NASA plans to build homes using fungi on the Moon and Mars

American space agency NASA plans to build homes and other residences using fungi on the Moon and Mars in space. This plan comes under a project named “Mycotecture Off-Planet.”

NASA has provided $2 million in funding to this project. Researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Centre are investigating the use of fungal mycelia to build habitable structures for upcoming space explorers as part of this project.

Their idea is to use a small, lightweight construction with inactive fungi that can be brought to life with water. Hence, it will enable fungi to grow around the framework and create a functional environment completely.

*Mycotecture Off Planet Project is using fungi to build homes on the Moon and Mars*

This method might be more practical than shipping bulky construction supplies from Earth to space to build residences there.

Hence, the Mycotecture project has already produced bricks using mycelium, wood chips, and yard trash to show proof of concept. However, mycelium is the root-like structure of a fungus.

The researcher’s team has designed detailed plans for a Moon dwelling based on mycelium. They also tested these models extensively in a planetary environment.

The idea of a fungal habitat goes beyond merely offering a framework. It also includes other life forms, including Cyanobacteria, to produce an ecosystem that can support itself.

The mycelia give the astronauts a strong, radiation-shielding housing. Moreover, cyanobacteria can use sunlight to manufacture oxygen and nutrients for mycelia.

*The use of mushrooms and other fungal substances for building homes and other residence*s

Click here to read the updates on NASA’s plans to run a train on Mars & funds for the lunar rail system in space

Hence, NASA plans to build homes on Moons and Mars using fungi in this way. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the agency is getting ready to go farther into space, which will require new science and technology that does not currently exist.

According to Bill, NASA’s space technology team and the NIAC program unlock visionary ideas, which make the impossible possible. NIAC refers to NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts.

John Nelson, NIAC Programme Executive, also said the “Mycotecture Off Planet” project shows how concepts can change how they envision future exploration missions.