Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31576: Concrete in Space: Student-Led Study of Building Materials in Microgravity

What happens to concrete when it sets in space? A group of students from St. Nessan’s Community College in Limerick, Ireland, teamed up with the Irish Centre for Composites Research and NASA to answer that very question. Their project, launched through NanoRacks, explored the behavior of reinforced concrete solidification in microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, but its behavior in microgravity is largely unknown. This knowledge gap is crucial for future space missions that may require in-situ construction on the Moon or Mars. The St. Nessan’s team set out to investigate whether concrete could cure properly in the absence of gravity, and if the internal structure would be affected.

Their experiment used small test samples of reinforced concrete. The samples were mixed and allowed to cure aboard the ISS, where microgravity conditions could potentially influence how particles settle and bonds form. After returning to Earth, the samples were analyzed for changes in strength, uniformity, and structure.

This project was not only scientifically valuable but also incredibly inspiring. It was one of the few student-led experiments of its kind, highlighting how educational initiatives can contribute meaningfully to space research. Through hands-on involvement, students experienced the full cycle of a real-world experiment—from design and testing to launch and post-mission analysis.

By understanding how concrete behaves in space, researchers and engineers can better plan for constructing habitats and infrastructure beyond Earth. These findings could one day help astronauts build landing pads, radiation shields, or even homes on other planets using locally available materials.

This collaboration proves that age is no barrier to scientific contribution and that curiosity-driven projects can lay the groundwork for the future of space architecture.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.