Under the Microscope: NASA-Made Material for Moon Manufacturing
Researchers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland have developed a new manufacturing material combining a special biodegradable plastic with simulated Moon and Mars dust.
Researchers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland have developed a new manufacturing material combining a special biodegradable plastic with simulated Moon and Mars dust. Led by research chemical engineer Allison Christy alongside summer interns Tyler Klinchuch, Ethan Bilodeau, and Emma Levenson, the team found that adding lunar and Martian dust particles makes the plastic stronger and easier to process.
The biodegradable plastic can be produced by bacteria fed with carbon dioxide or crew waste. This versatile material could be manufactured directly on the Moon or Mars to build habitat equipment such as wrenches, chairs, and structural brackets, reducing launch costs and supply weight. The project is funded by NASA Glenn’s 2026 Center Innovation Fund.
Currently, the material is undergoing evaluation in Glenn’s Lunar Environment Structural Test Rig to assess its durability under extreme temperatures. Additionally, sample materials are scheduled to launch on the upcoming Materials International Space Station Experiment 23 (MISSE-23) mission for exposure to intense external station conditions. Future development plans include analyzing whether the material can endure harsh outdoor environments on the lunar and Martian surfaces.
The story so far
Earlier coverage connected by shared names and topics. Follow the dates to see how coverage developed; these links do not imply every article describes the same event.
NASA and Katalyst Space Gain Valuable Experience After Swift Observatory Boost Mission Fails to Raise OrbitA commercial mission intended to boost NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory concluded without raising the spacecraft’s orbit, but NASA and industry vendor…
Connected by: NASAEARLIER COVERAGE- NASA Armstrong Celebrates 80 Years of Flight Innovation
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is marking 80 years of flight innovation, tracing its origins to September 30, 1946,…
Connected by: InnovationEARLIER COVERAGE - NASA, Boeing Share Update on Commercial Starliner Development Plans
On Monday, NASA and Boeing announced updates regarding the Starliner spacecraft, including plans to add fifth and sixth crew missions to the…
Connected by: NASAEARLIER COVERAGE - NASA's Perseverance Rover Explores Ancient Rocks and Boulders in the Lac de Charmes Region on Mars
NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover has been actively exploring the “Lac de Charmes” region, an area of valleys and ridges west of the…
Connected by: NASAEARLIER COVERAGE - NOWUnder the Microscope: NASA-Made Material for Moon ManufacturingCURRENT UPDATE
Original publication: 29 September 2026 19:30
