Unmanned setup of a whole settlement
The unmanned setup of a whole settlement is a safe and economical way to colonize the planet Mars. There are many uncertainties with the alien environment. The equipment is tested on Earth thoroughly, but still the influence of the Martian environment might not be understood completely. The safest way is an unmanned setup by an automated and remote controlled machinery.
Contents
Transport of the equipment to Mars
After evaluation of all known data the location for the initial settlement is determined. The equipment is brought to the Martian surface. This may take several space flights. The equipment for the construction of buildings is brought first.
Cargo landings on Mars with larger versions of the aeroshells and parachutes used to land robotic probes might be impractical.[1] Since the Martian atmosphere is thin, wings might not be an option. The feasibility of a space elevator for landing large amounts of cargo should be analyzed with respect to the costs.
Construction of buildings
Houses, energy-generating appliances and greenhouses are setup and brought into function, all remote controlled from Earth. This habitat must be large enough to provide working space and food production space for an initial population. This could be done with the following concepts:
Greenhouse field trial
From the experiences of Biosphere 2 we can not assume a fully passive stability of the ecosystem. The material of the walls might react with the artificial atmosphere and the substances of the soil, causing a shift in concentration. Also, the hermetic sealing is not perfect. Conclusion: A machinery for automatical control of water, air and soil chemistry as well as pressure control is a must.
First the greenhouse is prepared. The bottom is covered with powdered regolith, enriched with fertilizer and moistened with water. An appropriate air pressure is created. A small amount of terrestrial soil implants microbes. Seeds of pioneer plants are brought in to transform regolith into rank soil, which takes several years. If applicable the greenhouse is artificially lit and heated.
When the greenhouses are fully functioning the first plants are brought to Mars. The trial should proof the stability of the biosphere with the metabolism of living plants, decomposition of foliages and reproduction.
Some small animals, such as chickens and rabbits are brought to Mars. They are released in the full-grown forrests of the greenhouses and serve both as a test inhabitant and as a first food source for the settlers.
Arrival of the settlers
The human settlers are shipped to Mars after completion of all construction and evaluation of the tests. After arrival they kill most of the animals and freeze them. From now on the settlers are part of the biosphere. They can rely on a mature and stable habitat.
Open issues
- How long does it take to transform regolith to soil? An experiment should be carried out.
- Is the automated setup really more expensive?
- How does polyurethane foam act under Martian environmental conditions?
- What is the required thickness of foam coating?
Reference
| Concepts: | Greenhouse · Settlements · Locations · General |
| Hazards: | Space Weather · Climate · General |
| Technology: | Hi-Tech · Lo-Tech · Energy · Spaceflight science · Communication · General |
| Human Considerations: | Economics · Health · Governance · Trade · Law · Social |
