Dream Come True: NASA Plans 'Bubble City' Settlement on the Moon

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled a concept that has the potential to change the future of human life beyond Earth. Through the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, the agency plans to build a glass dome-shaped habitat on the Moon using lunar dust (regolith) as the main material .

This ambitious plan aims to create a sustainable and efficient long-term habitat without the need to transport heavy materials from Earth . Regolith, a mixture of dust, rock, and minerals on the lunar surface, would be melted and formed into giant glass bubbles strong enough to house astronauts, laboratories, and even small lunar communities.

The concept was developed by space engineering company Skyports , founded by Dr. Martin Bermudez. It leverages the high silicate content of lunar dust to build a transparent, self-contained environment .

" You 'll never be able to replicate Earth , but this is something pretty close . In fact , it could one day be implemented in orbit," said Dr. Bermudez.

The manufacturing process begins with collecting natural glass flakes from the regolith, then melting them using a smart microwave furnace, a device that functions like a microwave but is designed for the extreme conditions on the Moon.

The molten material is blown into a large, closed bubble that solidifies into a transparent, strong glass dome after cooling. Skyports has successfully demonstrated a miniaturized version of this technology, producing a glass sphere several inches in diameter.

The next goal is to scale up production to a 1,600-foot-diameter structure (about 487 meters), large enough to house astronauts permanently. To increase durability, lunar glass will be alloyed with metals such as titanium, magnesium, and calcium.

The material is even designed to repair itself using a special polymer that can seal cracks caused by micrometeorites or moonquakes . The spherical shape was chosen for its natural efficiency and strength in low gravity .

The interior of the dome will utilize 3D printing technology to create walls and furnishings using local materials from the Moon . Solar panels on the exterior will be the primary energy source, ensuring the residence remains environmentally friendly.

Some designs also propose temperature-graded glass layers, allowing for condensation and plant growth within the dome. This would not only create oxygen but also provide a fresh food source for the astronauts.

For NASA, the biggest advantage of on-site construction is cost and logistical efficiency . Transporting materials from Earth to the Moon is extremely expensive, making local resources a realistic long-term solution .

Dr. Bermudez envisions the creation of glass cities on the Moon, connected by transparent bridges, creating a network of futuristic habitats on the lunar surface.

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