2 minutes
Last Updated on Mar 5, 2025
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has once again pushed the boundaries of science fiction—and reality—with its latest Request for Information (RFI). DARPA is inviting innovative minds to share ideas on constructing large bio-mechanical space structures that could be "grown" in microgravity instead of being launched from Earth. Think of structures longer than 500 m using the processes of biological growth to self-build and self-repair while floating in space!
We know that traditional launch costs are expensive, and it requires heavy, complex machinery to get structure into space. Conversely, by "growing" structures in space using engineered biological systems, the need for up mass (the material that needs to be launched from the surface of the Earth) could be reduced dramatically. These innovations not only make construction in space more affordable but also introduce entirely new design features, such as space elevator tethers, nets for trapping asteroids or pieces of orbital debris, or even self-healing patches that will fix holes caused by micrometeoroids.
DARPA's effort is based on recent advances in metabolic engineering, extremophile biology, and self-assembly. The concept combines mechanical engineering with biological design to develop structures that are robust yet responsive to the peculiarities of the space environment.
DARPA imagines these bio-mechanical structures as a symbiotic mix:
Biological Materials: By manipulating the rapidly growing properties of these animals, engineers could design lightweight but strong structures that could be beneficial in the creation of various projects across fields. Imagine that as growing a living tent with a lightweight framework and "cover" that can self-repair and adapt to environmental stress.
Cost and Energy Efficiency: Most of a space mission budget is eaten up by launch costs. That could reduce the amount of material that needs to be launched from Earth with biologically grown structures. This drives costs and energy consumption way down.
Space Architecture: Existing structures are limited in size, but we can imagine future designs that incorporate long tethers for things like space elevators and large nets for collecting orbital debris.
DARPA is seeking fresh perspectives on:
Use Cases: How might these large, biomechanical structures be used? For instance, as debris remediation nets or as components for self-assembling habitats.
Co-engineering Solutions: Integrating traditional mechanical design with biological growth techniques.
Feedstock Logistics: How can necessary biological materials be supplied and directed to form these structures in space?
Value proposition: evaluating the mass and volume savings versus traditional materials.
Proof-of-Concept: Designing experiments to validate these ideas on Earth before transitioning to the unique conditions of microgravity.
DARPA plans to host a hybrid workshop in April 2025 to discuss innovative proposals and assess new research avenues. This open, interdisciplinary dialogue is essential for bridging the gap between cutting-edge biology and space engineering.
This initiative is not just for scientists and engineers—it represents a vision for a sustainable, cost-effective future in space exploration. By rethinking how we build in orbit, DARPA's call could lead to:
Enhanced Space Infrastructure: Creating adaptable and resilient structures for future missions.
Interdisciplinary Innovation: Merging biology with aerospace engineering may inspire new technologies that benefit Earth-based applications too, from eco-friendly construction materials to self-repairing systems.
Lowering the Barrier to Space: With reduced launch costs and more flexible construction methods, space might become more accessible for both governmental and commercial ventures.
DARPA's call for ideas exemplifies how futuristic concepts can emerge from the crossroads of biology and space technology. As we look to the stars, these innovative approaches may well be the steppingstones that allow humanity to build lasting, self-sustaining habitats beyond our planet.
