$2 Million Award for Groundbreaking “Mycotecture Off-Planet” Project
NASA has awarded $2 million to the “Mycotecture Off-Planet” project, aiming to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. Led by researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center, the project explores using fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space missions.
Revolutionary habitat construction
The concept involves a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi, which can be activated by adding water. This activation allows the fungi to grow around a framework, forming a fully functional habitat. This innovative approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth.
“As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn’t yet exist,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA’s space technology team and the NIAC program unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible possible.”
Proof-of-concept and testing
The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste, and wood chips. These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator, and the team has drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat.
Self-sustaining ecosystem
Beyond providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. Cyanobacteria use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for astronauts.
“Mycotecture Off-Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions,” said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. “As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life.”
Implications for Earth and Beyond
This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth. The innovative use of fungi for construction represents a significant step forward in creating sustainable habitats both in space and on our home planet.