New Material Could Help NASA Melt Moon Rocks, Harness Lunar Resources
Researchers at NASA's Glenn Research Center have discovered a new material that could aid in melting Moon rocks for resource extraction. This material, formed from a combination of simulated lunar dust and scandium oxide, shows promising resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. The findings may influence future lunar missions and technology for utilizing lunar resources.
- ▪The new material was discovered by Dr. Kevin Yu and Dr. Jamesa Stokes during research at NASA's Glenn Research Center.
- ▪It can withstand high temperatures and is less prone to corrosion by molten Moon dust.
- ▪The material is lighter and better at insulating heat compared to current high-temperature coating materials.
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4 min readNew Material Could Help NASA Melt Moon Rocks, Harness Lunar ResourcesEllen BausbackEditor/WriterMay 22, 2026 Article Researchers Dr. Kevin Yu, left, and Dr. Jamesa Stokes prepare to remove a sample of a new material they discovered from a furnace inside a laboratory at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland in October 2024. Quenching, or bringing the temperature of the sample down as quickly as possible, helps to ensure no more reactions occur as the sample cools so scientists can focus on studying how it behaves at high temperatures. NASA/Jef Janis A material recently discovered and tested at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland could help astronauts pack lighter for future missions to the Moon.
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