Life outside Earth is no longer a dream, it’s just a matter of time. Researchers around the world are investigating new methods of producing concrete and cement for residential and infrastructure construction on extraterrestrial campuses. The primary goal is to use the resources available on the planet, as building materials on Earth are difficult to transport.
Clay-like topsoil materials found on the Moon and Mars could be used as the basis for cement, say scientists at the University of Delaware in a press release. According to Norman Wagner of Unidel, if we want to live and work on other planets like Mars or the Moon, it is absolutely essential that we make concrete. However, the very cost of transporting the necessary materials for concrete from the Earth makes it necessary to use local resources.
Concrete to be used in space stations will be obtained from planets
The researchers announced that they were able to make geopolymer cement, which is considered an alternative to conventional cement, using sample states of the lunar and Martian soils. The first goal of the studies is to produce concrete blocks that are strong enough to form a solid structure. According to the latest findings, scientists claim that they can make concrete parts that can withstand a rocket explosion. Of course, how these materials will behave in the space environment is a question mark for now, but the chemical composition and particle size of the material to be produced play an important role on durability.
Scientists have determined the limit of the world’s population
Space cement is an extremely important and still unresolved issue for planned Moon and Mars stations. On the other hand, transporting a brick-weight cargo from Earth to Mars costs nearly $2 million. So this issue seems to be resolved.
Space stations and permanent manned missions are no longer too far away. China is focused on sending astronauts to Mars in the 2030s, while SpaceX has plans for permanent Mars and Moon missions on similar dates. Likewise, similar programs are in effect at NASA.
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