Mankind has long dreamed of a future beyond the boundaries of our own planet. Many feel that this dream could soon become a reality. Of course there are many challenges that will have to be solved before we attempt permanent settlement of a harsh new world. One of those challenges is the availability of building materials. We will need to shelter ourselves from extreme temperatures; dangerous radiation; and perhaps even a toxic atmosphere. We can transport small amounts of necessary materials from Earth, but it is not realistic to think that we can transport large amounts of the basic building materials necessary to begin building the infrastructure for a permanent human settlement.
So, scientists at NASA have been looking for creative ideas about how we might use existing Martian materials to create durable building materials. The ideal solution would rely on readily available Martian materials, and would not require the use of high tech equipment or large amounts of energy.
Scientists at the University of California at San Diego have now discovered that the soil and rock composition of Mars may make this task much easier than previously thought. Mars is often referred to as the "Red Planet" because of the large amounts of iron oxide (which is basically rust) found in the rocks and soil of the planet. This iron oxide acts a strong bonding agent which can bind together the particles to create a strong, red, brick-like material. No heating or chemical binding agents are necessary. All it takes is a flexible mold and pressure to shape the bricks. In some ways it's not much different than the way children shape sand castles... fill the mold; pack it down tightly; and then tip it out. In this case however, the iron oxide in the "sand" acts to bind the particles together in a much more permanent way.
In early tests, researchers have found these "Martian bricks" to be stronger than steel reinforced concrete. Although there is a long way to go before we are living in red brick houses on Mars, this research is an important first step towards possible human habitation of another planet.
So, scientists at NASA have been looking for creative ideas about how we might use existing Martian materials to create durable building materials. The ideal solution would rely on readily available Martian materials, and would not require the use of high tech equipment or large amounts of energy.
Scientists at the University of California at San Diego have now discovered that the soil and rock composition of Mars may make this task much easier than previously thought. Mars is often referred to as the "Red Planet" because of the large amounts of iron oxide (which is basically rust) found in the rocks and soil of the planet. This iron oxide acts a strong bonding agent which can bind together the particles to create a strong, red, brick-like material. No heating or chemical binding agents are necessary. All it takes is a flexible mold and pressure to shape the bricks. In some ways it's not much different than the way children shape sand castles... fill the mold; pack it down tightly; and then tip it out. In this case however, the iron oxide in the "sand" acts to bind the particles together in a much more permanent way.
In early tests, researchers have found these "Martian bricks" to be stronger than steel reinforced concrete. Although there is a long way to go before we are living in red brick houses on Mars, this research is an important first step towards possible human habitation of another planet.