Makerbot Mars Modular Multi-purpose Enclosure (M.M.M.M.E.) by MitchMaker

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

Makerbot Mars Modular Multi-purpose Enclosure (M.M.M.M.E.)
The path to colonizing Mars is long and arduous.
Mars is not a Goldilock planet and because of this fact, a Mars colony would never likely be self-sustaining with current technology. However, that does not mean that a permanent colony could not be established. It just means that the colony would require perpetual support and resupplying (ie The International Space Station).
Mars lacks the mass to sustain a planet wide magnetic field and magnetosphere.
The lack of a magnetic field diminishes chance of terraforming since any manufactured atmosphere would escape into space. A colony would have to rely on hydroponics or some other source to manufacture a habitat with an oxygen-rich environment.
The lack of a magnetosphere increases the harmful radiation that impacts the planet's surface. Natural shielding can be found in volcanic caves or underground. Shielding can be manufactured with natural elements (ice/water & soil) or imported.
Extreme temperatures and storms require a formidable and robust structure for human habitation (ie artic stations). Astronaut would use an electronic key connected to the panel's port to engage connection points in needed configuration. Manual keying could be included as well.
The economics involved on manning a Martian colony would be astronomical. This could be greatly reduced by mass production of modular components to maximize economies of scale. Modular components would also maximize packing and shipping from Earth or orbiting station.
Modular components can also be fashioned in multiple configurations for multiple uses. Modular components also create a redundancy should a component fail or be damaged. Specialized modular components (communications, life sciences, mining, furniture, water collection, mobility, and many more) can be integrated into the built enclosures.
Land containers full of specialized M.M.M.M.E. panels and modular equipment & furnishings on the equator of Mars. Build a habitat inside a cave and expand outward. Establish a supply chain between Mars and Earth.
So let's go to Mars.