It could be the first step towards developing self-sustainable habitats in other worlds.

Harvard University researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape the future of space colonization: they’ve successfully grown algae in conditions that closely resemble those on Mars.

In a study recently published in Science Advances, a team from Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) demonstrated that algae can survive and grow under simulated Martian conditions.

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Led by Professor Robin Wordsworth, the researchers developed a low-pressure habitat made from bioplastics, designed to mimic the thin Martian atmosphere, which is more than 100 times thinner than Earth’s.

This makes it extremely difficult for liquid water to exist, a key ingredient for survival on the Red Planet. To overcome this issue, the team created a 3D-printed chamber from polylactic acid — a biodegradable bioplastic — that protected the algae from harmful ultraviolet radiation while still allowing enough light to support photosynthesis, a crucial element for life.

Inside, they maintained an atmospheric pressure of 600 Pascals, replicating the surface pressure found on Mars.

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This innovation represents more than just a scientific milestone — it offers a glimpse into how humans might build sustainable life-support systems on Mars. According to Wordsworth, “If you have a habitat that is composed of bioplastic, and it grows algae within it, that algae could produce more bioplastic. So you start to have a closed-loop system that can sustain itself and even grow through time.”

These bioplastic structures could replace traditional, resource-heavy construction materials, which are difficult and expensive to transport in space. By leveraging algae’s biological properties, future space habitats could rely more on local production and regeneration, reducing dependence on Earth-based resupply missions.

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The species used in the experiment, Dunaliella tertiolecta, was selected for its ability to withstand harsh environments. Its success under simulated Martian conditions is significant — not only did it survive, but it also helped maintain liquid water, a critical factor for any long-term human presence on Mars.

Looking ahead, the Harvard team plans to further test their bioplastic habitats in vacuum environments, simulating conditions found on the Moon or in deep space.

They are also working on refining their closed-loop life support systems to function independently, potentially paving the way for more viable, long-term extraterrestrial living environments.

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