Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), have developed a concept for "space-bricks," which they hope might one day be used to create human communities on Mars.
Last week, on April 14, they published the study, "Microbial induced calcite precipitation can consolidate martian and lunar regolith simulants," in the PLoS ONE journal,
The researchers detailed how scientists produced this new possible building component and put forward their own proof-of-principle prototype to support the effort.
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How Mars "Space-Bricks" Work
The researchers developed a simulated version because there is no true Martian soil on Earth right now. However, according to the researchers, this Martian soil simulant is nearly comparable to its real-world equivalent, microorganisms, which enabled the team to excavate a sticky compound called biopolymer from its secretions and calcium carbonate crystals from the urea conversion.
"Martian soil contains a lot of iron, which causes toxicity to organisms. In the beginning, our bacteria did not grow at all. Adding nickel chloride was the key step in making the soil hospitable to the bacteria," explains Kumar per Eurekalert.
The scientists molded the final microbial cement-like goop into actual building blocks so that it could be used to create a more modern construction.
Specifically, BBC's Newsround said the scientists blended this 'Martian' soil with Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria and urea, a chemical compound. The bacterium converts urea to calcium carbonate crystals, which function as a cement to hold soil particles together.
Using bacteria to build settlements on Mars, Space bricks developed from Martian soil simulant using slurry-casting method. Credit: Nitin Gupta In collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization ... https://t.co/Z3nXy7Qaet pic.twitter.com/6US5sa9Xkz
— Copernical.com (@Copernical) April 20, 2022
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The researchers noticed this "space brick" construction method to limit the risk of holes, or porosity, in the Martian soil, which is a key concern when using a real Martian soil.
Kumar further explained in the same Eurekalert report that the bacteria enter deep into the pore spaces. The researcher added that these factors bind the particles together with their own protein, later reducing porosity and resulting in stronger bricks.
More Tests Needed
The finished product may be molded into various forms, including hollow structures. The experts feel it is strong enough to construct based on their tests.
More study is needed to determine whether the bricks will be able to perform their function once they get on Mars.
The researchers will investigate how the strength of the bricks might be affected by Mars' atmosphere, which is substantially different from Earth's, and the planet's low gravity.
The crew has constructed a laboratory that simulates the atmospheric conditions on Mars, which will aid in further testing.
Researchers have previously used a similar process to make bricks from lunar dirt. On the other hand, the earlier process could only make cylindrical bricks, but the present slurry-casting approach can make bricks of all shapes and sizes.
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