NASA is pioneering an innovative approach to building habitats in space by utilizing fungi. The Mycotecture Off Planet project, led by Lynn Rothschild at NASA Ames Research Center, aims to develop technologies that allow astronauts to "grow" habitats using mycelium—the underground network of fungi. This method involves transporting lightweight materials containing dormant fungi to planetary surfaces. Upon adding water, the fungi can expand around the framework, forming a fully functional habitat. This technique not only reduces the mass and resources required for transport but also offers a sustainable solution for constructing habitats on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The project has progressed through various phases, including creating fungal-based biocomposites and testing materials in planetary simulators, with future plans for integration into commercial space stations and lunar missions. nasa.gov
The mycelium-based habitat approach aligns with NASA's commitment to advancing technologies that support long-duration space exploration. By leveraging the natural growth properties of fungi, this method offers a promising avenue for building habitats that are both resource-efficient and adaptable to extraterrestrial environments. The ongoing research and development in this field could significantly enhance the sustainability and feasibility of human presence in space, marking a significant step forward in off-world construction techniques. nasa.gov