A space startup based in Port San Antonio is working on developing a lunar testing facility in Midland, as revealed in a LinkedIn post.
MARs Exploration and Energy, LLC announced that Dr. Donald Hooper, an advisor and planetary geologist with Astroport Space Technologies—a subsidiary of Exploration Architecture (XArc)—addressed the Midland chapter of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES) on October 16. He discussed planetary geology and the geotechnics involved in constructing lunar landing pads.
According to the post by MARs Exploration and Energy, "Astroport is planning to build a moon simulation/testing yard in Midland, and are excited about the abundance of geoscientists and engineers in our community. Those in attendance are sure to get even more insights into the plans that this visionary company holds for the future, for Midland, and for the Moon."
MARs Exploration and Energy post
| LinkedIn
Astroport Space Technologies is focused on using moon dust to manufacture durable feedstock for construction projects in space. The company's website indicates that it develops autonomous robotic equipment and processes for 3D construction printing of lunar surface infrastructure, with a primary focus on printing bricks for lunar landing pads.