Work

Martian biolith: A bioinspired regolith composite for closed-loop extraterrestrial manufacturing

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Given plans to revisit the lunar surface by the late 2020s and to take a crewed mission to Mars by the late 2030s, critical technologies must mature. In missions of extended duration, in situ resource utilization is necessary to both maximize scientific returns and minimize costs. While this present a significantly more complex challenge in the resource-starved environment of Mars, it is similar to the increasing need to develop resource-efficient and zero-waste ecosystems on Earth. Here, we make use of recent advances in the field of bioinspired chitinous manufacturing to develop a manufacturing technology to be used within the context of a minimal, artificial ecosystem that supports humans in a Martian environment.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238606

Authors: Ng Shiwei, Stylianos Dritsas, Javier G. Fernandez

Institution: Singapore University of Technology and Design

Language: English

Topic: Planetary Science and Exploration

Subfield: Space and Planetary Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,695