Every kilogram you send to space costs about $10,000. Now imagine trying to send hundreds of tons of building materials to construct a base on Mars. The cost would be astronomical—literally. So scientists are asking a wild question: what if we didn’t send the materials at all?

What if we grew them?

That’s where fungi come in. They’re not just survivors—they might be our cosmic architects.

Fungi: From Space Invaders to Space Builders

Back in the 1990s, astronauts on the Mir Space Station found black and green fungi growing inside the station—on windows, wires, even control panels. Scary? Yes. But also… impressive. These fungi had survived space radiation, low gravity, and microbe-killing conditions.

Instead of scrubbing them away forever, NASA got curious: Could fungi be used on purpose?

Turns out, yes.

Why Fungi Are Perfect for Space Construction

Radiation Shielding: Some fungi produce melanin, which absorbs dangerous cosmic rays. Others can even use that radiation for energy—like space-age photosynthesis.
Extreme Survival: Fungal spores can handle brutal cold, dryness, and vacuum-like conditions.
Mycelium as a Builder: The thread-like fungal structure called mycelium binds materials like wood chips—or Martian soil—into strong, lightweight forms.

NASA’s idea? Send dehydrated fungal spores in flexible bags. Once on Mars, rehydrate them, add local dust, and let the fungi grow into walls, floors, even furniture.

How It Works:

Step 1: Launch light bags filled with dried spores and nutrients.
Step 2: On Mars, add water and local regolith (rocky dust).
Step 3: Mycelium grows, binds, and shapes into durable structures.
Step 4: Add cyanobacteria to make oxygen and feed the fungi.
Step 5: Enjoy a self-healing, breathable, radiation-shielded fungal home.