NASA has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to build glass bubbles on the moon for astronauts to live in, using lunar dust to create self-healing, transparent habitats.

In a move that could forever change the future of space exploration, NASA is revealing plans for astronauts to live on the moon—inside colossal glass bubbles made from lunar dust.

The groundbreaking initiative, which aims to establish long-term human presence on Earth’s closest neighbor, is already in the early stages of development and has the potential to reshape how we think about living beyond our planet.

The vision involves creating livable spheres on the moon’s surface, constructed from the very materials found there.

Using lunar regolith—the moon’s rocky, dust-like soil—scientists and engineers are exploring a method of turning this barren material into strong, self-healing glass structures.

These transparent bubbles, which would house astronauts in a hostile environment, are being designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, offering not only protection but a sense of familiarity and comfort for those who may one day call the moon home.

At the heart of this ambitious plan is a revolutionary approach to construction. Instead of hauling materials from Earth—a costly and time-consuming process—the project would utilize the moon’s own resources.

The glass bubbles would be “grown” on-site, using a process that involves melting tiny particles of lunar dust in a high-tech microwave furnace.

This furnace, specially designed to work in the moon’s low-gravity, will heat the regolith to the point where it can be blown into a large spherical shape, creating a protective shell.

The project is spearheaded by Skyeports, a space engineering company focused on developing innovative technologies for lunar and Martian exploration. The company’s CEO, Dr. Martin Bermudez, is a former architect with a deep passion for the possibilities of space habitats.

Inspired by the chemical properties of lunar dust, which contains up to 60% silica—a key ingredient in glass—he contacted NASA with his concept of lunar glass habitats just two years ago. The response was swift and positive.

“We knew right away this could be something huge,” Bermudez said in an interview. “Instead of bringing materials from Earth, we could use the moon itself as a resource to build sustainable homes.

It’s all about in-situ construction—using what’s already there, making the most of the environment we’re working in.”

The ultimate goal is to create enormous spherical domes, each spanning between 1,000 and 1,600 feet in diameter, where astronauts could live and work. These domes would be far larger than any structure humans have ever built in space.

But it’s not just about size. These glass bubbles are being designed to be self-healing—able to repair themselves if damaged by micrometeorites or “moonquakes”—the tremors caused by the moon’s seismic activity.

The glass itself will be made stronger than steel, using a mix of lunar dust, metals like titanium, magnesium, and calcium, and polymers that can reorganize themselves in the event of a crack or breach.

The concept is revolutionary not only because of its self-healing properties but because of the material’s transparency.

The idea is that astronauts, often isolated from Earth and cut off from nature, could benefit from having a view of the moon’s stark, beautiful landscape through the walls of their habitat.

“We know how important mental health is for astronauts,” Bermudez said. “Being in a tiny, windowless capsule can lead to feelings of isolation.

But by using glass, we give astronauts a sense of space. They can look out, see the stars, and stay connected with the outside world. It’s more than just a roof over their heads—it’s about creating a living space that supports both their physical and mental well-being.”

In addition to providing shelter, these glass habitats could also support long-term sustainability. The design includes a system for creating a mini-ecosystem inside the bubbles, with layers of glass that could maintain different temperatures—one side warmer, the other cooler.

This temperature gradient could help generate condensation, which could, in turn, be used to grow plants and vegetables.

In a moon-based colony, this kind of closed-loop system would be essential, providing oxygen, food, and moisture without needing constant resupply from Earth.

Electricity would be generated via solar panels fitted to the domes, taking advantage of the moon’s constant exposure to sunlight during its two-week lunar day.

NASA hopes to develop a habitat capable of generating enough energy to power itself and any additional systems required for a small lunar base.

But this is only the beginning. Dr. Bermudez envisions a future where multiple glass spheres are connected by transparent bridges, forming entire lunar villages. “We’re not just thinking about one habitat,” he said.

“The future of the moon could be cities—interconnected spheres, with communities living together in harmony. Who knows? Eventually, we could take this technology and use it in orbit around other planets.”

While the concept is still in the research phase, it is clear that the potential for large-scale human habitation on the moon is closer than ever.

NASA is funding this project through its NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, which funds high-risk, high-reward technologies that could transform aerospace exploration.

The use of lunar regolith for construction is particularly attractive because it sidesteps the enormous costs associated with transporting building materials from Earth.

Instead, the moon’s own dust, which has been considered little more than a nuisance for previous missions, becomes a valuable resource.

NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2027, is already racing against the clock.

The Artemis III mission is set to land astronauts on the moon, and the space agency is eager to ensure that the necessary infrastructure—habitats, power systems, and communication links—are in place for long-term exploration.

According to Dr. Clayton Turner, director of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, projects like Skyeports’ glass bubbles are integral to this effort.

“We are moving quickly,” Turner said. “The Artemis program is about more than just landing on the moon. It’s about creating a sustainable presence, and that means developing technologies that can support astronauts for months, years, and eventually decades.”

In the coming months, the team at Skyeports will continue testing their process for blowing glass from lunar dust. Early tests of small glass spheres have already been successful, but the real challenge will come when they scale up.

They plan to test their techniques in a thermal vacuum chamber in January before moving to a microgravity environment. And while the first glass bubble habitats are likely still years away, Bermudez is optimistic about the future.

“Some might call it science fiction,” he said with a smile, “but I call it the next chapter in human history. The moon is just the beginning. We’re dreaming big—because that’s the only way to get there.”

NASA’s ultimate goal, according to Turner, is to have a “village” on the moon by 2035—one where humans can live, work, and thrive.

If Skyeports’ glass bubbles can make that dream a reality, the moon could soon become a bustling outpost for humanity, opening the door to new possibilities in space exploration.

For now, the world waits to see if humans will not only visit the moon but live there—inside giant, shimmering glass spheres, watching the stars.