Bengaluru soil bacteria could help build bricks on Mars: Study
The idea of building structures on Mars has long been a topic of interest for space agencies and researchers around the world. One of the major challenges in constructing buildings on the red planet is the lack of readily available construction materials. However, a recent study has shed light on a novel solution to this problem, and it comes from an unlikely source – a soil bacterium discovered in Bengaluru.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IISER-Kolkata, and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, found that a specific type of soil bacterium can be used to bind Martian soil into strong bricks. This breakthrough discovery has been published in the prestigious journal PLOS One and has significant implications for future Mars missions.
The researchers used a type of soil bacterium called Sporosarcina pasteurii, which is commonly found in soil and has the ability to produce calcite, a natural cement. When this bacterium is added to Martian soil, it can help bind the soil particles together, creating a strong and stable brick-like structure. This process, known as microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), has been studied extensively on Earth, but its application in a Martian context is a new and exciting development.
The study involved a series of experiments where the researchers simulated Martian soil conditions and added the Sporosarcina pasteurii bacterium to the soil. They then measured the strength and durability of the resulting bricks and found that they were surprisingly strong and resilient. The bricks were able to withstand significant compressive forces and showed minimal signs of degradation, making them a promising material for building structures on Mars.
One of the most significant advantages of using this method to build bricks on Mars is that it reduces the need to transport construction materials from Earth. Currently, transporting materials to Mars is a costly and logistically challenging process, and it would be much more efficient to use local resources to build structures. By using Martian soil and a soil bacterium, the researchers have demonstrated a novel and sustainable way to construct buildings on the red planet.
The study’s findings have significant implications for future Mars missions, particularly those that involve establishing permanent human settlements. Building structures on Mars will be essential for providing shelter and protection from the harsh Martian environment, and the use of local resources will be crucial for making these missions sustainable.
ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who was involved in the study, highlighted the importance of this research, stating that it has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach construction on Mars. “The use of microbial-induced calcite precipitation to bind Martian soil into strong bricks is a game-changer for Mars construction,” he said. “It’s a sustainable and efficient way to build structures on the red planet, and it could play a critical role in establishing permanent human settlements.”
The study’s lead author, a researcher from IISc, also emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating that it demonstrates the potential for using local resources to build structures on Mars. “Our research shows that Martian soil can be used to build strong and durable bricks, using a process that is both sustainable and efficient,” they said. “This has significant implications for future Mars missions and could pave the way for the establishment of permanent human settlements on the red planet.”
In conclusion, the discovery of a soil bacterium in Bengaluru that can help build bricks on Mars is a significant breakthrough in the field of space research. The study’s findings have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach construction on Mars, and it highlights the importance of using local resources to build sustainable and efficient structures. As we continue to explore the possibility of establishing permanent human settlements on Mars, this research will play a critical role in making those missions a success.
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