Humanity returns to the Moon
– this time to stay.
As Lunar missions expand, reliable infrastructure for astronaut safety and research is crucial. Transporting materials from Earth remains extremely costly (600,000–1,200,000€ per kilogram). This makes In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) essential for a sustainable presence on the Moon.
2024
First fibres from Lunar regolith
Successful conclusion of the ESA BIC project, demonstrating that a miniaturized fibre spinning machine can produce fibres from Lunar regolith.
2025–2026
ESA Accelerator Phase 2
→ Abstract “MoonFibre: Enabling Lunar Autonomy Through In-Situ Fibre Manufacturing” to be presented at the Space Resources Conference (Texas A&M, April 2026).
2027
Launch-ready demonstrator
Develop an autonomous fibre manufacturing system on the Moon (ESA BSGN), using local regolith and energy.
2032
First spinning on the Moon
Planned demonstration of fibre production directly on the lunar surface to validate the MoonFibre technology in real conditions.
MoonFibre
MoonFibre is a pioneering project developed together with the European Space Agency (ESA) to produce fibres directly from Lunar regolith – the dust and rock covering the Moon’s surface. MoonFibre will be an essential piece of the materials mix on the Moon:
- 26× higher strength compared to bricks made from Lunar rock or 3D-printed regolith
- 100× higher surface area than bricks, ideal for filtration and dust prevention
- Potential to reduce dust by up to 100% in landing and construction zones
MoonFibre paves the way for self-sustaining lunar infrastructure by transforming local regolith into strong, versatile fibres. MoonFibre serves as a reinforcing construction material, forms dust control mats, and provides a substrate for hydroponic plant growth systems. By enabling local production, MoonFibre reduces launch costs and supports a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Landing pads and roads
Dust is a central challenge on the Moon due to the absence of humidity and the space environment grinding down the particles of the surface. MoonFibre will be used for landing pads and roads preventing dust plumes.
Left: Rock falling on Lunar dust | Right: Rock falling on MoonFibre pad.
Videos by Frank Koch
Hydroponic growth substrate
MoonFibre pads provide a substrate that efficiently distributes water and nutrients, making hydroponic plant growth highly effective. MoonFibre enables reliable food production and life-support experiments under Lunar conditions.
Images by DLR (German Aerospace Center)
We have tested multiple Lunar regolith simulant types and produce simulant fibres for research and development, including Moon base construction studies. Specific combinations are produced on request to simulate landing zones and evaluate expected mechanical properties.
We have tested multiple Lunar regolith simulant types and produce simulant fibres for research and development, including Moon base construction studies. Specific combinations are produced on request to simulate landing zones and evaluate expected mechanical properties.
