Ubiquitous across the lunar surface; depths typically 2-15 m
The Moon's structural building material. ICON's Project Olympus is developing Laser Vitreous Multi-material Transformation — high-powered lasers melt regolith into ceramic-like structures suitable for landing pads, radiation shields, and habitat shells. NASA awarded ICON a $57.2M contract for the technology. Demonstration mission targeted for 2026-2027 at the lunar south pole.
Sintering and 3D-printing demos at Earth gravity tell us little about lunar gravity (1/6 g) and vacuum behavior. Regolith dust is electrostatically charged, mechanically abrasive, and a known degradation risk for seals, optics, and crew lungs (per Apollo crew reports). ICON's Olympus demo NET 2026-2027 will be first in-situ proof.