What our lives could look like on Mars and the moon

A vision of what life on Mars and the moon could look like has been revealed in a series of incredible concept images.

The stunning shots reveal the 3D-printed homes and automated vehicles that could one day cover the surface of the planet.

They were created by the firm set up by designer Norman Foster, perhaps best known in the technology world for his work on Apple’s newly constructed ‘spaceship’ campus in Cupertino, California.

A vision of what life on Mars and the moon could look like has been revealed in an incredible series of concept images. The stunning shots reveal the 3D-printed houses and automated vehicles that will scatter the surface of future Mars and lunar colonies. This artist’s impression shows a fully operational colony on the red planet 

Foster + Partners will present its grand vision for extra-terrestrial life to visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018, which takes place between July 12 and 15.

Visitors will be able to view a scale model of the habitat, as well as robotics and futuristic designs developed by the company to explore the future of life in space.

The Mars and lunar habitation pods will also be on display.

A virtual reality experience will allow festival-goers the chance to peer inside the proposed state-of-the-art habitation pods.

An example of a robotic architectural 3D-printing arm, of the type that would construct the habitats, will also be on show at the Goodwood Festival, creating different-shaped plastic objects to demonstrate its skills. 

The dwellings would be created in three stages by pre-programmed, semi-autonomous robots before the arrival of any astronauts. This artist's impression shows the descent of inflatable living quarters and site preparation and excavation work being undertaken by semi-autonomous 'Digger' robots

The dwellings would be created in three stages by pre-programmed, semi-autonomous robots before the arrival of any astronauts. This artist’s impression shows the descent of inflatable living quarters and site preparation and excavation work being undertaken by semi-autonomous ‘Digger’ robots

This artist's impression shows the second phase of the process, the landing of habitat units, with airbags deployed for a soft landing, with medium-sized 'Transporters' then moving into position over the inflatable habitat modules to layer them into place

This artist’s impression shows the second phase of the process, the landing of habitat units, with airbags deployed for a soft landing, with medium-sized ‘Transporters’ then moving into position over the inflatable habitat modules to layer them into place

London firm Foster + Partners will present its grand vision for extra-terrestrial living to visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018, taking place between July 12 and 15. This artist's impression shows living quarters now inflated and moved into position

London firm Foster + Partners will present its grand vision for extra-terrestrial living to visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018, taking place between July 12 and 15. This artist’s impression shows living quarters now inflated and moved into position

HOW WOULD FOSTER + PARTNERS MARS AND MOON COLONY CONCEPT WORK?

3D-printed homes, measuring 1,001 sq ft (93 sq m), would house up to four astronauts and be constructed using regolith – the loose soil and rocks found on the surface of Mars.

The dwellings would be created in three stages by pre-programmed, semi-autonomous robots before the arrival of any astronauts.

Firstly, semi-autonomous ‘Digger’ robots would select an appropriate site and dig a five foot (1.5 metre) deep crater in the regolith.

This would be followed by the delivery of inflatable modules which would sit within the crater to form the core of the settlement.

Medium-sized ‘Transporters’ would then move into position over the inflatable habitat modules to layer them into place.

The loose Martian soil would then be fused around the modules using microwaves – a similar principle used when 3D-printing – by several small ‘Melter’ robots.

This fused regolith would then create a permanent shield to protect the settlement from extreme radiation and temperatures.

The designers say that the clear separation of tasks among the robots would increase the likelihood of the mission’s success – if one robot failed, or a single module was damaged, there would be others that could fulfil the task in hand.

David Summerfield, head of studio at Foster + Partners, said: ‘We’re delighted that our design concepts for habitats on Mars and the Moon are taking centre stage at the FoS Future Lab.

‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to show how technology can enable us to create extraterrestrial settlements.

‘We hope visitors to the Goodwood Festival of Speed will come away from the display excited and enthused about the possibilities of the future and that it will inspire the next generation to reach for the stars.’ 

The moon and Mars colony concept originally won Foster + Partners second prize and the People’s Choice award in a Mars habitat competition organised by design institute America Makes and Nasa back in 2015. 

The proposal outlines plans for a settlement constructed by a number of pre-programmed, semi-autonomous robots before the arrival of astronauts.

In 2016, the head of the ESA elaborated on plans to build a village on the moon, designed by firm Foster + Partners. Desings for the lunar habitation pods will also be on display at Goodwood

In 2016, the head of the ESA elaborated on plans to build a village on the moon, designed by firm Foster + Partners. Desings for the lunar habitation pods will also be on display at Goodwood

The concept is a base for lunar exploration by humans and robots, which would act as a stopover for spacecraft, and become a 'village' with mining and even tourism. This image shows an artist's impression of one of the habitat modules

The concept is a base for lunar exploration by humans and robots, which would act as a stopover for spacecraft, and become a ‘village’ with mining and even tourism. This image shows an artist’s impression of one of the habitat modules

The 3D-printed homes, measuring 1,001 sq ft (93 sq m), would house up to four astronauts and be constructed using regolith – the loose soil and rocks found on the surface of Mars.

According to plans, the dwellings would be built in three stages.

Given the vast distance from the Earth and the issue of communication delays, construction would take place with minimal human input, relying instead on pre-programmed rules rather than closely defined instructions.

This, the designers say, would make the system more adaptable to change and able to cope with unexpected challenges on the surface of the planet.

Three different kinds of robots would be parachuted to the surface of Mars, with each performing a specialised task within what has been dubbed the large-scale Regolith Additive Construction (Rac) process.

Firstly, semi-autonomous ‘Digger’ robots would select an appropriate site and dig a five foot (1.5 metre) deep crater in the regolith.

This would be followed by the delivery of inflatable modules which sit within the crater to form the core of the settlement.

Medium-sized ‘Transporters’ would then move into position over the inflatable habitat modules to layer them into place.

The loose Martian soil would then be fused around the modules using microwaves – a similar principle used when 3D-printing – by several small ‘Melter’ robots.

This artist's impression shows loose Martian soil being fused around houisng modules using microwaves ¿ a similar principle used when 3D-printing ¿ by several small 'Melter' robots. This fused regolith would then create a permanent shield to protect the settlement from extreme radiation and temperatures

This artist’s impression shows loose Martian soil being fused around houisng modules using microwaves – a similar principle used when 3D-printing – by several small ‘Melter’ robots. This fused regolith would then create a permanent shield to protect the settlement from extreme radiation and temperatures

The designers say that the living space would take human physiology and psychology into account. 'Soft' materials and enhanced virtual environments would help reduce the adverse effects of a relatively monotonous life on Mars

The designers say that the living space would take human physiology and psychology into account. ‘Soft’ materials and enhanced virtual environments would help reduce the adverse effects of a relatively monotonous life on Mars

An example of a robotic architectural 3D-printing arm (pictured), of the type that would construct the habitats, will also be on show at the Goodwood Festival, creating different-shaped plastic objects to demonstrate its skills

An example of a robotic architectural 3D-printing arm (pictured), of the type that would construct the habitats, will also be on show at the Goodwood Festival, creating different-shaped plastic objects to demonstrate its skills

Visitors will also be able to view a scale model of the habitat, as well as robotics (pictured) and futuristic designs developed by the company to explore the future of life in space. This image shows SmartGeometry Gothenburg testing robot designs on simulated volcanic soil 

Visitors will also be able to view a scale model of the habitat, as well as robotics (pictured) and futuristic designs developed by the company to explore the future of life in space. This image shows SmartGeometry Gothenburg testing robot designs on simulated volcanic soil 

This fused regolith would then create a permanent shield to protect the settlement from extreme radiation and temperatures.

In winter, temperatures near the poles can plummet to -125°C (-195°F). A summer day on Mars may reach up to 20°C (70°F) near the equator, but at night the temperature can plummet to around -73°C (-100°F).

The designers say that the clear separation of tasks among the robots would increase the likelihood of a successful mission – if one robot fails, or a single module is damaged, there would be others that could fulfil the task in hand.

The designers say that the living space would take human physiology and psychology into account.

‘Soft’ materials and enhanced virtual environments would help reduce the adverse effects of a relatively monotonous life on Mars.

The dome-shaped structures are also able to bear a maximum load of 3,734lbs (1,694kg) – double the weight of competing designs.

WHAT ARE EUROPE’S PLAN FOR A MOON BASE?

In 2016, the head of the ESA elaborated on plans to build a village on the moon, designed by London firm Foster + Partners.

‘The future of space travel needs a new vision,’ said Jan Woerner.

The concept is a base for lunar exploration by humans and robots, which would act as a stopover for spacecraft, and become a ‘village’ with mining and even tourism.
 

Multi-dome lunar base being constructed, based on the 3D printing concept. Once assembled, the inflated domes are covered with a layer of 3D-printed lunar regolith by robots to help protect the occupants against space radiation and micrometeoroids

Multi-dome lunar base being constructed, based on the 3D printing concept. Once assembled, the inflated domes are covered with a layer of 3D-printed lunar regolith by robots to help protect the occupants against space radiation and micrometeoroids

‘Right now we have the Space Station as a common international project, but it won’t last forever,’ said Woerner.

‘If I say Moon Village, it does not mean single houses, a church, a town hall and so on. No, that would be misleading. 

‘My idea only deals with the core of the concept of a village: people working and living together in the same place. 

‘And this place would be on the moon.

‘In the Moon Village we would like to combine the capabilities of different spacefaring nations, with the help of robots and astronauts. 

Structures for a lunar base could be built by robots sent ahead of human astronauts. Experts said 3D printing technology can currently construct an entire building in around a week

Structures for a lunar base could be built by robots sent ahead of human astronauts. Experts said 3D printing technology can currently construct an entire building in around a week

‘The participants can work in different fields, perhaps they will conduct pure science and perhaps there will even be business ventures like mining or tourism.’

Woerner said the village could even help man get to Mars.

‘The Moon Village would also act as a ‘pit stop’ for the further exploration of the Universe,’ he said. 

‘Esa is eager to fly to Mars as well. 

For ESA's 3D-printed lunar base concept, Foster+Partners devised a weight-bearing ¿catenary¿ dome design with a cellular structured wall to shield against micrometeoroids and space radiation, incorporating a pressurised inflatable to shelter astronauts

For ESA’s 3D-printed lunar base concept, Foster+Partners devised a weight-bearing ‘catenary’ dome design with a cellular structured wall to shield against micrometeoroids and space radiation, incorporating a pressurised inflatable to shelter astronauts

‘For more than a decade, we have had a very successful spacecraft orbiting there. And now, with ExoMars, two unmanned missions are aiming at martian orbit and the surface. 

‘Yes, the Americans want to send astronauts to Mars one day, but today’s technology isn’t prepared for this trip yet. 

‘For example, we must develop countermeasures against the cosmic radiation that endangers the health of humans on long space trips. And we have to learn how to endure longer periods of time in space, not only in low orbit as on the Space Station.

‘This is where our Moon comes into play – it is the perfect stepping stone to Mars.’ 

The space agency has been touting the permanent lunar colony as a replacement for the orbiting International Space Station, which is due to be decommissioned in 2024 

 



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