A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin is making progress in the research and development of future space bases using Martian sand for construction, after discovering that regolith , sand and dust present on the surface of Mars and the Moon.
Martian sand for building
The team, led by Professor Jonathan Coleman, has developed a technique that uses carbon nanotubes to bind regolith into solid blocks. These blocks are surprisingly light, and have a strength close to that of granite, making them a viable option for building structures in extreme conditions. Additionally, because the blocks conduct electricity, they can serve as internal sensors to monitor the structural health of space buildings.
One of the main advantages of this development is that future space missions will be able to use resources available on the surface of Mars or the Moon rather than relying on materials transported from Earth. ” Building a semi-permanent base on the Moon or Mars will require maximum use of materials found on site ,” Professor Coleman explained, stressing the importance of minimising costs and logistics in space exploration.
The use of blocks made of regolith will reduce the weight of the materials that must be transported, and will allow the construction of structures with special capabilities. By being able to detect structural failures, these blocks will help prevent serious problems, where any failure in the integrity of the constructions could endanger the lives of astronauts.
On the other hand, researchers believe it could have practical implications for the construction industry on Earth. A similar material, graphene, can be mixed with cement to increase the strength of concrete by 40%, which would reduce the amount of cement needed and therefore reduce CO₂ emissions.
Since cement manufacturing is responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions, this technology could have a considerable impact in the fight against climate change. “ This is a major breakthrough not only for construction on Mars, but also for sustainability here on Earth ,” commented Philip Totaro, director of IntelStor, a renewable energy analysis company.
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Source and photo: BBC
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