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 establishing a human settlement on the Red Planet is the lack of resources and infrastructure. However, a recent study has found that a soil bacterium discovered in Bengaluru could play a crucial role in building structures on Mars. The research, conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IISER-Kolkata, and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has shown that microbes can bind Martian soil into strong bricks, reducing the need to transport construction materials from Earth.
The study, published in PLOS One, highlights the potential of using microorganisms to create building materials on Mars. The researchers used a soil bacterium called Sporosarcina pasteurii, which is commonly found in Bengaluru soil, to bind Martian soil simulant into strong bricks. The Martian soil simulant is a mixture of soil and other materials that mimics the properties of Martian soil.
The researchers found that the bacterium was able to produce calcite, a mineral that acts as a natural cement, which bound the Martian soil simulant into a strong and stable brick. The bricks produced were found to have a compressive strength of up to 10 MPa, which is comparable to that of regular concrete.
The use of microbes to create building materials on Mars has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the need to transport construction materials from Earth, which is a costly and logistically challenging task. Secondly, it uses local resources, which are abundant on Mars, to create building materials. This approach is known as “in-situ resource utilization” (ISRU), which is a key concept in space exploration.
The study also highlights the potential of using microbes to create other types of building materials on Mars, such as concrete and mortar. The researchers believe that this approach could be used to build a range of structures on Mars, from habitats and life support systems to radiation shelters and landing pads.
The discovery of the Bengaluru soil bacterium’s ability to bind Martian soil into strong bricks has significant implications for future Mars missions. NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024 and establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface, is also planning to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. The use of microbes to create building materials on Mars could play a crucial role in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Red Planet.
The researchers involved in the study believe that this approach could also have applications on Earth. The use of microbes to create building materials could provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials. The production of cement, for example, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of microbes to create cement could help reduce these emissions.
In conclusion, the discovery of the Bengaluru soil bacterium’s ability to bind Martian soil into strong bricks is a significant breakthrough in the field of space exploration. The use of microbes to create building materials on Mars has the potential to revolutionize the way we establish a human presence on the Red Planet. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of using microbes to create building materials, we may soon see the construction of habitats and other structures on Mars using local resources and microorganisms.
The study is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Indian researchers, who are making significant contributions to the field of space exploration. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in space, we may soon see the establishment of a sustainable human presence on Mars, thanks in part to the humble Bengaluru soil bacterium.
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