NASA Aims To Grow Fungus And Algae Homes For Astronauts On Moon

Humans may soon live in mushroom colonies on the Moon, built from fungus, algae, and water, provided NASA’s new plan is executed effectively.

The space agency aims to establish colonies on the Moon for human habitation and experimentation. These colonies are intended to serve as a launchpad for deeper space exploration, particularly missions to Mars.

Fungus Provides Cost-Effective Moon Housing

NASA faces challenges in constructing these structures, as transporting bricks and steel to the Moon may be impractical. Even if materials could be sent, their ability to endure the lunar environment is uncertain. Additionally, the cost of sending just one pound of material to the Moon is an astounding one million dollars.

This is where fungus becomes crucial in the plans for human settlement, as it is anticipated to be both cost-effective and resilient for construction on the Moon.

According to Al Jazeera, NASA plans to utilize mycotecture, a technique that employs fungal spores and algae, to grow structures in space rather than traditional construction methods.

NASA is working with various partners to turn this vision into reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, which is collaborating with the space agency, shared with Al Jazeera that, “You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?”

The solution involves using lunar soil, water, and mold, which will be transported to the Moon in sealed, inflatable containers. When the fungal spores are mixed with algae and water, they will begin to grow into habitable structures, creating ideal living spaces for humans.

Mushroom Buildings Could Protect Astronauts in Space

Experts suggest that these mushroom buildings will safeguard astronauts from hazardous space conditions, including harmful radiation and micrometeorite impacts.

Maurer states that radiation is the main reason humanity has not returned to the Moon since the historic Apollo missions.

He asserts that fungus-based structures will be a game-changer in humanity’s efforts to return to the Moon and explore further into space. Just eight centimeters of this material can block over 99 percent of radiation, while it takes ten feet of lunar dust to achieve the same level of protection.

As the initial step, NASA plans to test small-scale models on the Moon by 2028. The agency aims to construct bases on the Moon that astronauts can use as stepping stones for their journey to Mars. Similar mushroom structures will also be developed on Mars, providing safe habitats for humans.

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