The key facts

  • A team from Hong Kong is developing 3D-printed blocks from Martian materials: sand, gelatin and genetically engineered yeast with adhesive proteins.
  • The idea is inspired by freeze-dried fruit.
  • The blocks are being tested under simulated Martian conditions; the main obstacles are equipment delivery and power supply.

Bricks made from Martian materials

Building housing on Mars remains a serious challenge, but researchers in Hong Kong are developing a possible solution: 3D-printed building blocks made from materials that could be sourced on the Red Planet. This was reported by Euronews in a publication dated October 17, 2026.

A yeast-based mixture inspired by freeze-dried fruit

The team, inspired by freeze-dried fruit, is creating a mixture of sand, gelatin and genetically modified yeast. The yeast produces adhesive proteins that strengthen the material.

Testing and obstacles

The researchers are testing the blocks under conditions simulating those on Mars. According to Euronews, the main obstacles remain transporting equipment to Mars and providing a sufficient amount of energy.