ARPA Wants to Build Giant Space Structures Using Living Organisms

thedebrief.org ^ | 03/15/2025 | MJ Banias

[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.

[Lake Living]

Maybe they first need to develop atmospheric air fresheners for the time these things’ orbits deteriorate and burn up in the atmosphere. Pew! 🤢