Plans to establish permanent settlements on Mars have long intrigued scientists and engineers. However, the main challenge is not just reaching the Red Planet, but also building livable habitats there. Transporting construction materials from Earth would be prohibitively expensive, and traditional building methods require complex machinery and enormous energy costs. Given limited resources and the harsh climate, the question arises: how can we use what’s already available on Mars?
Biotechnology experts are working to solve this challenge. They propose using local regolith—the Martian dust and rocks—and turning it into building material with the help of bacteria. This approach not only conserves resources but also opens new possibilities for automating construction on another planet.
Biocementation
At the core of this new technology is a process known as microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation. In nature, this mechanism is found in certain types of bacteria that can bind soil particles together, forming solid structures. On Earth, similar methods are already used to reinforce sandy soils and even to restore architectural monuments.
The situation on Mars is more complex: the regolith contains little calcium, which is necessary for producing strong cement. Nevertheless, analysis of samples collected by rovers has shown that there is enough calcium to initiate the process, provided that it can be efficiently extracted from local rocks. Two types of microorganisms—Sporosarcina pasteurii and Chroococcidiopsis—play a key role in this.
The Role of Microorganisms
The bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii is known for its ability to break down urea, releasing ions that trigger the precipitation of calcium carbonate. On Mars, crew waste can serve as a source of urea. The second member of the process is the cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis, capable of surviving extreme conditions, including high radiation and drought. It uses carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere and produces oxygen, creating a favorable environment for other bacteria.
The cooperation of these microorganisms not only makes it possible to form durable construction blocks, but also supports a closed life-support cycle. The oxygen produced during photosynthesis can be used for breathing, while ammonia formed during ureolysis can serve as fertilizer for growing plants in Martian greenhouses.
Process Automation
To implement this technology, scientists propose using fully automated robotic systems. These units would be equipped with multi-axis manipulators and extruders capable of applying layers of regolith, bacterial cultures, and nutrient solutions. This approach would allow for the creation of complex structures—from domes to walls—directly on the surface of Mars, without human involvement.
Automation will not only speed up construction but also reduce risks for the crew. Robots can operate in low temperatures, high radiation, and dust storms, making them essential allies in the exploration of new territories.
Advantages and Challenges
The main advantage of this method is the maximum use of local resources. Martian soil has the necessary physical and chemical properties, and required reagents can be obtained from waste and minerals available on the planet. Furthermore, moderate temperatures on Mars are suitable for biochemical reactions, simplifying the overall process.
However, some questions remain unresolved. It is still unclear how bacteria will behave in low gravity and constant cosmic radiation. It will also be necessary to determine how durable and effective the bioreactors will be during long-term use. These issues will be the focus of future research and experiments.
In case you didn’t know, the Perseverance rover has been operating in Jezero Crater since 2021. Its mission is to search for signs of ancient life and collect soil samples for eventual return to Earth. Thanks to data gathered by this rover, scientists have been able to analyze the composition of Martian regolith and propose new approaches to building on the Red Planet. Perseverance is part of NASA’s Mars 2020 program, opening new horizons for Mars exploration and future manned missions.
