
Complex parts made using regolith (moon dust)
The key to sustainably living on the moon is being able to manufacture the necessary structures and spares in situ and on-demand. This avoids the cost, volume, and up-mass constraints that would prohibit a successful launch with everything needed for long-duration missions on the moon.
In terms of meeting the demand for parts with highly complex geometries and high accuracy, ceramic stereolithography is a revolutionary manufacturing technology. Considering the high resolution and the relative density of specimens, the feasibility of fabricating highly accurate, small and intricate porous regolith parts such as catalysts, filters etc. will allow for a significant breakthrough in enabling long-duration human space exploration.