NASA Develops Biodegradable Material for On-Site Space Manufacturing
NASA researchers at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland have created a new, biodegradable material designed for manufacturing parts directly on the Moon or Mars. By combining specialized plastic with simulated lunar and Martian dust, the team aims to reduce the weight and cost of space missions by eliminating the need to transport every spare part or tool from Earth.
The Role of Bacterial Plastic in Lunar Production
The material relies on a biodegradable plastic produced by bacteria fed with carbon dioxide or crew waste. According to research chemical engineer Allison Christy, the plastic grows within the bacteria themselves. Christy, alongside summer interns Tyler Klinchuch, Ethan Bilodeau, and Emma Levenson, developed the composite by mixing this bio-plastic with simulated planetary dust. Data from the research team indicates that incorporating these dust particles makes the resulting material both stronger and easier to process. By varying the type and amount of dust added, engineers can adjust the physical properties of the final product to suit specific needs.
On-Demand Fabrication for Future Space Habitats
This manufacturing method could allow crews to fabricate essential equipment on-site, including structural brackets, wrenches, and chairs. NASA’s objective for a permanent Moon base relies on reducing resupply missions, making on-demand, recyclable fabrication a critical development. “You can’t just bring everything with you to the Moon or Mars,” Christy said. “If something breaks, you have to find a way to fix it with what you have.”
Environmental Testing and Future Space Exposure
The material is currently undergoing evaluation at the Glenn Research Center’s Lunar Environment Structural Test Rig to determine its durability in extreme temperature fluctuations. The research is funded by the 2026 Center Innovation Fund, managed by the agency’s Research and Technology Mission Directorate. Beyond ground testing, samples are slated to launch on the Materials International Space Station Experiment 23 (MISSE-23) mission. This flight will expose the material to the harsh environment outside the International Space Station. Future research will explore whether the composite can withstand the outdoor conditions of the lunar or Martian surfaces.
Common Questions Regarding Lunar Manufacturing
What is the material made of? It is a composite of biodegradable plastic—produced by bacteria consuming carbon dioxide or crew waste—and simulated lunar or Martian dust. Why is this important for space travel? It reduces the need to launch heavy supplies from Earth. If tools or parts break, crews can potentially manufacture replacements on-site using available surface materials. How is the material being tested? It is currently being tested in a specialized rig at the Glenn Research Center for temperature durability and is scheduled for exposure testing on the MISSE-23 mission. What kind of items could be made? Researchers believe the material is versatile enough to produce habitat equipment such as chairs, structural brackets, and wrenches.
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