In order to address possible damage brought on by the harsh environment of the moon, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel bacteria-based method for repairing bricks used for lunar dwellings.
This creative method is a component of a larger plan to assist upcoming lunar missions, especially NASA’s Artemis program, which seeks to place humans on the moon permanently.
Traditionally, materials from Earth would need to be transported in order to build dwellings on the moon.
But the IISc team has created a technique that uses “regolith,” or lunar soil, along with a soil bacterium known as Sporosarcina pasteurii.
This bacteria efficiently binds soil particles together to produce long-lasting structures that resemble bricks by converting calcium and urea into calcium carbonate crystals.This environmentally friendly method is a viable substitute for conventional cement.
The researchers recently investigated the difficulties presented by the harsh lunar environment, where temperatures can range sharply from 121°C to -133°C. Over time, such circumstances may cause bricks to break.
In order to solve this problem, the researchers created a method of repair that entails injecting a mixture of guar gum, S. pasteurii, and lunar soil simulant into man-made cracks in sintered bricks. After that, the bacteria create calcium carbonate, which fills in the fissures and strengthens the brick structure.
He stated, “At first, we were not sure if the bacteria would adhere to the sintered brick.” “However, we discovered that they adhered well to the pre-existing brick mass in addition to solidifying the slurry.” The reinforced bricks withstood temperatures ranging from 100°C to 175°C, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
As part of India’s Gaganyaan mission, the research team is currently drafting a proposal to launch S. pasteurii samples into space.
The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the behavior of the bacteria in microgravity, which may yield important information for upcoming extraterrestrial building initiatives.
This creative application of bacteria in building materials marks a substantial development in space exploration technology as humanity strives to create a sustainable presence on the moon and beyond. More ambitious lunar and Martian colonization initiatives could be made possible by the ability to strengthen and repair structures on-site, extending their lifespan and lowering their dependency on supplies from Earth.
