NASA’s Revolutionary Approach to Fungus-Based Habitats
When the words ‘house’ and ‘fungus’ appear in the same sentence, it usually spells trouble. However, NASA views this combination quite differently. The American space agency has recently allocated an additional $2 million to research the development of homes largely constructed from fungi.
Extraterrestrial Construction
These innovative homes are not intended to spring up on American soil, but rather on extraterrestrial worlds such as the Moon or Mars. Although it might sound like the premise of a science fiction or dubious horror film, it is anything but. For builders on the Moon or Mars, fungi can genuinely be a lifesaver.
The Problem with Traditional Construction Materials
As humanity prepares to live and work on the Moon or Mars, they will need living and working spaces. Launching traditional building materials like bricks, cement, and steel from Earth is not feasible due to their weight. Heavy materials require significant fuel to be transported, which translates to higher costs. Scientists have devised an innovative solution: construction materials made of fungi or their underground network of threads, known as mycelium.
How Does It Work?
The concept involves taking lightweight, collapsible frames shaped like bricks – or even parts of living spaces – and filling them with inactive fungi. These frames are then transported to the Moon. Once there, astronauts simply unfold the frames and add water. The water activates the fungi, which begin to grow around the frame. The result? A construction material and house primarily composed of fungi!
Fungi Instead of Turtles
“Currently, traditional designs for living spaces on Mars are inspired by turtles; we bring our homes with us,” explains researcher Lynn Rothschild. “It’s a reliable plan, albeit associated with high energy costs. Instead, we can use mycelium to grow these living spaces upon arrival on Mars.”
Keeping Fungi in Check
You might envision fungi taking over completely, but researchers have a plan to prevent this. Once the frame is filled with fungus and the material or habitat is complete, it is subjected to high heat. This kills the fungi, while the material they produced not only remains but actually becomes stronger.
Previous Research and Findings
Building with fungi is an intriguing concept that has already shown promise in practice. Previous research, funded by NASA, demonstrated the feasibility of creating furniture and building blocks largely made of fungi. Additionally, scientists tested how the materials would hold up in extraterrestrial environments and whether they could potentially protect astronauts from the harmful radiation they would face on the Moon or Mars.
Nasa Doubles Down on Fungus-Based Habitats
Encouraged by these findings, NASA has allocated an additional $2 million for this research project. With this funding, researchers can continue their work, bringing the possibility of fungus-based habitats for future astronauts even closer. “NASA is preparing to venture deeper into the cosmos than ever before, which requires new science and technology that doesn’t yet exist,” notes NASA administrator Bill Nelson. “This research is a stepping stone within our Artemis program, as we prepare to return to the Moon to live, learn, invent, and create, and then proceed to Mars and beyond.”
Potential Earthly Applications
For those who think that living in a house made of fungi is reserved solely for future astronauts, think again. Rothschild and her colleagues hope their work will eventually find applications here on Earth as well. They point out that the current building methods on Earth produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. With climate change accelerating and the demand for affordable housing increasing, alternative building methods are essential. “When designing for space, we are much freer to experiment with new ideas and materials than when designing for Earth,” Rothschild points out. “But once these prototypes are developed for other worlds, we can bring them back to Earth.” And who knows, a home filled with fungi might just become a blessing instead of a curse in the future.
