  Cylindrical specimens of Martian and Lunar regolith simulants were molded
using a salt water binder and sintered at various temperatures for comparing
microstructure, mechanical properties and shrinkage. Material microstructure
are reported using optical microscope and material testing is done using an MTS
universal testing machine. The experimental protocol was executed twice, once
using Mars global simulant (MGS-1), and once using Lunar mare simulant (LMS-1).
The specimens were fabricated via an injection molding method, designed to
replicate typical masonary units as well as the green stage of Binder Jet
Technique, an important additive manufacturing (AM) technique. Results show
that for both the Martian and Lunar regolith that the optimal sintering
temperature was somewhere between 1100 C and 1200 C. The compressive strength
for both the Martian and Lunar masonary samples, that received optimal
sintering conditions, was determined to be sufficient for construction of
extraterrestrial structures. The work demonstrates that both the Martian and
Lunar regolith show potential to be used as extra terrestrial masonary and as
parent material for extra terrestrial BJT additive manufacturing processes.
