BLOOD, sweat and tears from astronauts has been used to make a new ‘space concrete’ that could aid construction on Mars.
This concrete-like material also contains space dust was developed by scientists at the University of Manchester.
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Researcher Dr Aled Roberts said: “Scientists have been trying to develop viable technologies to produce concrete-like materials on the surface of Mars, but we never stopped to think that the answer might be inside us all along.”
According to the experts, it could cost around $2million (£1.5million) to transport a single standard brick to Mars.
Scientists are exploring more cost-effective and sustainable options to build in space.
In a study published inMaterials Today Bio, Dr Roberts and colleagues have explained how their ‘space concrete’ could be viable option.
It contains a protein derived from human blood, sweat, tears, urine, and Moon, or Mars soil.
It is stronger than concrete and can be used to build structures in extra-terrestrial areas.
AstroCrete is the name scientists gave their material.
AstroCrete can be made in two years on Mars. It is predicted that 500kg could be produced.
To create this amount, six astronauts are required.
Each astronaut would have to create enough AstroCrete so that the habitat can be expanded for more crew members.
For each misson, the crew could double in size.
Scientists noted that animal blood has been used historically to bond mortar here on Earth.
Dr Roberts said: “It is exciting that a major challenge of the space age may have found its solution based on inspirations from medieval technology.”
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