The authors of the development claim that it will make future space travel cheaper and more practical. The researchers used a 3D powder printer to mix simulated Martian rock dust with a titanium alloy. A powerful laser then heated the materials to over 2,000°C to melt them. Next, the molten mixture was poured onto a moving platform, which allowed the researchers to create various shapes.
Finally, after the material had cooled, the researchers tested it for strength and durability. They found that a small amount of crushed Martian rock mixed with a titanium alloy creates a strong, high-performance material that can be used to make tools and parts for rockets on Mars.
Source: Ferra
