Study finds astronaut urine could be used to build moon bases

Urine astronauts who will go to Moon in the coming years, it may become a valuable resource for the construction of bases intended for space exploration on this star. European Space Agency (ESA) have shown that urea, the main organic compound in urine, can help make the material more pliable before it hardens to build future lunar habitats.

According to the agency’s research, researchers from WHAT discovered that if urea, a building material similar to specific- worked better than other common plasticizers (naphthalene, polycarboxylate) in reducing water requirements.

An unorthodox solution for the future of humanity on the moon

When applied to 3D printerthe mixture turned out to be more durable and pliable compared to others, since it retained its shape, withstanding a weight exceeding its own up to 10 times.

“The scientific community is particularly impressed with the longevity of this new formula compared to other blends; In addition, he is also attracted by the idea of ​​using material already available in Moon”stated Marlies Arnhofco-author of the Advanced Concepts Team (ACT) study WHAT.

The use of materials already available on earth is known as “In-Situ Resource Utilization” (ISRU) and for satellite Earthwill reduce the need to send large volumes of supplies to build bases in Moon from our planet. He lunar regoliththe rock that can be found on the surface of this star will be the main ingredient in the mixture, while urea it will serve as a superplasticizer to limit the amount of water needed.

Why is urea used?

Arnhof mentions that the reason urea was chosen for this mixture is because “It’s cheap and readily available; In addition, it allows the manufacture of durable structural materials for the lunar base.”. It’s because urea is the most common element in human urine and is able to break hydrogen bonds and reduce the viscosity of liquid mixtures.

On the other hand, urine also contains calcium minerals, which facilitate the setting process, and is produced on an industrial scale for the production of fertilizers or as a raw material for chemical and pharmaceutical companies in Europe. Earth. “We hope that astronaut urine can be used virtually as is on a future lunar base with minimal adjustments to water content. This would be very practical and would avoid further complicating the complex water recycling systems used in space.”said Arnhof.

Tests carried out by researchers have confirmed that this type of concrete with the addition of urea can withstand difficult operating conditions. Space such as vacuum or extreme temperatures, which most affect the physical and mechanical conditions of conventional building materials on the lunar surface. The samples were subjected to extreme temperature changes to simulate day and night in a star, ranging from -171°C to 114°C. Finally, these samples have withstood temperatures from 114°C to -80°C, showing that the compound is more than up to the task.

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