Mars under a dome: how a green bioplastic will provide colonists with resources and protection

Exploring Bioplastic Domes for Extraterrestrial Living by Harvard SEAS

Harvard's SEAS team has innovatively used bioplastics and algae to create sustainable living modules for space exploration. These modules offer solutions for life on Mars or the Moon by harnessing algae for oxygen, food, and building materials while significantly reducing reliance on Earth-bound supplies.

• Algae like Dunaliella tertiolecta thrive in low-pressure environments.
• Bioplastic domes allow photosynthesis and protect against UV radiation.
• These self-sufficient modules simplify long-term space missions, offering resources like oxygen and radiation protection.
• The research highlights progress toward autonomous Martian greenhouses.