ИСТИНА

Currently, after a long pause, the process of studying and exploration of the Moon on the basis of new technologies has been re-launched. The issue of creating a lunar infrastructure for conducting experiments directly on the lunar surface is being actively discussed, including using natural material – lunar soil for construction, which will make it possible to abandon the delivery of massive cargo from Earth. Now the cost of delivering one kilo- gram by a heavy rocket is $50,000–$70,000. By now, there are already a number of works dedicated to creating samples of various shapes from a lunar regolith simulator using additive technologies in ground conditions. However, the feasibility of this approach has not yet been proven. In this report, the concept of experiment with Lunar Printer is presented, which objective is producing of testing mechanical details from lunar regolith in situ. The proposed manufacturing method, as based on the Selective Laser Melting, is considered. The advancing laboratory experiments with lunar regolith simulants are discussed, which are necessary to perform before development of space instrument with Lunar Printer for future robotic mission for lunar samples return. Parts made from lunar regolith will also be returned by this mission to study their mechanical properties on Earth.