Turning Moon Dust into Solar Panels:
A Step Toward a Sustainable Lunar Base -
As humans prepare to return to the Moon, scientists are exploring innovative methods to make lunar living more sustainable. One emerging idea attracting attention involves transforming the Moon’s surface dust—known as lunar regolith—into glass suitable for manufacturing solar panels.
With NASA’s Artemis 3 mission targeting a Moon landing for astronauts in 2026 and plans for a longer-term lunar base, establishing a reliable power source on the Moon is vital. Transporting solar panel materials from Earth would be costly and complex. Therefore, a team of researchers has suggested a solution that utilises what is already present: moon dust.
The idea is to utilise a type of solar technology known as perovskite solar cells. These differ from traditional silicon solar cells. Perovskites possess a unique crystal structure that enhances their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. They are also lightweight, flexible, and simpler to manufacture than silicon panels, making them ideal for use in space, where weight and durability are essential.
To enhance the effectiveness and durability of these panels on the Moon, scientists propose developing a protective layer of “moonglass”—glass derived from melted lunar regolith. This glass could serve as a substrate (the base material for solar cells) and a shield to protect the panels from space radiation, extreme temperatures, and micrometeorite impacts.
The production process would utilise a solar furnace on the Moon. This device, constructed with mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight, would transform the Moon dust into usable glass. Since lunar regolith requires minimal purification, the process could be straightforward compared to glass production on Earth.
What makes this approach so promising is its In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) aspect, which means it uses local materials instead of relying on supplies from Earth. This reduces costs, eliminates long-distance transportation, and paves the way for scalable energy production on the Moon.
Ultimately, this could support habitats, research stations, and manufacturing facilities on the lunar surface. If successful, this technology may also be applied on planets like Mars, where transferring supplies from Earth would be even more challenging.
In short, by converting moon dust into glass and integrating it with advanced solar technology, scientists are making a significant leap toward establishing a self-sustaining presence in space.
