Difference between revisions of "Volcanic cave settlement"

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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
 
[[Image:VolcanicCaveSettlement.gif|thumb|right|300px|Schematic of a Volcanic Cave Settlement]]  
 
[[Image:VolcanicCaveSettlement.gif|thumb|right|300px|Schematic of a Volcanic Cave Settlement]]  
The '''Volcanic Cave Settlement''' is based upon the discovery of [[caves]] in the surface of [[Mars]] near an extinct volcano.  
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The '''Volcanic Cave Settlement''' concept is based upon the discovery of [[caves]] in the surface of [[Mars]] near an extinct [[volcano]].  
  
 
The concept utilizes lava caves for shelter.
 
The concept utilizes lava caves for shelter.
  
==Unmanned preparation of a natural cave==
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==Unmanned preparation of settlement room in a natural cave==
[[Image:AutomatedNaturalCaveArrangement.png|thumb|right|300px|Automated construction of a habitat using a natural cave]]  
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[[Image:AutomatedNaturalCaveArrangement.png|thumb|left|300px|Automated construction of a habitat using a natural cave]]  
  
 
First the cave is tested for stability with a series of small detonations, forcing loose rocks to fall down. The cave might be shaped a little to remove some prominent noses and to create an even ground.
 
First the cave is tested for stability with a series of small detonations, forcing loose rocks to fall down. The cave might be shaped a little to remove some prominent noses and to create an even ground.
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The entrance is then sealed. The shape of the seal is temporarily supported by means of a balloon, which is sprayed with several layers of [[polyurethane]] foam and [[fiberglass]]. A pre-processed [[airlock]] is integrated with the balloon.
 
The entrance is then sealed. The shape of the seal is temporarily supported by means of a balloon, which is sprayed with several layers of [[polyurethane]] foam and [[fiberglass]]. A pre-processed [[airlock]] is integrated with the balloon.
  
A layer of polyurethane foam is also sprayed upon the entire inner surface of the cave, providing an air-tight and thermal insulating skin.
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A layer of polyurethane foam is also sprayed upon the entire inner surface of the cave, providing an [[air]]-tight and thermal insulating skin.
  
 
The preparation of a natural cave is simple and can be easily remote controlled. It offers the best protection against [[radiation]] and [[meteorites]] and is, therefore, considered to be part of the [[unmanned setup of a whole settlement]].  
 
The preparation of a natural cave is simple and can be easily remote controlled. It offers the best protection against [[radiation]] and [[meteorites]] and is, therefore, considered to be part of the [[unmanned setup of a whole settlement]].  
  
There may be dangers associated with creating a habitat in a cave, such as the cave collapsing due to groundquakes, poison gases that seep through the walls, and possible contamination of any native life.  
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There may be dangers associated with creating a [[habitat]] in a cave, such as the cave collapsing due to ground quakes, poison gases that seep through the walls, and possible contamination of any native life.  
  
 
{{SettlementIndex}}
 
{{SettlementIndex}}
  
 
[[Category:Settlements]]
 
[[Category:Settlements]]
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[[Category:Concepts]]

Revision as of 12:06, 31 July 2008

Overview

Schematic of a Volcanic Cave Settlement

The Volcanic Cave Settlement concept is based upon the discovery of caves in the surface of Mars near an extinct volcano.

The concept utilizes lava caves for shelter.

Unmanned preparation of settlement room in a natural cave

Automated construction of a habitat using a natural cave

First the cave is tested for stability with a series of small detonations, forcing loose rocks to fall down. The cave might be shaped a little to remove some prominent noses and to create an even ground.

The entrance is then sealed. The shape of the seal is temporarily supported by means of a balloon, which is sprayed with several layers of polyurethane foam and fiberglass. A pre-processed airlock is integrated with the balloon.

A layer of polyurethane foam is also sprayed upon the entire inner surface of the cave, providing an air-tight and thermal insulating skin.

The preparation of a natural cave is simple and can be easily remote controlled. It offers the best protection against radiation and meteorites and is, therefore, considered to be part of the unmanned setup of a whole settlement.

There may be dangers associated with creating a habitat in a cave, such as the cave collapsing due to ground quakes, poison gases that seep through the walls, and possible contamination of any native life.

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