Difference between revisions of "Equipment for autonomous growth"
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Every machine and every gadget has a [[wear lifespan|limited lifetime]]. It must be replaced periodically to keep the function alive. As a principle, the equipment brought to Mars must be constructed simple enough to allow a repair and duplication from local resources. The periodic repair and maintenance process must not consume more material, energy and time than the colony can afford. The usage of [[hi-tech versus lo-tech|Lo-tech instead of hi-tech]] for vital systems is a possible solution. [[Recycling]] helps too. | Every machine and every gadget has a [[wear lifespan|limited lifetime]]. It must be replaced periodically to keep the function alive. As a principle, the equipment brought to Mars must be constructed simple enough to allow a repair and duplication from local resources. The periodic repair and maintenance process must not consume more material, energy and time than the colony can afford. The usage of [[hi-tech versus lo-tech|Lo-tech instead of hi-tech]] for vital systems is a possible solution. [[Recycling]] helps too. | ||
| − | ===Example: | + | ===Example: Manufacture and repair of digging machines=== |
| − | [[Digging machine]]s produce [[ore]]. The [[ | + | [[Digging machine]]s produce [[ore]]. The [[smelter]] transforms ore to iron. A [[steel plant]] makes [[steel]] out of the iron. And the steel must be forged and finished to parts for digging machines. Is the circle closed? Digging machines used in modern mines on Earth contain thousands of non-steel parts. A steel plant on earth requires at least hundreds of workers directly, and many more if we count the workers needed to build the equipment and the parts for that equipment and structures of the steel mill and to satisfy the very diverse products and services expected by steel workers as consumers. Similarly assembly plants for digging machines typically employ hundreds of workers directly and tens of thousands indirectly. For colonies with fewer people, a much simpler "frontier town" loop is that a [[blacksmith]] produces tools and simple hand-powered machines and replacement parts for mining, and a small-scale smelter converts the ore to the iron bars worked by the blacksmith. A [[brick]]-maker makes furnaces for the smelter and blacksmith. With the crafts of a self-sufficient frontier town the circle is closed and each craft can produce a wide variety of tools used by the other crafts. |
===Example: Repair of solar panels=== | ===Example: Repair of solar panels=== | ||
Revision as of 05:32, 12 February 2010
What equipment will settlers on Mars need to be really independent from Earth on the long term? This article wants to define the Equipment for Autonomous Growth to enable a colony to thrive, entirely based upon local resources.
The initial settlement on Mars will be built with technology from Earth, involving space travel, radio link, etc. Hopefully, this initial settlement is completed with the ability to sustain itself.
In case the support from Earth stops some day due to financial or political issues, the settlers are completely on their own. In order to survive, the settlement must be equipped with technology that allows life to continue indefinitely. A growing population requires the settlement to grow as well. The limited material from Earth will be used up quickly. Unlimited growth requires technology to exploit Martian resources to build everything required.
Contents
Mining equipment
The most critical technology is mining. It provides almost every material the growing colony needs: water, iron, silicon, etc.
Construction technique
A growing colony needs to build more and larger buildings. An initial set of machines, measuring devices, formwork etc. should be brought to Mars. Advanced 3D Printers can be used to fabricate items on Mars. Construction complexity may be averted by the use of Shared componenting.
Energy
Energy is one of the crucial issues in a Martian colony. The surplus energy, that is what is left after food production and machinery maintenance, can be used to expand the colony. Both mining and processing of additional construction material as well as drilling of artificial caves consume large amounts of energy.
Automation
There are many processes to maintain in an artificial habitat, requiring automation technology. Electronics, mechanics, hydraulics and pneumatics are considered.
Computers
Computers are found in anything from watches and microwaves to cellphones and personal computers, at least in industrialized societies on Earth. One might think, computers are required in establishing a modern colony. Surely they are a great help for any other technology, but they are not inevitable.
Internet
The access to Earth's internet is definitely not necessary for an autonomous colony, but it helps to exchange technological, scientific and cultural news, which might be beneficial for both Mars and Earth.
Biotechnology
Since sunlight is not as bright as on Earth, the construction of biotechnological factories can help to provide enough food for the settlers.
Synthetic materials
Almost any technology requires a large quantity of synthetic materials: plastics, oil, acids, etc., that is produced by chemical processes.
Reproductive Technology
Every machine and every gadget has a limited lifetime. It must be replaced periodically to keep the function alive. As a principle, the equipment brought to Mars must be constructed simple enough to allow a repair and duplication from local resources. The periodic repair and maintenance process must not consume more material, energy and time than the colony can afford. The usage of Lo-tech instead of hi-tech for vital systems is a possible solution. Recycling helps too.
Example: Manufacture and repair of digging machines
Digging machines produce ore. The smelter transforms ore to iron. A steel plant makes steel out of the iron. And the steel must be forged and finished to parts for digging machines. Is the circle closed? Digging machines used in modern mines on Earth contain thousands of non-steel parts. A steel plant on earth requires at least hundreds of workers directly, and many more if we count the workers needed to build the equipment and the parts for that equipment and structures of the steel mill and to satisfy the very diverse products and services expected by steel workers as consumers. Similarly assembly plants for digging machines typically employ hundreds of workers directly and tens of thousands indirectly. For colonies with fewer people, a much simpler "frontier town" loop is that a blacksmith produces tools and simple hand-powered machines and replacement parts for mining, and a small-scale smelter converts the ore to the iron bars worked by the blacksmith. A brick-maker makes furnaces for the smelter and blacksmith. With the crafts of a self-sufficient frontier town the circle is closed and each craft can produce a wide variety of tools used by the other crafts.
Example: Repair of solar panels
Solar panels provide electricity, which will be used to create more silicon for photo-voltaic cells.
Example: Repair of electronics
The most complex thing to replace is, perhaps, the computer. It needs high-tech processes and special substances to made all the electronical devices within a computer. There are two ways for coping with this challenge: Either abstain from any electronics on Mars, or find a way to produce simple electronics that can be made from local Martian resources.
