Humans to Build Stone Walls on Moon Using Robots: Here’s Why

Swiss researchers have put forward a novel idea for the construction of a blast shield to protect a lunar launch pad using an autonomous, robotic hydraulic excavator. This robot would utilize materials from the moon itself, specifically gathering rocks to build a protective stone wall with a radius of 50 to 100 meters around the pad.

The team, led by Jonas Walther, has opted against the expensive option of transporting construction materials from Earth to the moon. Walther, who conducted this research as part of his master’s thesis at ETH Zürich and is currently affiliated with Swiss company Venturi Lab, explained to Space.com that the robot would be responsible for both collecting the necessary boulders and constructing the wall.

This initiative is part of a broader discussion on the need for infrastructure on the moon, especially if humans plan to settle there permanently. Such structures would be crucial for shielding human inhabitants and equipment from the hazardous debris and gases ejected by rocket engines during landings and take-offs.

The necessity for such protective measures was underscored by damage observed on the Surveyor 3 probe, which was analyzed after being returned to Earth by the Apollo 12 mission. It showed signs of wear from lunar dust and debris, exacerbated by the exhaust from the Lunar Module Intrepid. Scientists also express concerns about the potential environmental impact of exhaust from SpaceX’s Starship, which will be used in NASA’s upcoming Artemis 3 mission. The exhaust is predicted to affect areas extending several kilometers, highlighting the importance of a protective barrier.

Walther pointed out the durability of dry stone walls on Earth, some of which have lasted for thousands of years, suggesting a similar approach could be effective on the moon. Although the moon’s environment, with its minimal weathering, means the wall wouldn’t need to endure long-term natural wear, it must withstand the intense pressure of rocket launches and landings, estimated by the research team to be around 1,135 Pascals from the gases released by Starship rockets.