Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
06:29
Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment
Published on: February 27, 2021
4.0K
Emerging Chemical and Biological Materials Technologies in the Extraplanetary Environment
Qingyao Jiang1,2,3, Bin Wang2,3, Yifan Cheng2,3
1College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
Nano-Micro Letters
|January 11, 2026
Summary
Space manufacturing, using nano- to meso-scale chemical and biological approaches, is crucial for in-situ resource utilization. This review covers its evolution, technologies, challenges, and future directions for space exploration.
Area of Science:
- Space Science
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Space exploration and manufacturing are vital for scientific progress, technological innovation, and resource acquisition.
- Chemical and biological nano-/micro-/meso-scale manufacturing offer solutions for in-situ production of essential space resources.
- Key challenges in space exploration include life support, propellants, and resource limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical evolution and current state of space manufacturing.
- To outline key manufacturing strategies, technologies, and their applications in various space environments.
- To assess technical and environmental challenges and discuss emerging trends and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of space manufacturing origins and advancements.
- Analysis of manufacturing strategies and technologies across orbital, lunar, Martian, and asteroid environments.
- Exploration of emerging technologies like synthetic biology and artificial intelligence for space applications.
Main Results:
- Space manufacturing has evolved significantly, with diverse approaches for different extraterrestrial locations.
- Key technologies include additive manufacturing, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and bio-fabrication.
- Emerging fields like synthetic biology and AI show promise in overcoming space-specific limitations.
Conclusions:
- Space manufacturing is essential for sustainable space exploration and resource utilization.
- Interdisciplinary approaches combining various manufacturing scales and advanced technologies are critical.
- Future development in space science and manufacturing will be driven by innovation in these areas.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Conditions on Early Earth
100.3K
Around 4 billion years ago, oceans began to condense on earth while volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen into the primordial atmosphere. However, organisms with the characteristics of life were not initially present on earth. Scientists have used experimentation to determine how organisms evolved that could grow, reproduce, and maintain an internal environment.
100.3K
01:29Overview of Archaea
789
Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...
789
01:30Diversity of Archaea I
528
Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
528
00:46Bioremediation
22.0K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
22.0K
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
739
Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...
739
01:27Diversity of Archaea III
315
Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like...
315