Abstract
Microwave processing of lunar regolith presents a promising approach for in-situ construction on the Moon, reducing the need for terrestrial material transport. This study investigates the dielectric behavior of a lunar reg-olith simulant as a function of temperature, with particular focus on its suitabil-ity for microwave-induced melting. Results show a significant increase in both dielectric constant and loss factor with temperature, especially beyond the glass transition (~650 °C) and melting point (~990 °C), where molecular and ionic mobility markedly enhance microwave absorption. These findings suggest a self-reinforcing heating effect that can improve energy efficiency and process speed. This knowledge has important implications for the design of microwave reactors capable of operating under lunar conditions, offering a potential solution for sustainable, on-site fabrication of structural materials for extraterrestrial habitats.