The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently looking into the potential use of high tech 3D printing technology to build a livable base on the Moon's surface.

In collaboration with British architectural firm Foster and Partners, ESA recently released a new video that shows how the 3D printing concept might work.

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Foster and Partners was founded in 1967 by Norman Foster. It has built many well-known sustainable steel and glass buildings on Earth.

According to the video, ESA will send an unmanned shuttle to the Moon. The shuttle will be equipped with two four-wheeled autonomous robots that have the ability to 3D print objects. The robots will also collect soil from the lunar surface to construct the base.

The shuttle will carry an inflatable dome that will be used to cover and protect future inhabitants from the dangers of space such as solar radiation.

"3D printing offers a potential means of facilitating lunar settlement with reduced logistics from Earth." said Scott Hovland, a member of ESA's spaceflight team.

"The new possibilities this work opens up can then be considered by international space agencies as part of the current development of a common exploration strategy."

Reports claim the robot will be capable of building the base at a rate of 3.5 meters per hour.

It's not the first time 3D printing technology will be used in space. Two months ago, a 3D printer was sent to the International Space Station to assist astronauts in printing necessary tools.

Tagseuropean space agency, ESA, International Space Station, British, Foster and Partners, Norman Foster, 3D Print, Shuttle, moon, Base, 3D-printer, Earth, ESA Spaceflight Team