Martian Oasis

Welcome to my project, here I will share my journey of designing a sustainable and livable habitat for the extreme environment of Mars. As we all know Mars has been under research for many years regarding the possibility of human habitation, yet there are still some challenges that affect this possibility, some of them are the extreme temperatures, high radiation levels, and extremely limited resources. Here, I'll show the steps I took to create a habitat that can effectively support human life on Mars.

Tinkercard software

Foam ball, white and gray foam paper, white cardboard, paper, printer, terracotta clay and pipe cleaner.

Mars presents many challenges for human habitation. To address these problems and create a efficient habitat, I focused on designing a habitat that utilizes well-studied and functional inventories developed by NASA and other well-known institutions that study outer space. My goal is to create a space that is not only functional but also enhances the well-being of its inhabitants.

MATERIALS

When building the habitat and selecting the materials, we have to strategically choose those that address the previously mentioned concerns:

• Weather-Resistant Windows:  NASA's research on advanced coatings includes multi-layered films that can reflect harmful radiation while allowing light to pass through. These windows can endure Mars's harsh climate, they also provide insulation and protection from extreme temperatures and high radiation levels making them perfect for the habitat.

• Steel Roofing and Flooring: having the extreme pressure differences between Mars and the interior of the habitat in thought, I concluded that a material like steel would be the best option because of its strength and ability to withstand these pressure differences.

• Concrete Walls and Flooring: Concrete will provide excellent insulation and stability, which is crucial for maintaining a stable temperature and protecting against radiation which can be dangerous long-term. In addition to the concrete walls, we can add Multi-layer insulation technology which is lightweight and effective for outer space.

Construction methods:

The construction of the Mars habitat involves modules shipped from Earth already prefabricated, for easy assembly. The soil would then have to be leveled for the positioning of the modules, ensuring stable foundations and airtight connections. Concrete and steel elements provide structural reinforcement, essential for withstanding Mars' pressure differences and potential seismic activity. Lightweight insulation materials, like aerogels and multi-layer films, are applied to protect from extreme temperatures and radiation. Finally, interior systems for electrical wiring, water filtration, and air quality control are installed and tested to ensure functionality in Mars' environment.

• Solar Panels and Electrical Systems: given that the light on Mars is 52% of the energy on Earth due to the distance from the sun, implementing advanced batteries that store extra energy during the sunlight periods should be essential. Photovoltaic technology is convenient because of its flexible and lightweight solar panels that can be deployed on various surfaces.

• Air Quality and Comfort: Air filtration systems are crucial to maintain air quality. The filtration systems I applied to my habitat are powered by fans of mountain air circulation and lithium hydroxide canisters that effectively filter out carbon dioxide and odors and then pass through an activated carbon canister that filters contaminants and aerobic organic material, finaly a heat exchanger to handle heat and humidity.

• Water Extraction and Recycling Systems: Considering the scarcity of easy access to water on Mars Incorporatingtechnology to extract water from Martian soil through regolith) and Advanced Water Filtration System (AWFS) are essential. The habitat uses microwave technology to heat and extract water from hydrated minerals in Mars soil. It recycles used water through mechanical filters, activated carbon, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, UV sterilization, and electrolysis, monitored by AI-driven sensors, ensuring a sustainable water supply.

• Hydroponic Farming: Sustainable food supply with hydroponic farming systems using nutrient-rich water, minimizing soil use, and maximizing water efficiency, inspired by NASA's Veggie project. Research on space agriculture has demonstrated the growth of various crops under controlled conditions using hydroponics, ensuring nutritional diversity and self-sufficiency for Martian colonists.

•  Communication and Connectivity: Robust communication systems provide high-speed data links with Earth and intra-habitat networks for real-time communication, entertainment, and remote collaboration. NASA's communication technologies include satellite systems and deep space networks that enable continuous communication and data transmission between Mars and Earth.

• Emergency response system: The habitat is equipped with an AI-driven emergency response system to ensure safety. This system detects issues like air leaks, radiation spikes, or structural damage and can automatically seal off affected areas. It reroutes life support systems to maintain functionality and alerts inhabitants to take necessary actions, enhancing overall safety and resilience in the harsh Martian environment.

Floor Plan 

Level 1: comfortable living space, kitchen with dining area, recreational space with virtual reality windows projecting real-time images and sounds of Earth’s natural environments, and exercise equipment with Low-gravity simulation equipment, such as resistance bands.

Level 2: bedrooms, work offices, and additional living space.

Level 3: communication room and viewpoint room

I made sure to have a clear vision of what I wanted my 3-D model to look like. Additionally, I searched for photo references to make the 3D model as realistic as possible.

i chose mars because Designing a habitat for Mars is about more than just surviving; it's about thriving. This project allowed me to make the most of my skills and learn new ones. I am passionate about solving real-world problems through innovative design and the thought that I am putting my grain of salt in this beautiful journey of the possibility of humans living in Mars.

This project was a solo endeavor where I applied the best of my abilities and drew on my experience with Tinkercard. The journey has been incredibly rewarding putting my reaserch and thinking skills to the test. I hope this project inspires you to think creatively and sustainably about the future of human habitats.