The 3D printing company Icon is working with NASA to develop houses where humans can live on the Moon’s surface.
NASA has signed a contract with the Texas-based 3D printing company Icon to develop robots capable of constructing houses on the Moon’s surface. This idea is part of Project Olympus, which aims to establish structures for humans to live in space.
The contract with NASA was signed in 2020 and is valued at approximately $60 million. Icon plans to use lunar rocks so that the robots can 3D print the structures.
“To explore other worlds, we need new innovative technologies adapted to these environments and our exploration needs,” said Niki Werkheiser from NASA in 2020.
NASA emphasizes that the development of new technologies will create “the necessary capabilities for future missions.” In addition to the Moon, the project aims to bring houses to Mars.
Icon was responsible for creating NASA’s simulated Mars habitat, Mars Dune Alpha, which was used in the 2023 CHAPEA mission, where astronauts simulated a working experience on the Red Planet.
The Texas-based company hopes to build houses, landing platforms, roads, and pressurized buildings as part of the Artemis mission, which seeks to establish a continuous human presence on the Moon.
Photo: Instagram @spacexarch. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.