NASA develops new Moon-made material for space manufacturing
NASA has created a new material by mixing special biodegradable plastic with simulated lunar and Martian dust. This blend can be manufactured using bacteria that eat crew waste or carbon dioxide, making it possible to produce tools and parts—like wrenches or brackets—on Moon or Mars missions. The material is now being tested for how well it handles the extreme conditions of space, with samples headed to the ISS for further trials.
- Material combines plastic and Moon or Mars dust simulant
- Biodegradable plastic can be made from crew waste
- Adding dust improves strength and processing
- Potential uses include making habitat equipment on-site
- Samples being tested on Earth and soon at the ISS
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