Scientists from the University of Delaware have developed a new construction material that could eventually be used to build structures on the Moon. Samples of the material spent six months outside the International Space Station (ISS), where they were exposed to space radiation, vacuum, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Upon returning to Earth, researchers discovered that the material not only retained its properties but, in certain tests, proved to be even stronger than control samples kept on Earth throughout the same period.

The development is based on geopolymers—materials capable of replacing traditional cement. Unlike conventional cement, producing geopolymers does not require high-temperature processing, as a durable structure forms through chemical reactions between mineral components. Researchers believe such materials could play a vital role in future lunar exploration. Shipping construction materials from Earth will be extraordinarily expensive, prompting researchers to utilize local lunar soil, or regolith, which covers the Moon’s surface.

Regolith is a mixture of dust-like particles and silicate minerals, similar in composition to certain clay materials found on Earth. Due to its widespread availability on the Moon, it is considered one of the primary resources for constructing future bases and infrastructure.

To test the material’s durability, the research team sent thin plates of geopolymers—made from simulated lunar and Martian soil—to the International Space Station as part of a specialized NASA materials science experiment. The samples remained mounted on the exterior of the station for six months, exposed to low Earth orbit conditions. Results revealed that the material did not degrade under space environment conditions, and several of its characteristics actually improved.

However, creating a strong material alone is insufficient for lunar construction. Researchers must also account for the fact that regolith composition can vary significantly across different regions of the Moon’s surface, requiring an adaptable production technique. To address this challenge, the team developed a machine learning-based system. It predicts the strength of the final building material by analyzing the raw soil’s composition and processing conditions.

Additional studies focused on how geopolymers behave during the mixing process. Scientists identified a critical phase when the liquid mixture transitions into a solid structure. They found that stirring the material prior to this transition point has virtually no impact on setting speed or final strength. This implies that future automated equipment on the Moon will have greater flexibility when processing local raw materials.

Researchers believe this advance will not only aid in lunar exploration but also contribute to developing more sustainable construction technologies on Earth. Utilizing natural materials and reducing energy consumption during cement alternative manufacturing could make terrestrial construction significantly more sustainable.