NASA has revealed a design for a 3D-printed pod that could provide habitation for the first humans visiting the Red Planet.
Unlike previous Martian designs, which are typically low-lying domes or buried structures, the so-called MARSHA pod is a vertical container with a minimal footprint.
This makes it a lot easier to build, as there is no need for a construction rover moving on unfamiliar ground. Instead it is constructed with a vertically telescoping arm attached to a stationary rover.
It has a double-shell design, to protect the habitable spaces from the natural expansion and contraction caused by the extreme temperature swings on Mars.
Inside, its functional areas are spread over four levels, with a spiral staircase allowing human inhabitants to move around freely.
- On the first level there is a wet lab, and a preparation area for astronauts entering and leaving the pod;
- The second level features a dry lab, as well as the kitchen area;
- The third level has four sleep pods, as well as the "sanitation pod" (toilet) and a garden area;
- The fourth level is an exercise and recreation area.
Each level has at least 1 window, which, together, cover the full 360 degree panorama. There is also a large water-filled skylight at the top of the structure.
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Circadian lighting, designed to recreate Earthly light, is also employed to maximise crew health.
"Architecture on Earth plays a critical role in the way we live," said AI SpaceFactory, the New York-based team behind the design.
"On Mars, this role reaches a higher level of importance since architectures are machines which keep us alive.
"In space architecture, every design decision is of great consequence to the success of a mission. Structures must be resilient and interior layouts must function around mission demands.
NASA reveals incredible 3D-printed 'habitat' that could shelter humans on Mars
"But since sustained social and mental health is also mission-critical, space habitats should offer an element of humanity.
"The result is a credible and evocative habitat with an alien yet familiar beauty."
AI SpaceFactory has been selected as the winner of NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, and awarded the top prize of $500,000.
The competition challenged contestants to create shelters out of recyclables and materials that could be found on deep-space destinations, like the Moon and Mars.
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They also had to build a one-third scale version of their architectural designs, using robotic construction techniques that allowed minimal human intervention.
AI SpaceFactory was praised for the way it automated the building process – completing the structure with nearly no human assistance in 30 hours.
It was also lauded for its innovative biopolymer basalt composite - a biodegradable and recyclable material derived from natural materials found on Mars.
After withstanding NASA's pressure, smoke, and impact testing, this material was found to be stronger and more durable than its concrete competitors.
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"It's light, and it's strong, like an airplane," said Lex Akers, Dean of the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology at Bradley University, who was one of the competition judges.
"That's going to be very important for these types of habitats."
Monsi Roman, programme manager for NASA's Centennial Challenges, added that it would help the US space agency advance the technologies needed to establish a human presence on Mars.
NASA has previously said it plans to send humans to Mars by the mid-2030s.
Earlier this year, the space agency's Administrator, Jim Bridenstine, said the first person to set foot on Mars is likely to be a woman.
