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Martian biolith: A bioinspired regolith composite for closed-loop extraterrestrial manufacturing.

Authors :
Shiwei N
Dritsas S
Fernandez JG
Source :
PloS one [PLoS One] 2020 Sep 16; Vol. 15 (9), pp. e0238606. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Sep 16 (Print Publication: 2020).
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Given plans to revisit the lunar surface by the late 2020s and to take a crewed mission to Mars by the late 2030s, critical technologies must mature. In missions of extended duration, in situ resource utilization is necessary to both maximize scientific returns and minimize costs. While this present a significantly more complex challenge in the resource-starved environment of Mars, it is similar to the increasing need to develop resource-efficient and zero-waste ecosystems on Earth. Here, we make use of recent advances in the field of bioinspired chitinous manufacturing to develop a manufacturing technology to be used within the context of a minimal, artificial ecosystem that supports humans in a Martian environment.<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1932-6203
Volume :
15
Issue :
9
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
PloS one
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32936806
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238606