IISc, ISRO Develop Scalable Method To Make Space Bricks Using Mars Soil
Researchers experienced quite a challenge when working on the MSS. The bacteria they used was actually soil bacteria from Earth, however, Martian soil consists of a lot of iron, which is toxic. It also consists of other harmful chemicals that make it difficult for the bacteria to survive and thrive.
In pursuit of helping construct a future settlement on Mars, ISRO and IISc have collaborated to develop a novel scalable technique of manufacturing space bricks using Martian Simulant Soil (MSS).
ISRO, IISc
Also Read: ISRO-IISc Invents Space Bricks For Lunar Missions, Building Structures On Moon
Reported first by TOI, the team, led by Aloke Kumar, associate professor at IISc¡¯s mechanical engineering department, has showcased that Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), essentially the right conditions a particular bacteria can precipitate calcium carbonate, can create bricks using Martian Simulant Soil.
Researchers have in fact developed bricks using both LSS (Lunar Simulant Soil) as well as MSS. They've done this using a bacterial growth induced biocementation process for manufacturing the bricks in an organic manner without much intervention.
They've exploited bacteria, ¡®sporosarcina pasteurii¡¯s¡¯ bio mineralisation capabilities. Its introduction into the simulant soil caused it to harden. Under ideal conditions, the MSS which is originally in a powder form, turns slowly into brick in around 15 to 20 days.
For the MSS, however, the team made use of guar gum -- a naturally occurring polymer as an additive to add strength to the bricks from MSS. The compound was taken from guar beans and according to researchers, it has thickening and stabilising properties useful in food, feed as well as several industrial applications.
Also Read: Engineers Make Concrete From Astronaut Blood, Urine & Space Dust For Mars Houses
ISRO, IISc
Researchers experienced quite a challenge when working on the MSS. The bacteria they used was actually soil bacteria from Earth, however, Martian soil consists of a lot of iron, which is toxic. It also consists of other harmful chemicals that make it difficult for the bacteria to survive and thrive.
To circumvent this toxicity with the help of nickel chloride that helped the Ureolytic cycle that¡¯s used by this bacteria to counter the soil¡¯s harshness.
