The world is still celebrating thehistoric landingof Chinas Change-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3.
Colonizing the Moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration.
But how close is China to actually achieving this goal?
If we focus on the technology currently available, China could start building a base on the Moon today.
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Seeds taken to the Moon by the Change-4 missionhave now reportedly sprouted.
Building a lunar base is no different than building the first oil rig out in the ocean.
China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface.
3D printing on Earth has revolutionized manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing both waste and cost.
Chinas vision is to develop the capability to 3D print both inside and outside of the lunar base.
But 3D printing in space is a real challenge.
It will require new technologies that can operate in the micro gravity environment of the Moon.
3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed.
So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the Moon.
So the development of printing material is crucial.
Step-by-step, researchers are finding and developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge.
NASA alsodemonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravityshowing it is feasible to 3D print in space.
On a larger scale we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth.
NASAs Habitat Challenge: Team Gamma showing their habitat design.
What happens if the astronauts get sick?
Will medicine from Earth still work?
If astronauts are to live on the Moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered.
Russia recently demonstrated thefirst 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity.
To infinity and beyond
Can China build a lunar base?
Can human beings survive on the Moon and other planets for the long term?
The answer to that is less clear.
This article has been updated.
