Mohamad Bayat

Project title

Establishing the theoretical framework for large area printing of moon dust in vacuum using light sources · MOONPRINT

What is your project about?

MOONPRINT aims to establish the theoretical foundation for laser processing of lunar dust (regolith) under realistic lunar conditions. Today, we lack a fundamental understanding of how laser heating and melting behave in the Moon's extreme vacuum environment, where conventional models of heat and material transport may no longer apply. The project combines advanced in-situ imaging experiments under simulated lunar conditions, detailed characterization of processed materials, and state-of-the-art multiscale simulations. By uncovering the underlying physics of these processes, MOONPRINT will generate new knowledge about material processing in extreme environments and contribute to future technologies that can utilize local resources for manufacturing on the Moon.

How did you become interested in your particular field of research?

My interest in this field began during my PhD studies in 2017, when I worked with laser-based additive manufacturing. I quickly became fascinated by the complex physical processes that emerge when light, heat, and materials interact. At the same time, I realized that some of the most interesting phenomena remained poorly understood, particularly the role of material evaporation during laser processing. This sparked a curiosity to go beyond conventional descriptions and combine experiments with advanced multiphysics modelling. Over the years, that curiosity evolved into an ambition to establish an independent research direction focused on creating new fundamental knowledge of material processing under extreme conditions.

What are the scientific challenges and perspectives in your project?

The main scientific challenge is that we currently lack a fundamental understanding of how lasers interact with materials under the Moon's extreme vacuum conditions. The models commonly used to describe heat and material transport are not necessarily valid in such environments, and little is known about how material evaporation influences the melting process and the surrounding region. MOONPRINT combines advanced experiments and simulations to establish the first coherent understanding of these phenomena. Beyond enabling future manufacturing and construction on the Moon, the knowledge generated may also improve advanced production technologies on Earth, including 3D printing, vacuum welding, and laser-based surface engineering.

What is your estimate of the impact, which your project may have to society in the long term?

The project has the potential to create an unprecedented understanding of how lasers interact with materials under extreme vacuum conditions. This knowledge may lead to new theories and models for heat, mass, and material transport that cannot currently be described satisfactorily using existing approaches. Beyond providing the scientific foundation for future manufacturing on the Moon using local resources, the results could contribute to advances in a range of high-tech production processes on Earth.  

The project will also strengthen Denmark's position in advanced manufacturing, materials research, and space-related technologies while helping educate the next generation of researchers in a strategically important and rapidly growing field.

Which impact do you expect the Sapere Aude programme will have on your career as a researcher?

Being part of the Sapere Aude programme will be a defining step in my development as an independent research leader. The grant enables me to establish my own research direction, build a strong international network, and recruit and mentor young researchers. At the same time, it provides the opportunity to pursue ambitious scientific questions with the potential to generate groundbreaking results and publications in leading international journals. Sapere Aude will strengthen my international visibility and help create a lasting research environment in Denmark.