Photos taken using a microscope reveal the colorful, kaleidoscope-like crystal structure of a new NASA-made material that could be used for manufacturing during future space missions. Developed at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the material could be created directly on the moon or Mars, allowing NASA to pack fewer supplies—saving weight and reducing launch costs.
To make the material, research chemical engineer Allison Christy and her team of summer interns at NASA Glenn—Tyler Klinchuch, Ethan Bilodeau and Emma Levenson—mixed a special plastic with simulated moon and Mars dust. This plastic is biodegradable and could be produced by bacteria fed with crew waste or carbon dioxide.
"The plastic literally grows within the bacteria's little bodies," Christy said. "It's really cool."
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