ technologies, like brick-baking microwaves, require even less. A final decision on which specific technology to use when man returns to the moon is still years away however, giving all contenders plenty of time to improve on their models. Related Links: |
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