NASA is collaborating with a California-based startup called Skyeports to develop innovative habitats for astronauts on the Moon, using a remarkable material sourced directly from the lunar surface: glass made from lunar dust. This ambitious project envisions futuristic, transparent cities of glass scattered across the Moon, softly glowing under Earth’s reflected light and providing safe, sustainable living environments for future lunar explorers.
At the heart of this initiative is the transformation of lunar regolith—the fine, powdery dust that blankets the Moon’s surface—into durable glass structures. Skyeports has pioneered a technique that uses microwave furnaces to melt the regolith, causing it to expand and form massive glass spheres. Once cooled, these spheres become hard, transparent shells capable of withstanding the harsh environmental conditions on the Moon. This method of construction relies entirely on materials sourced on the Moon, eliminating the need for expensive payloads transported from Earth, a critical factor in reducing costs and enabling scalability.
The design of these habitats as spherical glass modules is not just an aesthetic choice. The spherical shape distributes external pressure evenly, which is vital for withstanding the Moon’s extremes—such as micrometeorite impacts, temperature fluctuations, and lunar quakes. Furthermore, by incorporating elements like titanium, magnesium, and calcium into the glass mixture, Skyeports can create a material that is even stronger than steel, providing enhanced protection and durability for the inhabitants inside.
Inside these glass spheres, the vision extends well beyond mere shelter. The habitats are conceived as self-sustaining ecosystems. The transparent glass not only allows natural light to enter but is also equipped with solar panels embedded into the surface to generate energy independently. The internal environment can be engineered with temperature gradients that encourage condensation, supporting the growth of plants. These plants could contribute to oxygen production, water recycling, and food supply, effectively creating closed-loop life support systems. This approach aims to make each habitat largely independent, reducing reliance on Earth-supplied resources.
Another exciting aspect of Skyeports’ concept is the use of in-situ manufacturing. The same pipes that deliver molten glass to form the spheres would double as entrances into the habitats. Inside, 3D printers would utilize lunar materials to fabricate furniture, tools, and other necessary fittings, further minimizing the need for Earth-based shipments and enabling efficient, customized interior spaces.
Currently, Skyeports has developed small-scale prototypes of these glass spheres, measuring just a few inches in diameter. However, the company’s CEO, Dr. Martin Bermudez, envisions future habitats scaling up dramatically—to spheres as large as 1,640 feet across. His futuristic blueprint imagines entire lunar cities composed of these glass spheres, interconnected by transparent bridges, creating a network of luminous, resilient communities on the Moon’s surface.
This groundbreaking research is supported by NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program, which funds visionary projects designed to revolutionize space exploration and habitation. As NASA prepares to return humans to the Moon under the Artemis mission, identifying safe, sustainable habitats is a top priority. Skyeports’ approach addresses both challenges by leveraging local resources and advanced materials science, potentially accelerating humanity’s ability to establish permanent lunar settlements.
To validate their technology, Skyeports plans a series of rigorous tests. Initial experiments will involve melting lunar regolith simulants inside thermal vacuum chambers to replicate the Moon’s environment. Following these ground tests, the team intends to carry out parabolic flights to simulate microgravity conditions, assessing how the glassblowing process performs without Earth’s gravity. Eventually, more advanced trials are slated for the International Space Station, providing real space conditions to refine the technique. If these steps prove successful, the company hopes to conduct experimental tests directly on the lunar surface within the next few years.
Beyond the immediate implications for space colonization, the innovation behind lunar glass habitats holds promise for sustainable architecture on Earth. The ability to create strong, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly structures from locally sourced materials aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact. If these glass spheres can protect humans from the Moon’s extreme conditions, similar principles could inspire a new generation of green buildings and urban design strategies here at home.
NASA’s partnership with Skyeports signals a pivotal moment in humanity’s journey from exploring outer space to building permanent homes beyond Earth. The fusion of cutting-edge science, creative engineering, and visionary design embodied in these glass habitats represents a tangible step toward realizing long-term life on the Moon. As research progresses, the prospect of living in luminous glass cities under the