A simple manufacturing technology based on chitin, one of the most ubiquitous organic polymers on Earth, could be used to build tools and shelters on Mars, according to a study published Wednesday. Pictured: A model of what a Martian habitat made from the material could look like. If we make it to Mars, we're not going to be able to bring everything humankind needs to stay for an extended period of time -- or to construct colonies on the red planet. In order to build shelters and manufacture tools, astronauts may only need to bring one key ingredient -- with minerals in the lifeless Martian soil able to do the rest, a new study published Wednesday said. The key ingredient is chitin -- a fibrous substance that is a component of cell walls in fungi, the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, and the scales of fish and amphibians.
Back to top