NASA is exploring an innovative plan to build structures on the moon using mushrooms and lunar dust. This approach could pave the way for future habitats in space.
Sending materials to the moon is expensive—around one million dollars for just half a kilogramme. To keep astronauts safe from radiation, extreme temperatures, and micrometeorites, new building methods are essential.
Chris Maurer, founder of redhouse, an architecture firm working with NASA, emphasises that traditional materials like wood or bricks cannot be used in space. Instead, he advocates for In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU), which means using local resources to construct habitats.
The moon offers some usable materials, such as water and regolith, or lunar dust. Surprisingly, these resources can support certain fungi, which can be developed into strong building materials. These fungal structures are not only tougher than concrete but also have additional benefits for space living.
As this project gains momentum, NASA aims to transform how we think about construction in space, making it more sustainable and feasible for future missions.
