Posted on 03/18/2025 8:20:55 AM PDT by BenLurkin
In a recent Request for Information (RFI) on large bio-mechanical space structures, DARPA’s initiative seeks to develop structures that can reach lengths of over 500 meters, including “tethers for space elevators, grid-nets for orbital debris remediation, and kilometer-scale interferometers for radio science applications.” These structures, if successful, would not only reduce the need for launching heavy materials from Earth but also provide a sustainable and adaptable approach to space construction.
While all this sounds super cool, DARPA goes all out by requesting that these giant space structures be built with biological materials like “fungal mycelia” or protein-based fibers from “hagfish slime.” These materials can be integrated with mechanical components to achieve structural rigidity, much like a tent where the biological growth acts as the cover supported by underlying structural poles. For instance, a space elevator tether could be grown using a combination of fungal hyphae and mechanical fibers, allowing it to stretch from geostationary orbit to low Earth orbit while maintaining the necessary strength and durability.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedebrief.org ...
I wish them good luck with that.
I read that and saw something about fungus? Easy. Ship every liberal in America into space. They're biological and are a fungus. Let'm do something useful for a change.
Brilliant!
I haven’t seen an organic space ship since the Stargate series.
If we build organic space ships, we can be the ones to creep out alien civilizations.
Sounds promising!
Regards,
Now we know what they have planned for dead and stranded astronauts. Recycle their protein structures into building materials.
ARPA not AARP...ok
Why not start with a Hamster Cage In Space ,LOL
Like a coral reef but in outer space. Good to know.
Which is just twisted and wicked.
So. The idea comes from will Smith’s/Jayden Smith’s movie called “After Earth” 2013
My thoughts exactly. Vacuum adapted... It’s an interesting idea.
Been any number of Authors who have used “grown” ships and structures.
Dan Simmons in Hyperion. The Templar Tree ships.
Lexx.
Babylon 5’s Vorlon ships.
Etc... It’s an idea with a certain amount of merit.
Thank you! My first thought was Far Point Station on Deneb IV.
Would also reduce the bremsstrahlung effect from radiation striking the spacecraft structure.
Very NIH Fauci kinda twisted.
Voyager’s bio-neural circuitry writ large?
More like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farscape
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