As NASA's Artemis programme prepares to return humans to the Moon—with an Italian-built habitat module on the agenda—scientists are already looking further afield. The next frontier, Mars, presents immense challenges, not least how to construct shelters from materials available on the Red Planet rather than shipping everything from Earth.
A team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has proposed an innovative solution: a 3D-printing compound that combines Martian regolith—the loose rocky material covering the planet's surface—with yeast and gelatine. The yeast is engineered to produce adhesive proteins inspired by the natural glue mussels use to cling to rocks, while gelatine acts as a binder and nutrient for the yeast.
The mixture is processed in a 3D printer under low temperatures and reduced atmospheric pressure, mimicking Mars' frigid climate. This causes ice in the material to sublimate directly into vapour, creating a solid, lightweight foam. In simulated Martian environments, the resulting material demonstrated compression resistance comparable to lightweight concrete, making it suitable for multi-storey structures that could be fully recyclable.
From lab to space: a growing field
The HKUST research is part of a broader movement exploring biomaterials for space construction. At Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, scientists have developed a hydrogel from yeast and cellulose to produce biodegradable architectural components. This approach not only offers a sustainable building method for space but also adds value to food-industry waste, promoting circular architecture on Earth.
Meanwhile, the aerospace sector is pushing industrial-scale 3D printing for space habitats. NASA has invested around $57.2 million in the Olympus Project, which aims to build permanent infrastructure on the Moon and Mars. One tangible outcome is Mars Dune Alpha, a 150-square-metre habitat produced by 3D printing in Houston, used in the Chapea analogue missions to simulate life on Mars.
These developments resonate with European efforts. Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano's path to Artemis III highlights Europe's role in lunar exploration. Portuguese scientists are also contributing by mapping Martian clouds to improve landing accuracy. Such collaborations underscore the continent's stake in space exploration.
Yet challenges remain. The survival of micro-organisms in Mars' harsh environment is uncertain, and the dependence on Earth-supplied resources—such as the yeast and gelatine—raises questions about long-term sustainability. Researchers are exploring ways to produce these components locally, perhaps using genetically modified organisms that could thrive on Martian conditions.
The prospect of 3D-printed habitats on Mars is no longer science fiction. With continued investment and international cooperation, the dream of a human presence on the Red Planet moves closer to reality. As other nations build their own space capabilities, Europe must decide how to position itself in this new era of exploration.
