NASA · Space

NASA Develops New Material for In-Situ Manufacturing on Moon and Mars

NASA has developed a novel material that could be manufactured directly on the Moon or Mars, potentially reducing the need to transport supplies and lowering launch costs for future space missions.

The material is created by mixing a biodegradable plastic, which can be produced by bacteria using crew waste or carbon dioxide, with simulated lunar or Martian dust. Researchers found that incorporating this dust strengthens the plastic and allows for adjustable material properties.

This new material could be used to fabricate items within future habitats on the Moon or Mars, such as structural brackets, tools, or furniture. The ability to create and recycle materials on-site aligns with NASA's goal of establishing a permanent Moon base by minimizing resupply requirements and enabling crews to build and repair equipment.

Future research will investigate the material's suitability for use in the harsh external environments of the lunar and Martian surfaces. It is currently undergoing testing in extreme temperatures and will be exposed to space conditions on the upcoming MISSE-23 mission.

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