What if the key to protecting astronauts from deadly space radiation isn’t metal — but mushrooms?

Astronautical architect Esther Gulacsi is pioneering an unexpected solution: using fungi and mycelium as lightweight, self-growing radiation shields for future space missions. From DIY lab experiments to testing at NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory, her groundbreaking work could help make long-duration travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond safer than ever before.