DARPA’s latest initiative seeks to revolutionize space infrastructure development with the creation of massive bio-mechanical space structures, harnessing the power of biological growth mechanisms to assemble structures over 1,600 feet in length.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Request for Information to explore the feasibility of constructing massive ‘bio-mechanical space structures‘ in orbit. These structures could potentially disrupt current technology and position biology as a key component of space infrastructure.
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is a US government agency responsible for driving innovation in defense technology.
Established in 1958, DARPA's mission is to prevent technological surprise for the US military by maintaining the technological superiority of the country.
The agency focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems.
With a budget of over $3 billion annually, DARPA invests in high-risk, high-reward research projects that often spin off into commercial applications.
What Are Bio-Mechanical Space Structures?
According to DARPA, the goal is to create ‘useful space structures‘ over 1,600 feet in length that can be assembled using biological growth mechanisms. This could include tethers for a space elevator, grid-nets for orbital debris remediation, or even self-assembled wings for commercial space stations.
Bio-mechanical space structures combine living organisms with mechanical systems to create innovative and sustainable infrastructure.
These structures utilize microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to break down materials, produce energy, or even self-heal damage.
In space exploration, bio-mechanical structures could provide a reliable source of oxygen, water, and food for astronauts.
For example, NASA's Veggie experiment used hydroponic systems with living plants to grow crops in space: 'grow crops in space'.
As technology advances, bio-mechanical space structures may become a crucial component of future space missions.
Harnessing Biological Engineering
DARPA wants to explore new methods and technical insights for creating these massive structures. The agency is interested in harnessing the ‘rapid growth properties‘ of biological systems, which could potentially be done with minimal human intervention. As an analogy, DARPA suggests that biological growth mechanisms could be seen as the ‘cover‘ of a tent, with the structural materials serving as the poles.
Advantages of Bio-Mechanical Space Structures
Constructing large structures in space has several advantages over traditional methods. It is significantly cheaper to launch components and building materials from Earth’s surface, and biological engineering offers a new approach to exploiting rapid growth properties. This could potentially leapfrog conventional space station construction and usher in a new era of hard sci-fi inspired space development.
Space infrastructure development refers to the construction and establishment of facilities, systems, and technologies that support space exploration and utilization.
This includes launch pads, satellite deployment systems, space stations, and ground control centers.
According to a report by the Aerospace Industries Association, the global space economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, driving investment in infrastructure development.
Key players such as NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin are leading the charge with innovative projects like reusable rockets and lunar bases.
The Future of Space Development
While the concept may seem out-there, it is not entirely unprecedented on Earth. Researchers have already begun exploring the use of mycelium as living building materials. However, how long scientists will be able to work on this idea remains unclear due to budget cuts and potential layoffs in the Department of Defense.
DARPA’s Sponsored Workshop
In April, DARPA plans to hold a sponsored workshop to discuss relevant future research into bio-mechanical space structures. The outcome of this workshop could have significant implications for the development of space infrastructure and our understanding of biological engineering in space.
