3D Printing Could Solve This Huge Mars Problem

In this research, Bandyopadhyay and his team used imitation Martian dust at concentrations from 5% to 100% combined with titanium alloy to create materials, reported Newsweek. They then heated this mixture to 3,632 degrees Fahrenheit, and molded it into different formations. Once it had cooled, the researchers tested the material to determine its strength. They found that the materials made with 100% Mars material would easily crack, however they reasoned that this could still be used for coating objects to protect against radiation, per Newsweek. 

The materials made out of 5% Martian regolith, however, were found to be extremely durable, in fact even more so than just the titanium alone (via Newsweek). This would allow for the creation of resilient yet lightweight material using a 3D printer and material on Mars. There’s also the possibility of using different types of metals within the Mars rock mixture to create material with other properties. Furthermore, this means that if there were a future Mars mission, it would be a possibility to make some materials using 3D printing right on the planet. There is plenty of room for further development in this technology as well, and perhaps additional research will make the prospect of travel to Mars even more feasible.