MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The first artificial object on the Moon's surface may become a stone made of the Moon soil using a focused beam of sunlight. Artificial stone-made objects will be able to perform a function of a navigation system.
"Before the end of 2018 we should work out and produce an operating prototype of a robotic system for 3D printing of objects from the rock materials on the Moon," the press service's statement read.
In June, the Central Research Institute of Machine Building TsNIIMash announced elaboration of a project of a Moon base that would eventually hold up to 12 people. Russian engineers plan to launch the construction of a Moon base before 2035.