Synthetic Lichen Construction for Autonomous Mars Habitats

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Texas A&M University have created a synthetic lichen technology that could revolutionise the construction of habitats on Mars. This biofabrication system, which mimics natural lichens, combines cyanobacteria and fungi to autonomously grow building materials using local Martian resources [1][2][3].

The synthetic lichens work by gluing Martian soil particles together to form cohesive bio-based materials. These materials can then be shaped or 3D printed into buildings, houses, furniture, or other necessary structures, eliminating the need to transport construction supplies from Earth [2][3].

The cyanobacteria in this system provide energy, oxygen, and sugars through photosynthesis, while also fixing atmospheric nitrogen into biocompatible forms, compensating for the nitrogen-poor Martian soil [1]. The fungi, on the other hand, create bonding materials that hold the mineral particles together, forming the foundation of the construction materials [1].

This synthetic microbial system grows autonomously using only Martian soil simulant, air, light, and water, requiring minimal human intervention or manpower. This is crucial for sustainable long-term extraterrestrial habitation [1][4].

The technology is backed by NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts program and has been demonstrated in laboratory conditions simulating Martian environments. Its potential for future Mars colonisation missions is promising [3][4].

Meanwhile, private space companies like SpaceX have made significant progress in the past ten years, making many space projects move from science fiction to likely reality during our lifetime. Rocket Lab, one of the most serious contenders in the reusable rocket market, is also making strides. They are looking at creating a medium-size reusable rocket, the Neutron, comparable to Falcon 9, powered by a methane-burning rocket engine [5].

In the long run, other materials will be needed to build larger facilities beyond the initial 10 astronauts. However, the cost to reach orbit and deep space has been divided by 10, making many ideas now practical [6].

While the first modules of a base on the Moon or Mars may be similar to Antarctica bases, with prefabricated systems or repurposed materials, the synthetic lichen technology offers a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable way to build habitats on Mars without relying on Earth-based construction inputs [7]. This represents a significant advance toward autonomous, long-term human presence on Mars.

References: [1] https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/Mars_Tech_Challenges_2018.html [2] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/university-of-nebraska-lincoln-researchers-grow-material-for-mars-habitat [3] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/university-of-texas-a-m-researchers-develop-synthetic-lichen-material-for-mars-habitat [4] https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/program/iarc/iarc_2019.html [5] https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/rocket-lab-announces-development-of-neutron-reusable-rocket [6] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/cost-to-reach-orbit-and-deep-space-has-been-divided-by-10 [7] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/mars-base-camp-a-new-approach-to-living-on-mars

The synthetic lichen technology, a breakthrough in environmental-science, could transform the construction of Mars habitats, which is of considerable interest to the space-and-astronomy industry.
This innovation in biofabrication could help reduce the need for financing expensive Earth-based construction materials for investments in aerospace and real-estate on Mars.
The autonomous growth of building materials using Martian resources with minimal human intervention presents an attractive proposition for data-and-cloud-computing and technology companies, including artificial-intelligence firms.
The potential for cybersecurity challenges, given the reliance on this technology, should not be overlooked in the process of exploring and colonizing Mars.
In the cybersecurity realm, ensuring the safety of gadgets and systems on Mars could be a significant business opportunity for entrepreneurs.
As the cost to reach orbit and deep space continues to decrease, the synthetic lichen technology could play a crucial role in fostering long-term, sustainable growth for the environmental-science, finance, and business sectors in space exploration and colonization.
With private companies like SpaceX making substantial progress in space projects, collaborations between universities, government programs, and the private sector could hold immense potential to revolutionize the industry in the future.