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China calls for developers in Chang’e 8 mission to make and assemble moon bricks

  • CNSA is looking for interested businesses, universities and research institutes to develop nine instruments for the 2028 expedition
  • They include a robot to assemble structures made from lunar soil, and transport materials between the lander and the moon’s surface

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China’s Chang’e 8 lunar mission will lay the groundwork for an international research station at the moon’s south pole. Photo: China National Space Administration
Ling Xinin Ohio
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has opened applications for domestic entities interested in developing major instruments for the Chang’e 8 mission, including a device to make bricks out of moon soil and a robot to assemble them.

The CNSA said on its website last week that it aimed “give full play to the strengths of all parties” and achieve internationally advanced technologies and innovative research results.

Teams from enterprises, universities, and research institutes have until March 10 to register their intentions, along with preliminary proposals that are technically feasible, financially viable, and manageable within the mission timeline.

Scheduled to launch in 2028, Chang’e 8 will serve as a basis for the future International Lunar Research Station, to be built by China and international partners at the moon’s south pole.

The mission – consisting of a lander, rover, and robot – will deliver 14 scientific instruments to the moon. They will study local geology and test technologies for resource utilisation, as well as conduct observations of the Earth.

The CNSA is calling for development submissions on nine of them, including an in situ device on the lander tasked with using solar energy to melt lunar soil and turn it into “functional parts” at a minimum speed of 40 cubic cm (16 cubic inches) per hour.

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