Mars

Video: Year-long simulated Mars mission taking place in 3D-printed concrete habitat

By Lisa McDonald / July 19, 2023

Materials are not the only challenge to carrying out a successful space mission—the toll on a crew’s cognitive and physical performance must also be anticipated. In June 2023, NASA announced the start of its first year-long simulated Mars surface mission, which will take place within a 3D-printed concrete habitat.

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Planning for Mars: Researchers explore thermal properties of cermet fuel that may be used in future nuclear propulsion systems

By Lisa McDonald / November 22, 2022

To achieve manned missions to Mars, spacecraft will need to maximize fuel usage. Nuclear thermal propulsion is one technology actively on NASA’s radar. In a recent study, researchers from Missouri S&T and NASA Marshall used a surrogate material to explore the thermal properties of a cermet fuel that may be used in future nuclear propulsion systems.

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Here we come a-sciencing: Lisa’s top 5 favorite Ceramic Tech Today posts from 2021

By Lisa McDonald / January 5, 2022

Extracting oxygen on Mars, bioactive glass toothpaste, and sustainable wind turbine disposal make Lisa’s list of top five favorite CTT posts from 2021.

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Keep Mars rovers warm with durable, lightweight ceramic aerogels

By Lisa McDonald / March 5, 2019

A new highly durable ceramic aerogel created by an international research collaboration can better withstand extreme temperatures than current ceramic aerogels—making it ideal insulation for future space missions.

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Cultivating Mars colonization: 3-D printing method uses extraterrestrial soil to build biodegradable parts on site

By April Gocha / April 14, 2017

Researchers at Northwestern University have devised a technique to 3-D print soft rubber-like materials out of ink composed primarily of extraterrestrial soil. Using a biologically derived binder to hold the soil particles together, the team demonstrated that their unique method can 3-D print tools, building blocks, and other structures.

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X-rays provide microscale view of how materials perform in extreme conditions

By April Gocha / March 14, 2017

Berkeley Lab and NASA researchers are modeling details of how materials respond to atmospheric entry conditions to help develop new materials, including materials for better spacecraft heatshields.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / February 1, 2017

Advanced materials power next-generation molecular separations, Tethon 3D to print replicas of the Mars Curiosity rover landing site, and other materials stories that may be of interest for February 1, 2017.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / September 21, 2016

New machine mills in nanometer precision, advancing lithium-air batteries, and other materials stories that may be of interest for September 21, 2016.

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Video: Adorable interplanetary pioneers—CubeSats to soon travel to Mars with NASA’s Insight mission

By April Gocha / August 3, 2016

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab is preparing to send CubeSats on their first interplanetary mission—a journey to Mars.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / June 29, 2016

Ultra thin lens resolves chirality and color, photovoltaics that mimic rose petals, and other materials stories that may be of interest for June 29, 2016.

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