Research

A mars settlement er exploration outpost may be built around its research facilities or have them as accessories to their normal operations. It very much depends on the focus for development of the settlement. Laboratories will provide both applied research to support production and colony development, as well as basic scientific research to better understand Mars and its characteristics.

Mineralogy laboratory

Functions

• Mineral identification and evaluation
• Mineral processing development
• Support to geological exploration
• Metallurgical processes development

Equipment

• Spectroscope
• Grinding, crushing
• Screening
• Floating
• Leaching
• Vacuum
• Burners and beakers
• Microscope
• Weighing scales
• Reagents
• Computers and data storage
• Cameras
• Benches
• Capture hoods
• Sink and faucet
• Dryer
• Furnace

Safety

• Dust collection
• Fire suppression
• Reagent separation

Biological laboratory

Functions

• Study martian environment for signs of life
• Study adaptation of Earth organisms to Mars
• Evaluate food production on Mars, conventional and industrial
• Study effects of Mars on humans

Equipment

• Laboratory hoods and benches
• Microscope
• Electronic microscope
• Spectroscope
• Cameras
• Laboratory supplies
• Burners and beakers
• Weighing scales
• Centrifuge
• Containment hoods
• Reagents and culture mediums
• Sink and faucet
• Computers and data storage

Safety

• Containment
• Air filtration
• Fire suppression

Botanical laboratory

The botanical laboratory is part of the green house facilities. It works with the biological laboratory to create growing environments and evaluate the life support properties or plants and associated organisms.

Functions

• Hybridizing
• Plant testing
• Soil testing
• Soil creation and preparation
• Life support evaluation
• Nutritional evaluations

Equipment

• Laboratory hoods and benches
• Microscope
• Cameras
• Laboratory supplies
• Burners and beakers
• Weighing scales
• Culture mediums
• Seeds and biological samples
• Sink and faucet
• Computers and data storage

Safety

• Containment ?
• Air filtration
• Fire suppression

Production laboratory

The production laboratory works with the other laboratories to develop production methods for construction and fabrication materials.

Functions

• Develop and test a concrete equivalent
• Develop and test steel production methods
• Develop and test glass production methods
• Develop and test plastic production methods
• Develop and test paints and other surface coverings production methods
• Develop and test various metal production methods

Equipment

• Furnaces
• 3D printers, plastic and metal based
• Grinders
• Extrusion presses
• Material test equipment
• Machining equipment
• Supplies

Safety

• Lifting equipment
• Fire suppression
• Dust collection