Getting to Mars is one thing, but to stay there for a long time for research is another. Housing on Mars is discussed by many scientists, engineers and architects. “Home” future colonists should protect them from radiation, meteorites and extreme weather conditions of the planet. Instead of building glass “bubbles” on the surface, the scientists decided to explore options offered by Mars, namely the lava tube.
A new study has shown that within lunar and Martian lava tubes (tunnels) may be enough space to create the first settlements. “The researchers found that Martian and lunar tube respectively 100 and 1000 times wider than the Earth, which typically have a diameter of from 10 to 30 meters,” — said in the press release of the University of Bologna.
The team, led by scientists from the University of Bologna and University of Padua, compared data about the lunar and Martian tubes with what we know about such on Earth. The analysis shows that many of the lunar caves are likely to have an intact and stable space, which makes them particularly attractive for future research.
Scientists emphasize that these caves could be a kind of shield against space and solar radiation, and also against meteorite strikes. In addition, in these places there are no extremes in temperature depending on the time of day.
NASA had already been considering the possibility of “settling” these caves, however, before the Agency considers it necessary to explore the tunnels more thoroughly. To do this, it will send speleological mission Moon Diver on the moon, but this will not happen before 2015.
Options for a future “homes” on Mars quite a lot. View the most interesting and promising you in our recent article.
