Mars habitation: Design for extreme condition

Abstract

We landed on the Moon a little less than fifty years ago, and human beings will potentially colonize a second planet in near future. The most possible option is Mars. NASA and some private organizations are presently planning to send human missions to Mars within 2030s. Rather than just setting down a simple footprint, however, this will be a more advanced step: the establishment of a successful and durable habitat on the Martian surface. Humankind has an enduring history of survival and adaptation. Considering the advancements made via science and engineering technology, experts already believe that survival on a distant planet is possible - even within a hostile environment such as Mars. Yet, survival is not enough to declare a habitat as successful one. Especially on Mars, it is difficult to ensure a healthy environment for both physiological and psychological conditions within a confined habitat. Perhaps, the most arduous challenge will be to create (or recreate) the feeling of a where our human crews will not just survive but will in fact thrive! This paper explores an overall portrayal of the extreme environmental conditions of Mars and the obstacles to be faced by those first human crews. Finally, through the case studies and their cross analysis, this research will reveal the plausible solutions for the most challenging problem regarding the first Martian habitat : How architecture can construct a viable and sustainable shelter for an extremely hostile environment and simultaneously, establish a new identity for the | on another planet