Titles for Space Research Articles are Getting Stranger as NASA Breaks Boundaries
The boundaries of space research are being pushed by NASA and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Bits and Atoms as they collaborate to build homes made from living organisms in outer space. Surprisingly, these researchers claim that these homes are even stronger than concrete!
Unconventional methods are required for the most ambitious projects, and building mushroom homes could be the key to establishing human settlements on the Moon and Mars. The technology used to grow these homes in space could also be repurposed for sustainable housing on Earth. In this article, we will explore MIT’s plans to build mushroom houses on other planets, as well as other innovative uses of fungus such as self-repairing clothes and biodegradable computer chips.
How to Build Mushroom Houses in Space
A collaboration between American architecture firm Red House, NASA, and MIT is working on creating fungus homes for outer space. The project utilizes the unique properties of mycelium mushroom and waste biomass from Namibia’s “encroacher bush.” The mycelium acts as a glue, binding substrates together, and the waste biomass supports its growth. However, growing mycelium in space is more challenging because there is no surface for it to grow on.
Red House’s plan for growing mushroom homes in outer space involves an unmanned Mars mission carrying a folded shelter. Inside the shelter, there will be a sealed bag containing dehydrated algae and dormant mycelium. A Martian rover will inject carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water into the bag, rehydrating the algae and triggering a reaction that produces oxygen and nourishes the mycelium. The mycelium will then grow and fuse with the algae, forming concrete biomass in the intended shape of the shelter.
“In a dream scenario, it could be erected in a matter of hours or even minutes if you had the right kind of pressure pumping into it. Then, creating the solid, dry biomaterial that becomes insulating would ideally take four weeks,” said Christopher Maurer, the principal architect of Red House.
Maurer consulted with NASA’s planetary protection experts to ensure his technique would work for building mushroom homes. Their response was positive, stating, “It looks okay.”
Other Fascinating Mushroom Innovations
Researchers have been exploring the potential of mushrooms in various fields. For example, scientists from Newcastle University and Northumbria University have turned the Ganoderma lucidum fungus into clothing material. They have found that the material can self-heal with minimal intervention after a short recovery period.
Mycelium-based materials are already used in construction and textile manufacturing. However, production methods often kill chlamydospores, which are essential for the regeneration of fungi. To address this, researchers combined mycelium, proteins, chlamydospores, carbohydrates, and other nutrients in a liquid. This liquid encourages the growth of a detachable and dry “skin” that can repair itself. Although too delicate for garments, the researchers recommend combining layers or plasticizing them for added strength.
In another groundbreaking innovation, researchers from Johannes Kepler University transformed mycelium into computer chips. They injected Reishi spores into moist beech wood shavings, allowing them to grow a “skin layer.” This layer was then removed, dried, and compressed. Thin gold and copper layers were then applied to create circuit pathways. The resulting mushroom computer chips can be used as batteries, sensors, and Bluetooth communication modules. They are also biodegradable, making them safe to deposit in compost bins.
Conclusion
NASA and MIT’s plans to build mushroom homes in outer space are pushing the boundaries of space research. These homes, made from living organisms, could provide a practical solution for establishing human settlements on the Moon and Mars. The combination of mycelium and biomass creates a material stronger than concrete, making it a viable foundation for housing both on other planets and on Earth. The future of space exploration and innovation is truly awe-inspiring.
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