Will These Be the New Habitats on Mars?
NASA's goal is to have humans on Mars in the 2030's. While this seems far away, multiple preparations need to be made before the launch. So in preparation of the big event, NASA has been conducting experiments about what life will be like on mars by simulating the conditions on earth. While many have been researching the best habitats possible, the most suitable one may have just been found.
After researching principles of gravity, radiation, air, water and more, the students in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Calgary were then given the task to work on a residence that could accommodate four to six people.
Multiple designs submitted were stationary, however, some students looked into mobile options that would resemble a spaceship and others experimented with buildings that could levitate above the planet.
Despite the differences in foundations, the one commonality was their incorporation of rooms that would improve the psychological wellbeing of the participants. These plans included areas to dine together, gardens, rooms where participants can engage in their hobbies like painting, and separate areas where individuals can contact their families on earth.
While designs are continuously being submitted by students and other agencies, there has yet to be one winning design. This is due to more research needing to be completed because it is currently predicted that participants will suffocate in a matter of 2 months with current design elements. So until a sustainable approach is made, no real design can win. So for now, we can only think of the designs for what they are - prototypes for a once unthinkable future.
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Sources: Calgary Sun, Calgary Herald Cover Image: unsplash
