Astronauts’ pee may build Moon bases

London, March 29: The urea in astronauts’ urine may help erect modules that major space agencies plan to build on the Moon, according to a study which says the chemical could be used as an additive in making concrete for the structures. According to the researchers, including those from the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (Murcia) in Spain, the colonisation of the Moon poses problems such as high levels of radiation, extreme temperatures, meteorite bombardment, and the logistical issue of getting construction materials to the lunar surface.

They said, currently, transporting about 0.45 kilogrammes of material from the Earth to space costs about $10,000, adding that the construction of a complete module on any satellite in this way would be very expensive. Hence, the scientists said, space agencies are working out ideas to use raw materials from the moon’s surface, or even those that astronauts themselves can provide, such as their urine.

The study, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, assessed the potential of urea in urine as a plasticiser — an additive that can be incorporated into concrete to soften the mixture and make it more pliable before it hardens. “To make the geopolymer concrete that will be used on the moon, the idea is to use what is there, regolith and the water from ice present in some areas,” explains Ramon Pamies, a co-author of the study from Polytechnic University, Cartagena. “But moreover, with this study we have seen that a waste product, such as the urine of personnel who occupy moon bases, could also be used,” he said.