Image: Bricks produced using mycelium, yard waste and wood chips as a part of the myco-architecture project. Similar materials could be used to build habitats on the Moon or Mars.
Credits: NASA
Researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center have received funding under the space agency’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program to study how future space explorers could grow homes from fungi. The Phase III NIAC award will provide USD2 million over two years to continue the technological development of the Mycotecture Off Planet project.
“As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn’t yet exist,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
Some habitats, such as landers and rovers, will be delivered to planetary surfaces. However, the mycotecture project team is developing technologies that could “grow” habitats on the Moon, Mars, and beyond using fungi and the underground threads that comprise the main part of fungi, known as mycelia.
With this development, people could travel with a compact habitat built out of lightweight material containing dormant fungi. By adding water, fungi can potentially grow around that framework into a fully functional human habitat while being safely contained to avoid contaminating the environment.
“We invest in these technologies throughout their lifecycle, recognizing their potential to help us accomplish our goals,” said NASA’s Walt Engelund. “The mycotecture project could enable a new, multi-use material for in-space construction, reducing mass and saving resources for additional mission priorities.”
Earlier NIAC awards demonstrated the proof of concept for this technology. The team created multiple combinations of fungal-based biocomposites, fabricated prototypes, tested materials in a planetary simulator, evaluated enhancements, including incorporating radiation protection, and drafted detailed mycelium-based Moon habitat designs. This project also has uses on Earth in addition to applications in space. Mycelia could be used for water filtration and systems that extract minerals from wastewater.
“Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how advanced concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions,” said NASA’s John Nelson. “As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life.”
Work under the Phase III award will allow the research team to optimise material properties. It also will enable the team to progress toward testing in low Earth orbit. Future applications of this project could include integration into commercial space stations or infusion into missions to the Moon with the ultimate goal of use on Mars.
NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts supports visionary, early-stage research ideas through multiple progressive study phases. In January 2024, NASA announced 19 Phase I and Phase II proposal selections. NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is responsible for developing the new cross-cutting technologies and capabilities the agency needs to achieve its current and future missions, funds NIAC activities.
