Mushrooms to Mars: Harnessing Fungi for Sustainable Human Settlements

Abstract

Fungi can play a crucial role in humanity's efforts to colonize Mars. Already, fungi, including mushrooms, have been featured in experiments conducted in low Earth orbit. In the establishment and maintenance of a large colony on Mars, fungi could fulfil vital roles in forming structural components and habitats, building and detoxifying soils, and providing foodstuffs, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Enhancing our understanding of fungi could not only benefit space exploration but also yield more immediate benefits here on Earth.