Photos taken using a microscope reveal the colorful, kaleidoscope-like crystal structure of a new NASA-made material that could be used for manufacturing during future space missions. Developed at NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the material could be created directly on the Moon or Mars, allowing NASA to pack fewer supplies \u2014 saving weight and reducing launch costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To make the material, research chemical engineer Allison Christy and her team of summer interns at NASA Glenn \u2014 Tyler Klinchuch, Ethan Bilodeau, and Emma Levenson \u2014 mixed a special plastic with simulated Moon and Mars dust. This plastic is biodegradable and could be produced by bacteria fed with crew waste or carbon dioxide.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plastic literally grows within the bacteria\u2019s little bodies,\u201d Christy said. \u201cIt\u2019s really cool.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The team found that incorporating simulated lunar and Martian dust particles into this plastic made it stronger and easier to process. Adding different types and amounts of dust allowed them to adjust the material\u2019s properties. The gray image shows sample material manufactured using mock Moon dust, while the reddish image shows material made with mock Mars dust.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The material could be used to manufacture equipment used inside future Moon or Mars habitats, like structural brackets, wrenches, or chairs. By potentially enabling on\u2011demand, fully recyclable fabrication with lunar surface material, this could help advance NASA\u2019s objective of a permanent Moon Base by reducing resupply needs and empowering crews to build and repair essential equipment on-site.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t just bring everything with you to the Moon or Mars,\u201d Christy said. \u201cIf something breaks, you have to find a way to fix it with what you have. This is a very versatile material, which is a huge benefit.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Going forward, the team hopes to analyze whether this material could also be used outside in the harsh environments of the lunar or Martian surfaces.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n