“Being in Earth’s orbit is a lot easier knowing that when things go wrong, we can make repairs and return safely. “The moon has a very thin atmosphere, so there are steep temperature changes, from around minus 387 degrees Fahrenheit to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. His virtual lunar welding platform simulates the welding process and welding-joint mechanical properties with a multiple-physics modeling approach. Among the equipment he is using is a custom-built, directed energy deposition machine, a technology typically used for additive manufacturing of metals. He said the model could be developed further for other space environments, including Mars and the International Space Station.