If humans want to colonize Mars, we’re going to need habitats that will transmit light, block harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays, and maintain a survivable temperature and atmospheric pressure. Now, new research suggests that biomaterials can accomplish all three.
In a new study, researchers raised algae in bioplastic habitats that successfully shielded the photo-synthesizers from a Mars-like exterior environment.
“No study has ever grown plants or algae under extraterrestrial conditions in a biomaterial habitat before,” says study lead author Robin Wordsworth, a professor of environmental science and engineering and earth and planetary sciences at Harvard Univ. It took several tries to get the habitat right, Wordsworth adds.
“As is often the case, it turned out that our initial approach was too complex, and in the end, we landed on a surprisingly simple design,” he says.
The problem with building on Mars — or any other rocky body in the solar system — is that there are no fossil fuels and few raw...
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