Kate Nuehring Su

As technology evolves for devices meant to enable construction in space, so must patent law to protect innovators' intellectual property rights.

Why are space agencies and the nations that run them so interested in Moon habitats? A renewable source of Helium-3 could lead to moon mining. Interlune is already patenting the technology.

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing patents are being filed for everything from human urine-bound bricks to radiation shielding for construction on the moon.

 A look at recent patent filings, including one for a 3D printing technology for construction in space by ICON, offers a glimpse into the future.