Years ago, Foster + Partners designed a four-person lunar base, which used 3D printing technology to print a protective layer of locally-sourced lunar soil over an inflatable dome. The shell, which had a hollow closed cellular structure inspired by natural biological systems, protects potential inhabitants from meteorites, gamma radiation and high temperature fluctuations. AI SpaceFactory’s technology uses lunar and Martian materials as the feedstock for robotically 3D printed buildings and infrastructure. The use of in-situ resources coupled with autonomous construction allows them to build layered structures, safely and efficiently. You can watch the full interview with one of the co-founders here.