NASA is actively exploring the possibility of creating living structures for future space colonies. Previously, scientists suggested using local building materials, or simply hiding in caves. A new study suggests building Martian dwellings based on mushrooms. This concept, known as “mycotecture,” could be the basis for construction on the Moon and Mars. The main advantage of the approach is a significant reduction in the cost of delivering building materials to space, because transportation of conventional materials is extremely expensive.
Researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center awarded a $2 million contract to further develop the concept. Architect Chris Maurer said the use of fungal spores combined with local resources such as water and lunar regolith could provide a cheap and quick alternative to conventional building materials. Mushroom houses have the potential to effectively shield against cosmic radiation and insulate against extreme temperatures.
The process of building the habitable modules will begin with the delivery of a special package to the surface of the Moon. This package will contain a base that, after deployment, is inflated and filled with a mixture of fungal spores, algae, and water. This mixture quickly solidifies to form a strong shell that becomes the new living space.
The first experiments on Earth have shown the promise of this approach, but unpredictable difficulties may arise in a space environment. NASA plans to test the concept in 2028 during the launch of the commercial Starlab space station.
Scientists continue to study structural strength, insulating properties, and the ability of fungi to grow in space. If the experiments are successful, future colonies on the Moon and Mars may actually “grow like mushrooms.”
We previously reported on how bacteria could help colonize the Moon and Mars.
According to aljazeera.com
