Tag

Regolith

All articles tagged with #regolith

space1 month ago•4 min saved

Martian regolith may block Earth microbes, tardigrades reveal through soil tests

Researchers exposed tardigrades to two Martian regolith simulants (MGS-1 and OUCM-1). MGS-1 caused notable stress and rapid dormancy, while OUCM-1 was less harmful. Washing the simulant reduced toxicity, indicating a water-soluble component—likely salts—drives the harm. The results suggest Mars’ soil chemistry could help prevent Earth microbes from contaminating the planet (a planetary-protection bonus), while also implying that treating regolith could eventually support plant growth on Mars.

via The Daily Galaxy|

#mars #microbial-contamination #planetary-protection

space-exploration1 month ago•56 min saved

Waste-to-Soil: Astronaut Waste Could Grow Crops on Mars

Researchers weathered lunar and Martian regolith with waste-derived effluent from NASA’s bio-regenerative life-support system (BLiSS), releasing nutrients like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium that could help convert in-situ materials into soil-like growth media for crops on the Moon or Mars—though real regolith lacks some nutrients and the approach still needs refinement.

via Space|

#bliss #mars #regolith

science1 month ago•3 min saved

Martian Regolith Proves Harmful to Tardigrades, Study Finds

In lab-made Martian soils (MGS-1 and OUCM-1), tardigrades showed reduced activity in MGS-1 and remained reasonably active in OUCM-1; a simple water rinse of MGS-1 restored vigor, suggesting some regolith components harm organisms but can be washed away. The study informs planetary-protection considerations and Mars-exploration planning, but results rely on simulations and further work under Mars-like pressure/temperature is needed.

via Gizmodo|

#astrobiology #mars #planetary-protection

space2 months ago•3 min saved

Artemis CLPS Picks Three Moon Science Probes for Surface Study

NASA selected three new CLPS payloads—EMILIA-3D, LISTER, and SELINE—to land on the Moon by no earlier than 2028. EMILIA-3D will create 3D thermal models of the terrain, LISTER will drill and measure subsurface heat flow, and SELINE will study the lunar radiation environment. These experiments don’t require a fixed landing site and will advance lunar science, exploration safety, and the growing lunar economy by leveraging U.S. industry.

via NASA (.gov)|

#artemis #clps #moon

science-and-technology7 months ago•4 min saved

Revolutionary Material Paving the Way for Mars Colonization

Scientists have successfully produced iron from Mars-like soil conditions on Earth, paving the way for in-situ metal manufacturing on Mars, which could significantly reduce the need to transport materials from Earth for future colonies.

via SciTechDaily|

#in-situ-resource-utilization #mars #metal-production

space-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Paving the Way: Moon's Potential for Paved Roads Explored"

Researchers with the ESA PAVER project have developed a method to melt lunar regolith with lasers, creating interlocking pavers that could be used to construct paved roads and landing pads on the Moon. The hardened molten regolith is durable enough to withstand the weight of rovers and spacecraft, minimizing dust kickup. This technology could play a significant role in the development of lunar infrastructure and contribute to all phases of lunar exploration. In-situ production of paving materials from available resources on the Moon is preferred to reduce costs and logistical challenges. Further research and testing are needed, including using a lens to concentrate sunlight instead of a laser, but this method shows promise for future lunar missions.

via Ars Technica|

#in-situ-resource-utilization #laser-technology #lunar-construction

space2 years ago•4 min saved

NASA's Moon Melting Plan for Mars Building.

NASA's Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT) team is preparing for the first construction projects on a planetary body beyond Earth. The team is planning to use regolith, the Moon's surface material, to build sustainable, long-lasting structures. The first step toward 3D printing on the Moon will involve using lasers or microwaves to melt regolith, which will then be printed into desired shapes. The team is also developing synthetic versions of lunar regolith to experiment with. The MMPACT team's first off-planet project is tentatively scheduled for late 2027.

via Ars Technica|

#3d-printing #mars #moon

space-technology2 years ago•9 min saved

NASA's Lunar Melting Plan to Pave the Way for Mars Base

NASA's Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT) team is preparing for the first construction projects on a planetary body beyond Earth. To avoid the high cost of shipping material from Earth, the team plans to use the regolith that's already there, turning it into a paste that can be 3D printed into thin layers or different shapes. The team's first off-planet project is tentatively scheduled for late 2027. The MMPACT team has to make their own synthetic versions of lunar regolith to make it into a building material strong enough and durable enough to protect human life.

via WIRED|

#3d-printing #mars #moon