AI SpaceFactory - MARSHA - Our Vertical Martian Future - Part Two

Construction Level 2 of Phase 3 of NASA's 3D Printed Habitat Challenge
Marsha is a technical proposal for a habitat on the surface of Mars built autonomously using local and mission-grown materials.
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION TEAM
Jeffrey Montes (Team Leader)
Christopher James Botham
David I. Malott
David Riedel
Sima Shahverdi
CONSORTIUM PARTNER
Virginia Tech Center for Design Research
Macromolecules Innovation Institute at Virginia Tech
OPERATIONS, FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT SUPPORT
Autodesk Technology Center Boston
CONSULTANTS
Structural engineering - Thornton Tomasetti
(Dennis C.K. Poon, Chi Chung Tse, Saravanan Panchacharam, Hao Chen)
Lighting design - Haniyeh Mirdamadi, Arup
Test engineering - Simpson, Gumpertz & Hegergan
Polymer design - Techmer PM
Mars geochemistry - Dr. Scott McLennan, Stony Brook University
Planetary physics - Dr. Philip Metzger, University of Central Florida
Systems and civil engineering - Dr. Paul van Susante, Michigan Tech
ISRU/ robotics - Dr. Kris Zacny, Honeybee Robotics
Basalt construction - PISCES
Building energy performance - Duncan Phillips, RWDI
script - Jeffrey Montes
voice and music - Skyler Cocco
photoreal renderings - Plomp
www.spacefactory.io
twitter: ai_spacefactory
instagram: ai_spacefactory

[@michaelherron362]

This is the best description of Martian Habitat construction I have seen. Are there any other good ones?

[@3gunslingers]

Not in the NASA contest at least.

[@UNSCPILOT]

they could use a temporary inflatable dome over the construction site or just do regular cleaning with compressed air to mitigate buildup, that's my thought on the matter at least

[@mengkit7884]

Have a look on Hassell

[@3gunslingers]

@@mengkit7884 Have a look on their robots. Do you really think this is possible in a world outside of CGI and powerpoint? The idea of the habitat is... okay, but the video is idiotic.

[@mengkit7884]

@@3gunslingers i think it is possible, though we will be facing a lot of uncertainties factor that affect the ultimate outcome. By far, this is the closest details that our humanity are working on. Given a couple more years, technology will get refine and more mature.

[@ErikB605]

0:44 is probably the most impressive part.

[@tylerl6942]

Ya'll should make another dome that acts for plant growth solely

[@aiosquadron]

We could just change off the top skylight relax dome for greenhouse.

[@sebastianjasper2308]

111 likes and 0 dislikes - that's the way to go! Verry informative and as a bonus the woman has a verry kind and pleasant voice.

[@shanelee3754]

Yep, best design and best location with easily attainable resources.

[@mmeiselph7234]

While this is really impressive, you need to rethink the renders of base/colony wide shots. This hab can only every have a number of people inside equal to the number of suitports. Human beings need communal, community spaces, and the ability for people living in different habs to socialize that doesn't require going outside. I'd suggest additional prefabricated parts (hatches) that would then lead to printed walkway tubes, that connect the habs, perhaps via occasional central MARSHA structures which would function as community spaces (since you show kids, school, library, etc). This might also allow for at least one proper airlock in a dedicated building (which could also include showers, and other facilities to keep martian dust isolated).

[@1FatLittleMonkey]

_"This hab can only every have a number of people inside equal to the number of suitports"_ The primary crew access is a vehicle docking hatch, not the suitports. The vehicle hatch is shown at 1:50 That said, I'm not sure why they're so fixated on this tall skinny design. It's not like land prices are an issue. The same structure, built horizontally, would have a lot more useful volume. It would also lend itself to continuous modular construction. (Build the first section's shell. While you're fitting it out internally, the robot is building the second section's shell. While you're living in the first section, fitting out the second section, the robot is building the third section... Each "external" hatch between sections becomes the internal emergency bulkhead hatch once each next section becomes airtight.)

[@mmeiselph7234]

@@1FatLittleMonkey Thanks, I missed that. The other video and the stills don't really show it, either, however. The first video gives their rationale for the vertical cylinder. Seems like they could put hatches on the second floor, and bury the bottom in regolith, as well (sleeping quarters in the buried bit). I'd like to see how well this mitigates radiation. I think the issue with your (good) horizontal building idea is that the robot would need to be substantially larger (it stands outside the structure).

[@1FatLittleMonkey]

@@mmeiselph7234 They compared a vertical cylinder with a dome. A dome is a terrible pressure vessel, so comparing _anything_ with a dome would result in the other thing winning the comparison. As for vertical printing, at this scale, height (especially with a single pole, as shown) will induce stability issues. Requiring the same range of motion, but horizontally, will not add to that. (In a conventional 3d print enclosure, the cross-arm is supported on both sides, the base generally moves up and down. Hence height is easier to add than width. You just make the sides of the machine longer. But the "Marsha" bot is a free-standing device. Height is bad.) Edit: Oops, forgot to comment on your suggestion. Yeah, burial is a cheap way to get radiation shielding. But their method of 3d printing pretty much excludes it. A horizontal cylinder could be covered in regolith, keeping just the windows and hatches open.

[@UNSCPILOT]

It is a good idea though, having shielded tunnels to communal areas that don't requite a suit or vehicle, especially having access to emergency shelters when greater levels of shielding or armor are needed, and it would let each habitat specialize more since they don't need as much redundant systems. I wouldn't add to many extra suit ports though, the more holes your make in the wall the more potencial failure points are introduced to the pressure vessel

[@danielwhyatt3278]

This is why I believe the domed doughnut shape that will be 3-D printed is the best option.

[@morenofranco9235]

Excellent AI Marsh Team!

[@konoha1993]

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. Good job!

[@pauldannelachica3742]

can't wait to see spacex starship carry these things to MARS

[@ghostsgamingea2383]

There gonna be made on mars

[@omidbasir9278]

Pauldanne Lachica NASA is gonna do them not space x lol

[@pauldannelachica3742]

@@omidbasir9278 fortnite are for virgin's. Apex is the king

[@thestudentofficial5483]

They most probably carry Godot from Boring Company

[@treefarm3288]

Brilliant.

[@los2t423]

1st video made me feel like "ho, just another wana be space company" 2 video changed my mind good job

[@brookestephen]

PYRAMIDS: Perhaps we should build space habitats, on the Moon and Mars, just as our ancestors built the pyramids. They are the most economical use of 3d printing, inflatable habitats, and multiple story building. They also provide the most economical and quickest way to guard against micro-meteorites and radiation. You must ensure that you can move machinery, equipment & stores to the appropriate level within the habitat, and pyramids provide a smooth ramp to every level. This approach basically involves blocks of polymer-infused regolith, surrounding a space filled with tamped loose regolith, containing walled empty space for habitation, or even just stacked inflatable modules, and a helical ramp just inside the blocks, with access to each level, to move things around. Robots could collect and distribute regolith, make blocks of amalgum, tamp regolith, move equipment critical stores and habitat structural elements into place. And just why would you need windows, if you have cameras outside and video projectors inside the habitat? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGXGlXeKZr-pd6M

[@TekTravis]

This is one of the best designs I have seen for 3D printing a habitat on Mars my question that I have is what I noticed from the video is the structure would be open to the atmosphere the entire time its 3D printing which means that once the 3D printing is complete the inside of the habitat would have to be decontaminated from dust and particles that settled inside during the 3D printing process perhaps using a sheath on top of the structure that would surround and cover the structure as it grows blocking out a lot of the dust and particulate matter from settling inside the habitat.

[@marsincubator2701]

Very compelling presentation!

[@VendErre]

This is fascinating.

[@jazzthrowout265]

Impressive and very interesting. I wished you said more about what fraction of the radiation can be absorbed by the shell though...

[@IvanSantanaEu]

Nice project.

[@bethymears2648]

Great stuff♥️

[@toolbox6740]

Well updated video compared to the last, well done. I’m curious what else you have in mind?

[@spagta]

Nice animation

[@Zopdoz]

It's actually happening guys, extra terrestrial habitats are now a thing of reality! Kudos AI Space Factory, i'm getting goosebumps just thinking of how MASHA is going to turn out, both its earthly & extraterrestrial versions. Such a joy seeing this all happen right in front of our eyes, it's hard to believe at times lol..

[@SABER_Knight-King]

It's MARSHA not MASHA ^__^

[@rubscratch98]

the only problem i see is the lack of seperated air spaces in case of a leak or maintainance to the outer hull. if there is a leak there is no shelter inside the habitat to go to while a team tries to seal the breach. but still this is the best design ive seen so far

[@ahabkapitany]

God, this project is amazing.

[@EnraEnerato]

Regarding the windows, you should use ALON (alias transparent Aluminum), it doesn't scratch as much as polycarbonat.

[@jdclayton868]

The MARSHA design is the most elegant engineering I've ever seen. It's the one I'm rooting for. I considered the inter-hab activity as well and first thought it would be better to have a second rover dock that would support hab-to-hab trips in a shirtsleeve environment; plus the current rover designs I've seen have two integrated exterior suits that would allow four person teams per hab to go outside; but on second thought, to minimize pressure vessel penetrations, it would be better if the rovers had left and right side docking ports that would allow "visiting" rovers to dock and walk through a rover already docked to a hab. (forgive the run on) That feature could also allow multiple rovers daisy-chaining to create a mobile base for extended field operations.

[@117Spartain]

just wow...

[@talon310calif]

Let's do this!

[@laurindoamorim9984]

I like, the new construction method house

[@ReflexPony]

During the construction, how wiil you do protect it from the dust ?

[@1FatLittleMonkey]

(Guessing) The schmoo is, in essence, Mars dust mixed with glue. So a fraction of a percent more dust sprinkled over a layer between turns won't hurt the next layer's self-adhesion.

[@moonlander03]

@@1FatLittleMonkey, I understand that part.. but what about the dust that flies by when they are being built ?? since they are exposed to the elements of Mars ...

[@1FatLittleMonkey]

@@moonlander03 Not sure I understand your objection. "I'm thinking of building an igloo out of compacted snow." "What?! Out in the open?! But what if it lightly snows?"

[@charlesdeschamps9315]

@@1FatLittleMonkey He means if a dust storm distorts the material and/or printer while the material is solidifying. So more like "I'm thinking of painting outside in a windstorm"

[@IvanSantanaEu]

I think he is referring to the loose particles that would remain inside the finished construction. They are harmful to the humans who will live in these igloos.

[@BrotherAlan]

I love this. When you end up with a handful of these to make a village and let's say everyone wants to gather at one of the Marshas for a bday or celebration how to they all get inside? I see the 2 exterior wall suits (great concept) and the air lock for the rover. Is there another airlock? How about a way to interconnect multiple Marshas along an avenue or hub? I suppose with a 2nd airlock like the one for the rover then you could have 2 or more Marshas back up to a hub (inflatable or structural). Does the design lend itself to scaling? Does it work at 2 or 4 times this size? I'm thinking that would be for a main operations/research/engineering structure and there are regular size Marshas attached around it for habitation. I hope you get to work with MDRS and put one out there for them to try out and provide feedback on best interior layout. Keep up the awesome work.

[@michaelherron362]

Tunnels connecting the habitats would be the first order of business.

[@3gunslingers]

But we have to keep in mind that tunnels are even harder to make than 3D-printed habitats. I think 3D-printed vault-like arches on surface level, buried with mars regolith are pretty viable, tho.

[@kjetilhvalstrand1009]

Yes it be good idea, considering it's not just as simple as going outside, vacuum chamber and mars suit, I guess making tunnels on mars can be done with different 3d printer. don't need too solve all problems at once.

[@andrewradford3953]

Maybe an electric tunnel boring machine from Elons other company?

[@3gunslingers]

@@andrewradford3953 Those things weight around 1000 tonnes. One machine alone would be 10 flights with the starship. Digging a shallow trench, 3d-printing a big pipe in it and piling the martian soil on it that you just have excavated, is far easier. And way faster. You always have to keep in mind how much you are willing to carry to Mars.

[@andrewradford3953]

@@3gunslingers very true. It would need to be mainly mined and built on Mars which would be a long way off.

[@supersymmetry4852]

I suspect the actual unit will need to be a lot bigger as shown in the video. It is because each unit will need to host the components for recycling of air, water, and waste. I would believe that each unit by itself should be self sufficient or sustainable while the whole colony with maximum redundancy as part of flaw tolerant measures.

[@Pyriphlegeton]

Goddamn, this is convincing.

[@pacific7775]

Wow do i ever want a job helping any of this no matter how hard or easy id love to do my part for humanity and work on these type of projects..work with meaning

[@rgrox2000]

Wow well, done guys! Did you also consult any architects/ any firms?

[@moonlander03]

one thing they are not mentioning at all and its a very crucial.. how are they going to de-contaminate the habitats once they are done.. since they will be subjected to the martian dust while being built ?? are they just going to inflate the habitats inside like that full of dust and potential contamination of the habitats ??.. just wondering.. cant hurt to ask..

[@TheBricknell]

How would the warping affect the windows? Are they also made with materials that can expand and contract? Or would they remain stagnant and in place?

[@dirtbuilder4615]

They should print a landing par for the bfr to savely Land and seliger more Cargo And a larger Struktur for rocket and Rover repairs should be build

[@destavin6694]

How will building this habitat on Mars differ from building it on Earth? For instance depending where a habitat is built, the temperature can get as hot as -61°C; how would the thermoplastics react to such a rapid cooling? Also how will this structure change when exposed to Martian dust during construction, are the people living there supposed to sweep it all out when its completed?

[@themartianway]

I think after it's been built and sealed they can just pressurize it and use a normal vacuum.

[@LANSl0t]

Knights of Cydonia

[@skydivekrazy76]

Screw that. If I were going to Mars I'd want a habitat built under a giant water blatter that was already dug 20 feet deep into the Martian soil. To be DAMN sure I'm not getting any unnecessary radiation...

[@Walamo]

we better be living like ants.

[@bojsara2002]

Also, a problem is the storm, wich is often present on Mars. It could damage objects.

[@mattca353]

small idea here : have you considered using the structure as support for a system of motorized solar panels on rails?

[@1wafumbafan]

Curious as to when this technology would be utilized on Mars itself, looks wonderful!

[@onyxrafle8066]

2022 is when Spacex is planned to drop off some type of materials I believe so maybe then

[@1wafumbafan]

@@onyxrafle8066 I am excited to see Musk's plans come to fruition, though his goals are very ambitious. The Starship development has accelerated quite a bit though, so who knows, maybe spacex will be on Mars by 2022! Would love to see that if it is possible!

[@kjetilhvalstrand1009]

I guess it's going to be tested on the moon first, as it a lot closer and it's not as expensive. so i guess 2030 or something like that.

[@1wafumbafan]

@@kjetilhvalstrand1009 Ah I see. Lunar application will be just as interesting! Any off-world construction will be fascinating.

[@matreschka888]

Урагшаа!!!

[@kokomokid4006]

I think your on the right track...

[@yarngod]

Having sky light and separate windows in a pressurized container... I think it should be rather monolithic construction with fiberglass carrying daylight inside and no windows. Safety first. It also provides better micrometerite protection (in a thin atmosphere they can hit even from the side)

[@yarngod]

And way easier to build without windows and skylights. Greenhouses separated from other units can have windows, but not the unit where people live. Uninterrupted wall is surely better for pressurized units for leaks prevention and also is stronger mechanically.

[@yarngod]

And remember about thermal expansion of your walls, on Mars temperature variations are huge.

[@admypz]

I want to join you guys.

[@thedankad1801]

Dude, i want that, as a house, here on earth !

[@profile.]

Well, you can get a Tera.

[@automateconstruction]

People do that! I cover those companies on my channel

[@lkmconciergeperth]

we need an update guys.. where are you up to... we also need an update on tera, and what would happen if you combined several solid Marsha together around a clear Marsha in the middle with trees so you can sit in nature without a suit. and don't feel like you are trapped in a cage. if you get my drift.

[@darrenmarchant1720]

real life on mars will prove or disprove the viability of these designs. it may be that some other design proves to be more effective. if that is the case, building multiple types of habitat will result in protection of personnel from the failure of one type of design. it may be that a habitat based on gabions, or cut stone will prove more practical.

[@alainisabelledemontreal2484]

Due to the low pressure on Mars how mutch pressure would it be require to pump up in the abitacle to test it on eart.

[@ub3rfr3nzy94]

I think it would be more practical to make regolith bricks and build structures that can house inflatable habitats. The problem with such a tall structure is actually building it. The first habitats should be single story.

[@davidrawlins2862]

Looks cool, but it appears that the window design is maybe it's weakest link. Stress fractures may start to appear over time.

[@lanedangg]

David Rawlins you don’t know shit bro

[@samwilson9568]

why the shape? why the big towers? What is the upper space used for? Are there stairs and several levels? Can other shapes be printed?

[@klikoklo]

and on top of all, the first people living in it could be called "knights of cydonia"

[@SABER_Knight-King]

hahahahahahahahahahaha!!! amazing comment +1 :P btw I love this anime :D

[@musicaldev5644]

What will be calculated amount of plastic needed to build entire structure?

[@thomashawaii]

All these 3d printing plan never mention the construction needs to be finished in an exposed field with dust and wind for a couple of weeks or even months. How to prevent the adhesion problem if dust got stuck on the unfinished layers?

[@mortigus2878]

also mars gravity is about a third of earths. they might need a different method of 3d printing.

[@naresshlingeswaran7796]

as i heard that mars atmosphere is very thin compared to earth hence any asteroids can fall easily and hits the ground with 100% speed , how we are going to solve this issues.

[@Adetv1616]

They need to make earth versions on mass in order to learn and raise funds for Mars.

[@DavidOlver]

Make it so

[@Bruva_Ayamhyt]

GLORY TO THE OMNISSIAH

[@MidNightStudiosFilms]

What about radiation?

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

According to AI, due to their low overall atomic weight, their bioplastic (polylactic acid, or PLA) materials are effective shields for ionizing cosmic radiation.

[@Walamo]

@@5thGenNativeTexan Amazing

[@zes3813]

@Walamo dumb, and this explanation is just dumb, it's not magic about putting 'atomic' in front of words. Anything as weight, it doesn't explain sht.

[@automateconstruction]

Awesome rendering, I cover the companies printing on earth in my channel

[@iliketrains0pwned]

So as cool as this idea looks, how is it supposed to include shielding from radiation? those walls seem pretty thin, and the higher elevation makes a bigger surface area to be exposed to solar and cosmic rays. Plus, why not just use the local Martian soil to build a habitat? If you compact it and melt it down it could probably perform much better than standard PLA, and you don't need to carry it with you from Earth to build it.

[@trieshohib5330]

In the end, actually we are the alienn..

[@erikjelezarov2724]

Did they mention anything other than a "thicker atmosphere" as a way to reduce the radiation exposure?

[@profile.]

Due to their low overall atomic weight, their bioplastic (polylactic acid, or PLA) materials are effective shields for ionizing cosmic radiation. (-upupaeops)

[@wdwerker]

At least someone is thinking practically. Living on Mars wont be easy or affordable.

[@user-cm2jn3sd1m]

what about insulation? which can keep a heat in harsh condition /-150 C, + 20 C/

[@derschneiper239]

There are two layers of this basalt stuff plus a third layer of the inside of the habitat.

[@Binarykode]

What about the airlock

[@amsour._.]

*starts to think about how it will protect from radiation*

[@hispanicuscorpus]

Can the same tech be use to build a stadium size habitat

[@igbotimehopper64yearsago46]

N& E was thinking that to

[@adw333]

Good thinking but what happens when the toilet backup?

[@leecaste]

Recycling.

[@guysebastiangarciapomales2341]

Considering the dust is toxic to us, what happens if some of the outside dust collects inside while the base is being printed?

[@sausage4mash]

i do not think perchlorate are that toxic it's 0.5% of the soil , i guess you would run air through a purifier before anyone entered

[@pillarshipempireemployee0142]

Will the skylight be filled with water sourced from mars, or prefilled on earth?

[@tylergunther8219]

I would think the skylight would be delivered in one piece on a spaceship prefilled with water. Why waste precious Martian water?

[@ToonMeynen]

STL please

[@3gunslingers]

For -a- all the ingenuity and sensible engineering going in this wonderful design, why do you want to place shutters in-between two layers of glas, where they can never by accessed? You can't just replace the window if the shutter breaks.

[@dr.mcdougall1010]

You would save space and never have to clean them if they are inside the polycarbonate layers like they designed.

[@3gunslingers]

@@dr.mcdougall1010 Space is not a concern. *Serviceability is.* Your best shutter is worthless if it -brakes- breaks and you can't repair it.

[@dr.mcdougall1010]

@@3gunslingers you meant breaks* and it wouldn't need serviceability for an extremely long time. You are assuming we won't have any tools on Mars. LOL. It would still be serviceable on Mars, it's just easier to manufacture on Earth at the beginning of colonization. You saying space isn't a concern? What are you smoking Willis? Space will be an extremely precious commodity for early colonists. Cleaning is also a huge factor. Your idea isn't as good, sorry.

[@3gunslingers]

@@dr.mcdougall1010 yes, breaks. Sorry. English is my third language. By serviceability I mean *reliability.* You have to expect that EVERYTHING breaks sooner or later. Everything you can't access is liability. Just put the shutter on the _inside_ of the window. It doesn't take any habitable space, is serviceable and can be controlled by hand. And it can be dusted off, by anyone who wan't do to so. Of course it will be manufactured on earth.

[@dr.mcdougall1010]

@@3gunslingers We will have to agree to disagree. I see your point but I think putting it inside has enough benefits to seriously consider. It's all pro's and cons and would need to be thoroughly plotted to determine the best route.

[@Mr.Deleterious]

So built on Earth in segments then flown to Mars where the extreme cold temperatures and violent wind erosion will first shrink that polymer to a state of decay but you cannot rebuild it because it needs to be heated to high temps then settle and cool. On Mars everything will flash freeze basically. Sounds risky.

[@sausage4mash]

I think the lack of atmosphere on Mars makes heat transference a lot slower buisiness, also the martian wind is a lot less powerful than here on earth for the same reason.

[@DrJamez]

Why have windows at all? You could achieve the same light/view with HD cameras outside and portrait mounted LCD panels inside. Lighting inside could even be tweaked to mimmick the frequency/color of sunlight to help out the occupants. You'd get all the benefits without weakening the structure.

[@muuubiee]

Except vitamin D, and letting the eyes see the sun and uv rays or whatever to keep eye sight.

[@sausage4mash]

@@muuubiee people live in nuclear subs all year around, i think Darren makes a good point

[@muuubiee]

@@sausage4mash For 2-4 months at a time. Minimum mission for an astronaut would be 3.5 years. That's 3.5 years of never going outside. They'll be able to go out in a suit, but that's not being outside, all they really get is to see a the sun, a dim sun. They definitely need windows, LCD displays is not a replacement. Even if you manage to get high enough pixel density, and realistic light (amoled maybe, but it'll burn in), they'll know they're looking at a monitor. I believe chances of mental breakdown is very high without windows, especially in a confined space like the other suggestions.

[@renanjose84]

What about the radiation ? Wouldn't be better to build those cilinders underground for radiation protection ?

[@nathanwelks1878]

Too much of a hassle to dig all the dirt out and it is a double shell design, so the outer shell absorbs the rad i think

[@renanjose84]

Dimple I don't think those walls are capable of absorving gamma rad but I would like to see a few simulations.

[@DJNitreBlue]

Flying Speed Brake Generally, when they make very little or no mention of a particular item it means they don’t have a viable solution for that particular item as of yet.

[@DJNitreBlue]

I’ll second that. It takes very little radiation to screw up the fragile human genome. What good is trying to preserve the species, when species will be sterile mutants within two generations?

[@renanjose84]

@Flying Speed Brake I'm also a engineer and I just would like to know how the supposed radiation shield work with such a thin wall. I'm just trying to understand.

[@aweslayne]

What about gravity? Mars’ gravity is relatively weak and on the long term, it would affect the colonists health. I suggest they add a centrifugal habitat though it would be more technically difficult

[@AirScottyfpv]

surely you need a bit more anchoring than that right? Im far from an engineer but the storms on mars can't be too forgiving....

[@user-rt8sh7xt1d]

They are very weak

[@AirScottyfpv]

/: I mean. They did through testing getting humans to pull on it though 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@AirScottyfpv]

/: 0:45

[@leecaste]

Properly Duct Mars atmosphere has less than 1% density than Earth's.

[@damalavanda]

What do they eat? What if it gets too cold or too hot? What clothes they are going to wear? Or it is only one outfit and no baths, only details left

[@christopherlee7334]

Food: Hydroponics and/or MREs from Earth. Initial inhabitants are astronauts, not general public. Temperature: Main reason for habitat in the first place. See Part 1 for heating and cooling installation. Clothing: CO2 + H2O (atmospheric and ice forms) = hydrocarbons = synthetic fibers = clothing. Baths: Solar + Ice = hot water for showers and baths.

[@kylehobley6111]

How will these HABS be powered? Will it solely be solar power from a separate source or will you incorporate anything into the design at all?

[@chadleach6009]

Kilo power poles most likely. www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/kilopower

[@ShadowPuppet3001]

where do I sign up to go to Mars :)

[@edwardroy3401]

Register with your local mortician

[@theMPrints]

Guys print some 1:12 models , just for fun.........

[@codysimmonds2081]

Why not transparentaluminum?

[@sakakaka4064]

How do you want to transport tons of it on the surface of Mars?

[@musicaldev5644]

I would love to see reasoning behind selecting this site. This area will be exposed to winds up to 30 m second that can disturb printing. IMHO Large and tall spaces are problematic because: - build times (building in the right weather) - size of the printer arm etc. - safety - single point of failure. - wind/termal noises Multiple small habitats easy to scale and discard in case of structural issues.

[@rdm3805]

Who places the windows, especially the skylight into position?

[@IvanSantanaEu]

They will be manufactured here, transported to Mars and assembled by robots.

[@rdm3805]

@@IvanSantanaEu but i mean, the skylight for example - it's so high...will the robot be able to reach that high, or will the humans install it?

[@muuubiee]

​@@rdm3805 A crane lifts it up, and puts it in place. The window has automatic drills and fastening mechanism, so that nobody and no robot has to do those complex tasks.

[@kairon156]

What is it like living in one of these? Can there be an interior rendering or drywall placed to make it look homey?

[@AmyCCloverlanez]

Windows are shape of coffins

[@lightdarkequivalent7143]

I want to die on Mars

[@satoshitomodachino5559]

They forget to put some septic tanks for human pea hehehehe

[@dnomyarnostaw]

"Printed from local Martian resources " wow. Have they discovered plastic mountains on Mars ?

[@silberlinie]

It is to be hoped for you that the states of the earth will make available a sufficient number of convicts who are to be deported to the areas thus established and live there.

[@maincoon6602]

Will this Mars base be able to produce and/or extract something that will either pay or help offset the cost of the base to the Americans taxpayers? The United States could invite our allies to join the expedition. These partners will pay and be responsible for their share of the cost of the travel to Mars and the base. No free loaders will be allowed.

[@LadiesMan-bo2cc]

Just leave it to Elon

[@patrickfuchs6086]

I dont think constant sunlight promotes psychological health

[@javierave4386]

It's because it simulates a earth like environment

[@rzrx1337]

Why do they have to be so small? Why not use an entire crater and put them in there?

[@leecaste]

RazorX53 what if it doesn't work? What if something that nobody thought of or had any idea about makes things go wrong?

[@rzrx1337]

@@leecaste what's your problem?

[@leecaste]

I've no problem, I'm just saying that building a structure the size of a stadium without testing smaller versions to check if the concept works is a very bad idea. It's like asking the Wright brothers to build an Airbus before knowing if a little airplane can fly.

[@rzrx1337]

@@leecaste if the Wright brothers had access to simulation tools they would have made early aircrafts in the simulation and made the Airbus within a decade.

[@leecaste]

RazorX53 maybe but not the first one, you ask to start with a crater size one instead of a "small" one.

[@mikeyholt8051]

This is ridiculous,those structures wouldn't last five minutes,best drill down a bit first and supplement the atmosphere with blue and green algae,then have open sewers,and as cmuch stuff that decays quickly to help the atmosphere grow quickly