A review on design and construction of the lunar launch/landing infrastructure

Abstract

With advances in automated construction and deeper Moon exploration missions, the concept of “building a house on the moon” is becoming increasingly feasible. The launch/landing (LL) infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of landers and astronauts and should be prioritized for construction. Initially, this review explores the variety of designs used at existing LL sites, analyzing the logic and unique features of each design. It then outlines three main construction methods for landing pads, from material production to basic construction processes. The review also covers experiments related to LL pads, including material, component, and construction testing. Finally, current challenges and future directions for the development of lunar LL infrastructure are discussed, and 3D-printed biomimetic structures are highlighted as a particularly promising option.