We know how concrete behaves and hardens on Earth, but how does this differ in space? ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer recently supported German Aerospace Center DLR experiment Mason/Concrete Hardening in orbit to find out.

The Concrete Hardening experiment investigates the behaviour of various concrete mixtures containing cement and sand or simulated ‘Moon dust’ combined with water and various admixtures. On Earth, higher density components tend to move downward but in weightlessness they are likely to be more evenly distributed.

Researchers will analyse the concrete mixed by Matthias in space for strength, bubble and pore distribution as well as crystal structures, comparing this to ground samples. Their findings will facilitate the development of new, improved concrete mixes that could be used to construct habitats on the Moon or Mars and build more sustainable housing on Earth.

Find out more about this experiment on the DLR website. You can also learn more about Matthias and his six-month mission Cosmic Kiss on the ESA Cosmic Kiss mission page.

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