Scientists from Potsdam have developed a technology to process lunar dust into “lunar glass” — a durable material capable of protecting solar panels on the Moon from radiation. This is especially important for perovskite panels, known for their high efficiency and light weight, but vulnerable to cosmic radiation levels more than 200 times higher than on Earth.
Until recently, lunar dust was a real problem, degrading equipment and spacesuits. While NASA successfully tested a system to prevent regolith from sticking on the Blue Ghost spacecraft, German researchers turned that challenge into a resource.
The novelty of the development is that all materials can be mined and processed directly on the Moon, without needing to deliver them from Earth. This can significantly reduce costs and simplify the construction of lunar bases.
