Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Indian Scientist Explores Bacteria for Mars Construction
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, has published his first scientific research paper.
He studied how bacteria can help build structures on Mars using the planet's toxic soil.
The research found that certain bacteria can make stronger bricks when mixed with a substance called perchlorate, which is common on Mars.
This could help future astronauts build roads, landing pads, or even homes on Mars without bringing construction materials from Earth.
The study is important because it shows how we might use local resources to make space missions easier and cheaper.
Shukla is now both an astronaut and a scientist, working on solutions for humanity's future in space.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to fly to the ISS, published his first peer-reviewed research paper in PLOS One.
The study explores using bacteria to build structures on Mars using local resources, specifically addressing the challenge of toxic perchlorate in Martian soil.
The bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii, found in Bengaluru soils, was used to create stronger bricks in the presence of perchlorate and guar gum.
The research suggests that stress-induced changes in bacteria could enhance the strength of construction materials on Mars.
This work aligns with the concept of in-situ resource utilization, which aims to reduce the cost and complexity of deep-space missions by using local materials.
- Who
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut and scientist
- What
- Research on using bacteria to build structures on Mars using local resources
- When
- The research was published in the journal PLOS One
- Where
- Conducted at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- Why
- To explore sustainable construction methods for future Mars missions
- Scientist
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Research Institution
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- Journal
- PLOS One
- Bacteria Used
- Sporosarcina pasteurii
- Key Finding
- Perchlorate enhances brick strength with guar gum
- Mars Soil Analogue
- Mars Global Simulant-1
- Research Focus
- In-situ resource utilization for space missions
