A research team from IIT Madras is making remarkable strides in space colonization technology by developing water-free concrete for construction on Mars.
Innovative Martian Concrete
The Extraterrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) team has created a concrete using sulphur, which is abundant on Mars, eliminating the need for water, a scarce resource on the planet. The material meets Earth’s construction standards, making it a viable option for future Martian habitats.
Advancements in Space Research
Apart from concrete, the team has:
Built a Microgravity Drop Tower (4th largest globally) to study materials in zero gravity.
Researched metal foams for meteorite protection.
Developed zero-gravity welding techniques.
Explored 3D printing and biomanufacturing, including artificial organ production.
Impact on Space & Earth
According to Professor Sathyan Subbiah, ExTeM’s work is not just for Mars but has potential applications on Earth, reducing dependence on Earth-based resources for construction and manufacturing.
IIT Madras’ pioneering research could be a game-changer for India’s space missions and future human settlements beyond Earth.
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