China to build igloos on the Moon as they look to pull ahead in space race

The igloo-like structures take into account the Moon’s harsh conditions (Image: Youtube)

Chinese researchers have developed sturdy, egg-shaped igloos intended for lunar colonization.

As China continues to pursue its moon colonization ambitions, scientists are focusing on the issue of extraterrestrial real estate.

Far from a futuristic space-age city, the designs for lunar dwellings suggest a more dystopian aesthetic. The initial sketches of a moon colony depict a group of grey, egg-shaped igloos, with miniature astronauts interspersed as if returning home, reports the Daily Star.

Ding Lieyun, the leader of the team that produced the mock-ups, explained to Chinese state television that these egg-like habitats take into account the Moon’s harsh conditions, scarcity of raw materials, a temperature range with a 300C variation, and the risk of cosmic radiation.

He said: “These factors make lunar construction an exceptionally challenging, super-engineering endeavour.”

The scientist revealed that his team had experimented with various shapes for the moon homes before settling on a “double-layered dome structure” which gave the dwellings the appearance of an upright egg. The “eggs” would be partitioned into living and working spaces, and the structures could be constructed by robots and 3D printers.

As China plans to land manned spacecraft on the Moon in the near future, these designs suggest a more realistic approach to space colonization.

Source : https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/156162/china-building-igloos-for-the-Moon

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