NASA plans lunar homes using 3D-printing robots in Project Olympus

NASA plans to build homes on the Moon using giant 3D-printing robots as part of Project Olympus. This initiative will utilize lunar rock for construction, reducing the need to transport materials from Earth. The project is backed by a $60 million NASA contract awarded to Texas-based company Icon. Icon previously created a simulated Martian habitat for NASA and aims to support the Artemis mission, which seeks to establish a human presence on the Moon. The company is also designing landing pads and other structures for lunar habitation. NASA's Artemis program has faced delays, with the crewed lunar landing now expected no earlier than mid-2027. The Artemis II test flight has been pushed to April 2026, primarily due to ongoing work on the Orion capsule's heat shield.