Modular Construction for Lunar Infrastructure Using Fibre-Reinforced Composites

Abstract

After establishing a lunar settlement, developing resilient infrastructure becomes essential. Transporting prefabricated materials from Earth is costly and logistically challenging, making lunar regolith a promising in situ alternative. Its natural properties support durable, protective construction suited to harsh lunar conditions. This study examines fibre-reinforced composites using LHS-1 and EAC-1 regolith simulants, combining fibre tensile strength with a regolith matrix to improve load-bearing performance. Inspired by textile-reinforced concrete on Earth, this approach enhances tensile capacity and durability compared to unreinforced regolith. Modular components—blocks, panels, structural elements—enable scalable, efficient assembly, supporting adaptable, long-term lunar infrastructure.

Authors 4

1. Linda Cortés-Satizábal Aachen Institut für Textiltechnik

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Deniz Yesilyurt Aachen Institut für Textiltechnik

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Kira Heins Aachen Institut für Textiltechnik

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Thomas Gries Aachen Institut für Textiltechnik

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany