When humanity embarks on the journey to build the first permanent structures on Mars, they will need bricks made from Martian regolith. However, the construction material may also require blood and other bodily fluids from astronauts themselves (source).
The explorers tasked with establishing a permanent base on Mars will have to pack strategically due to limited space and the high cost of transporting cargo. They will need to rely on the resources available on Mars, which mainly consist of rocks and dirt. Ancient Roman concrete, known for its durability and strength, used blood and urine as key ingredients in brickmaking. Researchers from Iran’s Kharazmi University have been studying the potential of using Martian soil and other additives to create building materials (source).
The research team identified multiple concrete options suitable for Martian construction based on geological data. They experimented with different mixtures using a 3D printer and stress tested the samples. They found that a sulfur-based concrete could be the most reliable initial material, but they also introduced AstroCrete, a modern version of Roman concrete that includes human-sourced ingredients like blood and urea extracted from bodily fluids (Acta Astronautica).
The production process for AstroCrete involves binding aggregates with human serum albumin found in blood plasma. The team estimates that a single astronaut could produce enough AstroCrete for a single-occupancy dwelling on Mars in about 72 weeks. AstroCrete offers benefits such as high compressive strength, plasticity, and no need for water in the mixing process.
While sulfur-based concrete and AstroCrete show promise for Martian construction, researchers acknowledge the numerous challenges that must be addressed, such as radiation exposure, harsh climate, low gravity, and water scarcity. They emphasize the importance of developing cost-effective solutions, including onsite construction using local resources, which may include human bodily fluids.
