DARPA Seeks Your Proposals for Large Bio-Mechanical Space Structures
I have a random question for you: Do you happen to have any ideas for creating big, new biomechanical structures that could be grown in space, especially in places where there’s little gravity? I’m asking because the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently put out a request for feedback from the public about their plans to create “large bio-mechanical space structures.”
DARPA is known for turning ideas that seem like science fiction into real science. They are interested in finding ways to “grow” biological structures that are incredibly large—up to 500 meters long or even longer. These structures could be used to help build things in space. According to their request, DARPA wants to develop these structures to make biology a key part of how we assemble things in space, which is definitely an ambitious goal!
To help spark your imagination, DARPA shared some examples of what they mean by “structures that could be biologically manufactured and assembled.” These examples include tethers for space elevators, nets designed to catch space debris, large tools for measuring waves in radio science, wing-like structures for space stations, and sticky materials that can be used for quick repairs in space.
To help visualize what DARPA is talking about, imagine a tent. The agency suggested that the poles of the tent represent strong structural materials, while the “cover” of the tent would be made using biological growth methods. Just like a tent can be shaped in different ways using its poles, these biological structures could also be shaped, and when equipped with the right technology, they could serve specific purposes.
While this idea may sound a bit strange or even sinister to some, it’s important to note that DARPA is looking for concepts that don’t inspire fear or chaos. They are likely not interested in creating materials that could spiral out of control. Instead, it seems like they are inspired by the idea of using advanced organic materials to create something beneficial, similar to a concept from the movie “Megalopolis,” where a character wants to use a special bio-adaptive material to build a perfect world.
In April, DARPA plans to hold a workshop in the Bay Area to further discuss their research and goals related to these large bio-mechanical structures. If you happen to know about naturally growing materials that could be shaped into large and scalable structures, it might be worth considering a trip to San Francisco to share your ideas with DARPA.
This initiative is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space and looking for innovative ways to integrate biology into engineering, transforming how we think about building and assembling structures in space. Whether you have brilliant ideas or are just curious about where this might lead, it’s a fascinating area of exploration that is just beginning to take shape.
