Scientists develop 'cosmic concrete'

[Blueprint]( We'd like to start with an apology. Yesterday we were testing out some exciting new features for our newsletter, and we sent out a version in error. So if you received that, we're sorry. Just know that we're always working behind the scenes to make The Blueprint as great as possible for your viewing pleasure. Now, on to the good stuff... [Heard of StarCrete?]( You have now. The "cosmic concrete" has come about because scientists have been testing various materials for the construction of habitats on Mars. But before you consider an interplanetary move, consider [this video](. It shows five extremely powerful machines that take it to another level. Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s dive in. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers heard how Chat GPT-4 could change the way we think about AI. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Five extremely powerful machines that take it to another level.]( [Five extremely powerful machines that take it to another level.]( This is the rise of the machines. MUST READ [Scientists develop 'cosmic concrete' to construct habitats on Mars.]( [Scientists develop 'cosmic concrete' to construct habitats on Mars.]( [Known as StarCrete]( the "cosmic concrete" has a strength of 72 Megapascals (MPa), compared to ordinary concrete, which stands at 32 MPa. It’s all come about because scientists have been testing various materials for the construction of habitats on Mars. In response, they have now developed a new 'cosmic concrete' composed of extraterrestrial dust. As returning to Earth at any speed wouldn’t be possible during these deep-space missions, it is important to rely on materials that can be found there. StarCrete is composed of potato starch and salt. When mixed with simulated Mars dust, the team demonstrated that the potato starch acts as a binding agent for this concrete. The resulting material was twice as strong as regular concrete and can be used for construction on outer worlds. → The study notes that StarCrete has a strength of 72 Megapascals (MPa), while ordinary concrete has a strength of 32 MPa. When tested with moondust, StarCrete outperformed all others at 91 MPa. [Read More]( CULTURE [Nearly 200 US banks could collapse like Silicon Valley Bank, warns study.]( [Around 200 American banking institutions]( are susceptible to suffering the same fate as Silicon Valley Bank, according to a new study. If half of the American banks' depositors abruptly withdrew their funds, 186 of them would be in danger of failing like SVB, warned the study. Without additional government involvement or recapitalization, "our calculations suggest these banks are certainly at a potential risk of a run," it said. 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This young team of researchers not only managed to send their satellite into space in June last year, piggybacking on Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket, but they believe, based on a new analysis of data from Air Force Space Command, that their satellite could be part of an effort to reduce space debris in orbit. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Scientists develop "cosmic concrete" to construct habitats on Mars. When do you think we’ll be building on Mars? [In the next 10-20 years]( [In our lifetime]( [We won’t, it’s a pipe dream]( [I am unsure either way]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Yesterday, we asked you if you think new research on solid-state batteries is the start of a battery revolution, and 59 percent of you said yes, and about time, too. 59% Yes, and about time too 32% If it can be scaled, why not? 4% I am unsure either way 4% No, there are better ideas out there QUOTE OF THE DAY Mars tugs at the human imagination like no other planet. 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