Scientists have invented a new type of “cosmic concrete” made from extraterrestrial dust that can be used to build habitats on the Moon and Mars. More than 50 years after the first humans set foot on Mars, humanity is gearing up to take the next big step in space exploration. The Moon and eventually Mars are intended to be the first destinations for human habitation. However, new materials are needed for the construction of these residential areas. For this purpose, a new material called “cosmic concrete” and called StarCrete was developed.
To build habitats on the Moon or Mars, a construction method must be found with materials found there. Therefore, shipping infrastructure materials from Earth to the Moon or Mars can incur very high costs. That’s why scientists are testing various materials for the construction of such habitats on Mars. A team at the University of Manchester has announced that they have developed a new “cosmic concrete” made up of extraterrestrial dust.
Twice More Durable than Ordinary Concrete
The material, called StarCrete, is said to be twice as durable as ordinary concrete and will eliminate the need to transport expensive construction materials to extraterrestrial locations. For StarCrete, the researchers used simulated Mars dust, potato starch and salt. According to calculations, a 25-pound bag of potatoes contains enough starch to produce about half a ton of StarCrete (213 bricks). It is also stated that the salt needed to strengthen the material can be obtained from magnesium chloride, which is abundant on Mars. The researchers note that very little salt is needed to increase StarCrete’s strength, and they suggest that even an astronaut’s tears may be enough.
In tests, StarCrete was found to have a strength of 72 Megapascal (MPa). It is stated that ordinary concrete has a strength of 32 MPa. Also, if Moon dust is used instead of simulated Mars dust, StarCrete’s strength increases to 91 MPa.
The environmental friendliness of StarCrete is an important advantage in that it has the potential to reduce the impact of the materials used in the production of concrete and cement on CO2 emissions worldwide. In addition, the extraterrestrial use of the material can contribute to the transportation of construction materials from Earth to space and to reduce the high costs incurred in this process. The team continues to experiment to increase StarCrete’s strength, aiming to further facilitate the use of this material in future space construction projects.
