Mycotecture Deep-Dive

The Problem: Radiation on Mars

Mars surface radiation is ~0.2–0.3 Gy/year (vs Earth 0.0024 Gy). Habitats need shielding equivalent to 5–10 m of regolith or specialized materials. Traditional approaches (water, regolith berms) are mass-inefficient.

Cladosporium sphaerospermum

• ISS experiment (2019–2020): +20% growth in microgravity vs Earth controls.
• Melanin-rich — absorbs ionizing radiation and converts it to metabolic energy (radiotrophy).
• Layered mycelium + regolith composites can provide ~1.5–2% dose reduction per cm (scalable to habitat walls).

Mycelium-Regolith Bricks & Structures

Similar to NASA NIAC Mycotecture proposals. Fungal mycelium binds regolith into lightweight, self-healing panels. Grown in-situ using minimal Earth inoculum + local resources.

Integration with Grüner Mars Stack

Combined with PRB (perchlorate reduction) for soil prep and aquaponics waste streams for nutrient input. Creates closed biological manufacturing loop.