NASA's Artemis program aims to build a lunar base, but transporting construction materials from Earth to the Moon is expensive. To overcome this, researchers are exploring the use of local materials like lunar soil. One method being studied is microwave sintering, which solidifies lunar regolith without melting it. This technique is being developed by NASA, ESA, and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT).

KICT's Future and Smart Construction Research Division, led by Dr. Hyu-Soung Shin, is researching microwave-sintered lunar regolith simulant bricks. These bricks, made from lunar soil simulant, have a strength comparable to concrete. However, understanding the dielectric properties of lunar regolith is crucial for efficient microwave heating.

The KICT team, including Dr. Jangguen Lee, Dr. Young-Jae Kim, and Dr. Hyunwoo Jin, studied the dielectric properties of Korean Lunar Simulant (KLS-1) and ilmenite at different temperatures. Ilmenite, a mineral abundant on the lunar surface, enhances microwave heating efficiency due to its unique crystal structure.

The research revealed that while lunar regolith simulant is microwave transparent and difficult to heat, ilmenite interacts strongly with microwaves, allowing rapid heating. This interaction is key for efficient microwave sintering.

Dr. Young-Jae Kim stated that this research lays a crucial foundation for developing microwave technology for future lunar exploration and base construction.

Research Report:Temperature-dependent dielectric properties of the Korean lunar simulant and ilmenite: Lunar microwave processing potential

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