Last week, the LEGO Group shared a particular news that proved groundbreaking. In an exciting intersection of play and science, European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are leveraging the beloved LEGO bricks to design and test structures for astronauts on the Moon as part of the Artemis program. By creating 3D-printed LEGO Space Bricks from meteorite dust, they aim to solve the unique challenges of building in space.
An Innovative Approach to Using LEGO Space Bricks
The ESA team is exploring the feasibility of using space materials to create structures. These LEGO space bricks are made by 3D printing with meteorite dust, polylactide, and regolith simulant, resulting in the innovative ESA x LEGO Space Bricks. This project is crucial in determining whether such materials can be used on a larger scale for actual lunar structures.
From Earth to the Moon: The Science Behind LEGO Space Bricks
The primary material on the Moon’s surface is regolith, but due to its limited availability on Earth, the ESA team used meteorite dust. This meteorite, discovered in North-West Africa in 2000, is around 4.5 billion years old and contains various elements such as metal grains and chondrules, making it ideal for their experiments.
The 3D Printing Process
The process involves grinding the meteorite into dust, mixing it with polylactide and regolith simulant, and then 3D printing it into bricks. Despite their rough appearance, these bricks retain the crucial “clutch power” of traditional LEGO bricks, enabling scientists to test different building techniques effectively.
Bridging Creative Play and Scientific Innovation
ESA Science Officer, Aidan Cowley, highlighted the importance of creative construction in this project. The idea was to explore whether space dust could be formed into LEGO space bricks to test building techniques. This innovative approach not only solves a practical problem but also demonstrates the potential of creative play in scientific advancements.
Inspiring Future Generations with LEGO Space Bricks
Educational and Inspirational Displays
To inspire the builders of tomorrow, 15 ESA LEGO Space Bricks will be on display in select LEGO Stores worldwide, including locations in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, and Australia, as well as the LEGO House in Billund, Denmark. These displays aim to ignite curiosity and encourage children to explore space and STEM fields.
LEGO’s Role in STEM Education
Daniel Meehan, Creative Lead at The LEGO Group, emphasizes the real-world impact of LEGO bricks beyond creative play. With 87% of Gen Alpha kids showing interest in space, the collaboration between ESA and LEGO showcases how play can lead to significant scientific contributions and inspire the next generation of explorers.
The Future of Space Travel and Construction
This project is a stepping stone toward the future of space travel. Building structures on the Moon with locally sourced materials will be crucial for long-term lunar missions. The success of the ESA Space Bricks project could pave the way for sustainable construction techniques not only on the Moon but potentially on Mars and beyond.
This latest scientific partnership between ESA and LEGO exemplifies how creative play can lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. As these LEGO Space Bricks go on display around the world, they will undoubtedly inspire countless young builders and future scientists to dream big and reach for the stars.
For more information about the ESA Space Bricks and to explore the exciting range of LEGO Space sets, you may visit LEGO.com/Space.
Launch imaginations with the LEGO® Alien Pack (40715), an out-of-this-world space toy for budding astronauts aged 7 and up. Packed with galaxies of play potential, the set includes 6 alien characters, 1 LEGO minifigure, and an awesome space vehicle. Space lovers can make friends with the extraterrestrials, who are decorated with new face and eye elements, before discovering the cool accessories. With a walkie-talkie, oxygen tank, and more, the intergalactic adventure never has to end.
