NASA researchers have developed a new material that could allow astronauts to manufacture tools and equipment directly on the Moon or Mars, reducing the need to transport supplies from Earth. The material, created at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, combines a biodegradable plastic with simulated lunar and Martian dust, and could be produced using bacteria fed with crew waste or carbon dioxide.
The plastic is generated inside bacteria, as research chemical engineer Allison Christy explained: «The plastic literally grows within the bacteria's little bodies. It's really cool.» By mixing this plastic with simulated Moon and Mars dust, the team—including summer interns Tyler Klinchuch, Ethan Bilodeau, and Emma Levenson—found that the resulting composite is stronger and easier to process than the plastic alone. Adjusting the type and amount of dust allows them to fine-tune the material's properties.
Microscope images reveal the material's colorful, kaleidoscope-like crystal structure. The gray sample was made with mock Moon dust, while the reddish one used mock Mars dust. Potential applications include structural brackets, wrenches, and chairs for use inside future habitats. Because the material is fully recyclable and can be fabricated on demand from local resources, it could help NASA achieve a permanent Moon base by cutting resupply needs and enabling crews to build and repair equipment on-site.
«You can't just bring everything with you to the Moon or Mars,» Christy said. «If something breaks, you have to find a way to fix it with what you have. This is a very versatile material, which is a huge benefit.»
The team is now testing how the material withstands extreme temperatures in Glenn's Lunar Environment Structural Test Rig. Several samples are also slated to launch aboard the upcoming Materials International Space Station Experiment 23 (MISSE-23) mission, where they will be exposed to the harsh conditions outside the space station. The research is funded through NASA Glenn's 2026 Center Innovation Fund, managed by the agency's Research and Technology Mission Directorate.
If successful, this technology could transform how space missions are supplied, allowing crews to rely on local materials for manufacturing and repair. It represents a step toward sustainable, self-sufficient exploration of the Moon and Mars.
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