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Martian Soil

All articles tagged with #martian soil

space9 days ago•12 min saved

Mars dust hides a thyroid risk: perchlorate in soil could challenge future habitats

Mars soil contains about 0.4–0.6% perchlorate salts, per Phoenix measurements, which can disrupt thyroid iodide uptake; NASA’s 2026 dust limits argue inhalation risk is low if total fine-dust exposure is controlled, but any dust inside a habitat remains a risk via suits, airlocks, or repeated excursions. Engineering controls—airlocks, dust-resistant fabrics, filtration—and research into perchlorate-reducing processes are being explored, though authentic Martian airborne dust hasn’t yet been tested.

via Space Daily|

#martian-soil #nasa-dust-limit #perchlorate

space3 years ago•2 min saved

Lost Opportunity: The Untold Story of Life on Mars, 50 Years Ago

A scientist suggests that we may have found life on Mars almost 50 years ago through the Viking Project, but inadvertently killed it during the experiments. The Viking landers conducted biological tests on the Martian soil and obtained unexpected results. Traces of chlorinated organics were found, initially believed to be contaminants from Earth. Another experiment involved adding water and nutrients to the soil, with the expectation that microorganisms would emit radioactive gas if present. While the first injection produced positive results, subsequent injections did not. The scientist argues that adding water may have killed the microbes, as certain extremophile life forms on Earth are sensitive to water. The presence of hydrogen peroxide in Martian cells could explain the Viking results, as it would have reacted with organic molecules and produced carbon dioxide.

via IFLScience|

#astrobiology #life #mars

science-and-technology3 years ago•3 min saved

"Scientists create super-strong 'cosmic concrete' for space habitats"

Scientists from Manchester have developed a new material called StarCrete, made from simulated Martian soil, potato starch, and a pinch of salt, which is twice as strong as ordinary concrete and could be used to build homes on Mars. StarCrete offers a simple and cost-effective solution for building infrastructure in space. The material can also be made in an ordinary oven or microwave at normal 'home baking' temperatures, making it a greener alternative to traditional concrete on Earth.

via Tech Xplore|

#martian-soil #potato-starch #science-and-technology