Vienna University of Technology
Proto City, the first city on Mars, stands for one of the greatest human achievements. It all started with the first robotic mission and construction of the first unit, the Proto Cell, which housed only eight astronauts. As time went on and technology progressed at fast pace, the cell grew and expanded until it reached the size of a city. At this time, high-tech materials make it possible to use a transparent shell to allow light in.
The wave-like shape has its origin in the first regolith shell created in 2034. Slightly rounded, almost dome-like, it grew in numbers, and through the variation in size and shape a rhythm was created: waves running and spilling over the craters‘ rim. The barriers between separate units disappeared, and a large sealed shell emerged that can
The positioning provides constant sunlight during the day, and the wavy surface redirects wind. A central location of the nuclear powerplants ensures consistent distance of 16 km between the reactors and the growing city. The Launching-Landing Site is located at a safe distance of 5 km. A large number of craters in the area raise the possibility of expansion.
Mastersection through Time and ProtoCity Evolution including Population size, Sun and Wind study and given conditions
The first and most important step is to find a location that can help overcome our challenges: materials for construction, water to sustain humans and plants, and good soil to grow food on.
The site is located in the Northern Hemisphere which indicates milder climate and higher minimum solar incidence than the southern hemisphere. Thorium, Silicon, Iron and Potassium are found in medium to high quantities. Thorium is used for the production of nuclear energy, Silicon is used in building materials such as glass, cement, aerogel, and Iron as a building material with high versatility.
High Thermal Inertia, low Dust Index and low Elevation indicate that the soil can retain heat for longer periods. The flat, smooth, and hard ground is desirable for landing and construction, and the accumulation of dust is low. Higher gravity and atmospheric pressure act as a thermal shield and protection against radiation and micrometeoroids. Water is located at a depth of > 0.8 m. The Map from the University and Research at Wageningen shows that the selected site has excellent soil for plant cultivation.
The most important characteristic of the first unit is the outer green belt. It acts as an exercise track, a source of food, noise barrier and a place to relax. It divides quiet private quarters from the noisier common and working areas. The central glazed domed part hosts the socializing
areas and the radio and communication platform as well as a stargazing net hammock. In the initial expansion mode, the separate homes would be connected by linking of green belts through similar green corridors.
rocket/kitchen
connection/ sport/ food production
bath/toilet
sleeping quarters
labs/ engineering medical relaxation
radio and communication center
stargazing net hammock
inflatable
outer environmental layer
structural seams
MMOD shielding
kevlar restraint layer
redundant bladder
atm pressure restraint layer
fire and internal protection
internal scuff layer
air circulation /MOXIE water pipes / energy supply storage / water tanks
The ProtoCity is the first city on Mars, and as such it will become the blueprint for any future cities on the planet. By designing in such a complex environment we face certain issues. The three most important issues are: Radiation, Atmosphere and Quality of Life. To solve the problem of radiation we devised a Smart Shell System. Each panel of the shell is a cell. These smart cells are layered, and each layer has a certain function. They would not only provide protection from the harmful radiation, but also create a pressurized environment, giving people and plants the necessary light to survive.
To ensure daily fresh supply of oxygen we would, to some extent, rely on systems like MOXIE, but our main supply would come from plants and bacteria imported from Earth. So, it is important to ensure biodiversity inside the colony. It starts with laboratory testing in the first unit, on a search for the right combination of soil and seed. As the plants grow, some are used as food and others are used as fertilizer.
Open space represents the freedom to move and socialize, the right to private space, possibility of families, expression of purpose through work and contribution to society. It starts with the green belt that connects different functions and grows on to become a large open space with many possibilities.
Final objective: open space, biodiversity and quality of life expressed through freedom of movement and open possibilities
Our habitat is made of an in Earth with a 3D printed regolith shield on top of it, which resembles a sand dune.
Our habitat is made of an inflatable brought from Earth with a 3D printed regolith shield on top of it, which resembles a sand dune.
Every dune can function seperately and be put together in a different way, allowing for endless possibilites of design and neighborhoods. The structure can be multiplied and expanded unlimitedly. The regolith dune can also be used as a level for transportation and martian vehicles.
Every dune can function separately and be put together in a di l s possibilities of design and neighborhoods. The structure can be multiplied and expanded unlimitedly. The regolith dune can also be used as a level for transportation for man and martian vehicles.
The 3D-printed regolith shield above the inflatables provide extra protection from radiation, micrometeorites and from eventual debris falling from the lava tube.
The 3D-printed regolith shield above the in provide extra protection from radiation, micrometeorites and from eventual debris falling from the lava tube.
The Martian base is flexible and adaptable. Inside the structure, the concept of a rail-based racking system is implemented which enables the environment to reconfigure accoring to spatial needs.
The Martian base is structure, the concept of a rail-based racking system is implemented which enables the environment to recon c e
The structure is located in one of Hellas Planitia lava tubes. Hellas Planitia is a vast plain within a circular impact basin, located on the southern hemisphere.
The structure is located in one of Hellas Planitia lava tubes. Hellas Planitia is a vast plain within a circular impact basin, located on the southern hemisphere.
LANDING - Its
LANDING - Its flat surface makes it ideal for landing
WATER - There are glaciers of water ice lying beneath the surface, making it one of the „wettest“ places of Mars. Also, the atmospheric pressure is situated above the triple point of water, suggesting that the liquid phase of water could be present under certain conditions of temperature, pressure, and dissolved salt content.
WATER - There are glaciers of water ice lying beneath the surface, making it one of the „wettest“ places of Mars. Also, the atmospheric pressure is situated above the triple point of water, suggesting that the liquid phase of water could be present under certain conditions of temperature, pressure, and salt content.
RADIATION - Because the basin is 7km deep, 50% less radiation reaches the basin floor than it would at a higher elevation regions of Mars.
RADIATION - Because the basin is 7km deep, 50% less radiation reaches the basin o elevation regions of Mars.
PROTECTION - Lava tubes southwest to Hadriacus Mons could reduce the radiation exposure down to 61.64 usv/ day while also providing extra protection from regolith’s perchlorates, extreme temperature fluctuations and from micrometeorites.
PROTECTION - Lava tubes southwest to Hadriacus Mons could reduce the radiation exposure down to 61.64 usv/ day while also providing extra protection from regolith’s perchlorates, extreme temperature
CHIMNEY
PHASE
In 2065, robots are sent to Mars to explore the candidate lava tubes to establish which one is the most suitable for a habitat. The robots measure and collect samples of air and materials.
In 2065, robots are sent to Mars to explore the candidate lava tubes to establish which one is the most suitable for a habitat. e robots measure and collet samples of air and materials.
In 2070, a spacecra containing robots, airlocks, inflatables, a power generator and an ISRU production unit is sent to Mars.
Phase 2
PHASE 2
Modular robotic swarm strategy: the robots have interchangeable roles from battery storage to scout rovers and 3D printing units. They will transport the pieces from the spacecraft to the site.
e intelligence autonomous robots we want to use are inspired by HASSELL's design. It adopts a modular robotic swarm strategy which will enhance success. e robots have interchangeable roles from battery storage to scout rovers and 3D printing units. ey will transport the pieces from the spacecra to the site
The robots will 3D-print a protective regolith shield above the inflatables, which will provide extra radiation and micrometeorite shielding to the habitat.
e robots will 3D-print a protective regolith shield above the inflatables, which will provide extra radiation and micrometeorite shielding to the habitat.
In 2072, once the habitat is ready, a group of 12 austronauts is sent to Mars.
In 2072, once the habitat is ready, a group of 12 austronauts is sent to Mars.
Inside the canditate lava tube, the prefabricated inflatables are deployed. Their geometry will mediate the pressure differences while optimizing interior space.
Inside the canditate lava tube, the prefabricated inflatables are deployed. eir geometry will medicate the pressure di erences while optimizing interior space.
e astronauts make experiments that could not be made at distance. ey also adjust their habitat to their needs.
The astronauts conduct experiments that could not be made from a distance. They also adjust their habitat to their needs.
The first habitat is composed of a central spherical inflatable, surrounded by two halftorus inflatables.
1 - INFLATABLE
debris falling from the lava tube.
Co2
Polyethylene Ties/furniture/ insulation
Chemical reactor
Rocket propellant Rocket propellant Electrolysis
CH4 O2
Power generated by Kilopower design, Solar panels, Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), Geothermal energy. Life support system with the possibility to recycle and manufacture plastic for inflatables on-site.
Climate
CO H2
PROTECTION - A regolith shield (the DUNE) is 3D-printed above the inflatables to provide extra protection from radiation, micrometeorites and from eventual debris falling from lava tubes.
martian atmosphere
1.25 x 105 μSv/year (~342.46 μSv/day) in Hellas Planitia
inflatable radiation decreases by an average of 44% Food Vegetation Aquaponic Aeroponic Recycle Grey water Transparent plastic In
Our main idea in bringing human life to Mars is the underground usage of daylight in lavatubes. While facing many challenges when building on Mars, it is one of the safest methods to ensure long term habitability on the red planet.
The lighthouse concept aims directly at those challenges by protecting and leading human life through rays – just like on Earth. The concept focuses on a combination of three key elements: Due to radiation it is underground, the center mirror structure lights up the lavatube underground and, all the materials are built in-situ.
The dome connects the surface with the underground. It’s a very vivid social place – a city square in an urban understanding. Due to its glass panels and the dome shape it is able to let in a lot of light. During radiation storms, this area is evacuated. The second part of the city – the column – has essential life supporting functions. Firstly, the mirrored panels on its structure are able to redirect light to the underground city. Secondly, it contains two vertical infrastructures.
The location of choice is the Tharsis region (0° 0‘N, 100° 0’W). Because of its many volcanos and lavatube sunlights which can already be seen from satellites, it‘s most likely that there are more lavatubes underground. Furthermore, volcanic areas are prone to contain ice underground. The region Tharsis has the highest possibility of finding water in caves underground. This can help ensure the first human life on Mars and will also be interesting for research purposes. Lavatube roofs will be 10-90 meters thick, which is enough to protect the population from the surface radiation, galactic cosmic radiation, meteorite bombardment and extreme temperatures.
It is important to say that lavatubes are not thoroughly researched, because the procedure of scanning the underground is quite complicated. While current research by ESA focuses on scanning lavatubes, our concept also includes scouting and research on site.
city completely self-sustainable
To maximize daylight usage in the underground lavatube, we conducted daylight simulations. While trying to find the most efficient shape, the hyperbolic tube seemed to be the most appealing. In order to reflect the sunlight, we decided to use mirror panels as the surface material. The strong aesthetics of the hyperbolic shape influenced our design for the first prototypes.
While speaking of this project, it‘s important to understand that this project is chronologically divided into two parts. The first part is the scouting phase, where a prefabricated first habitat (picture, phase 0) is brought to Mars by a rocket. In this phase the main goal is to find an optimal lavatube for further research, all carried out by robots. The first habitat is seen as a safe shelter, with a focus on planning the extension.
In phase 1, two prototypes are going to be built close to the first habitat (pictures, phase 1). While testing the manufacturing technology and material fabrication on Mars, other tests on food production, power generation and creating/maintain the inside atmosphere/pressure will also be conducted.
The main part of phase 3 is the construction of the dome and mirror column (picture, phase 3). All previously tested materials are going to be used and will finally make the underground usage of the tube possible.
Phase 4 and 5 consist of the underground expansion and pressurization of the tube. Since this process consumes a lot of power, it is important to build extra photovoltaic farms around the dome. phase
OHH GOSH, I - REALLY - CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SIX NEWCOMERS! BUT SURE, FIRST THE PROTOTYPE NEEDS TO BE BUILD.
WOW! THIS PROTOTYPE IS SO BEAUTIFUL.
AND SOON THE VISION IS GOING TO BECOME TRUE...
triangles adapt to sunlight / mirror dome
ECLSS connection to floors
glass
GSEducationalVersion
regolith
triangle variations optimise efficiency
plants
reading yoga
toilet
climbing wall
lounge / chatting area
greenhouse
dining
ground floor
farm roboter
glove box
lounge / open space
green garden fireman pole
workstation
geolaboratory
watertank water filter water control system
oxygen tank oxygen control system
storage
suit ports
transport and rover docking station
airlock
rover
kitchen / food preparation
plant laboratory
repair station
robotic rail racking system
storage
workstation
plant test area
Earth`s population is growing at a rapid pace, to the point where it becomes concerning that the carrying capacity has been overcome. We are overusing nonrenewable resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, and water. The growing population is causing an incerease in greenhouse gas emissions, which are affecting the atmosphere negatively. Because of these problems, it has become important to look into other planets that could potentially sustain life , one these potential planets its Mars
Our primary goal for budiling the first habitat on Mars is to use In-Situ rescources, which would provide protection, reduce building costs and would be helpful to build a sustainable habitat. The first housing units are going to be built using contour- crafting technology, which is 3d printing using sulfur concrete from extracted martian regolith. Printing will be halfautonomous with humans who will assist in building and maintainance of robots.
First rocket launches to send the needed equipment for future habitants.
Landing of rockets with equipment on board and launching of robots on site.
Landing of rockets with humans on board, who will assist with printing of housing units, do research tasks and help with the maintenance of robots.
The region is located in the planet’s Northern Hemisphere, and has an ample stash of water ice making it an ideal location for any potential human mission to Mars. A new paper published in Geophysical Research Letters details a treasure maps of sorts, pointing to places where researchers believe water ice lurks as little as an inch (2.5 centimeters) below the surface. Researchers are trying to narrow down the best places for astronauts to land and this discovery puts Arcadia Planitia near the top of the list. Data also shows that because this is a temperate region, basked in plenty of sunlight, it wouldn’t be difficult to uncover the watery bounty.
Rocket a1- landing with 3d printing robots and equipment needed to build the first 3d printed structure on mars
Rocket a2- landing with 6 austronauts who are going to assist the robots on 3d printing and are going to be the first people on Mars
Attachment of pods and inflatation of additional areas for greenhouses, working and sleeping space.
Completition of shell protection that covers the pods and beginning of printing process for housing units.
Completition of first housing units connected to pods. Expansion of the city in the upcoming years and building of Biodome starts in 2070.
Usage of indirect lighting for interior spaces
Functions based on radiation levels
Second Pod
First Pod Pods floor plan
2.5 m 5 m
FIRST PRINTED STRUCTURE
After the pods are placed and formed together the robots print the first structure around them.
Connection to housing units
Pods section
The habitat will have thick, curved, sulphur concrete-printed walls, designed to take advantage of the high compressive strength of concrete and to shield the inhabitants from radiation, while withstanding the high interior pressure of an Earth-like environment.
In order to offer the feeling of being out in the open, indirect lighting is used as main factor even though the lighting on Mars is less than that of Earth`s. Functions are seperated between the floors based on the time spent of them so the radiation times are minimised.
Living on Mars in housing units is good for a short-term stay, but for a longer-term stay we need Earth-like features that could help our body and mental health. Bio-Dome will offer protection against outside factors, will provide solar energy and the needed open-space area for free movement and green landscapes.
Housing unit rooftops are converted to green roofs to create more green space and camouflage themselves into the greenery.
Weather system with seasonal change .
Flowing water surfaces to help boost mental health.
The future city Apoikia will provide an extensive lifestyle by creating an Earthlike atmosphere. Because who would want to spend decades, or even their whole life on Mars when there are no birds or bees and you have to expect the same temperature everyday?
Self-sufficient Ecosystem:
One big step from the first habitat to the future city is the creation of an ecosystem, which already provides a variety of plants and animals in the first few phases. The inhabitants will profit from fresh food, air, water, crafting materials like wood and bamboo, which can be used for floors and furniture and the feeling of being in nature.
The dome is used as a shield against radiation and creates the atmosphere. As a static system, the dome only conducts pressure forces, which leads to using less material and wider spans. The form provides a maximum of space with a minimum of surface. The air pressure inside the dome also means more stiffness for the construction.
In-Situ-Resources:
To reduce the expenses of transportation the main focus is on using resources from Mars as building materials. Especially in the first phase it is helpful to have a short production chain and easy, robot friendly building manufacturing using as few layers as possible.
concept self sufficient ecosystem
To provide the necessary Sulfur for the Martian concrete we chose our location based on the amount of sulfur in the top layer of the Martian surface to reduce energy for mining and transportation. The yellow area shows a sulfur proportion of over 3%. Our settlement will start near the Herschel Crater (14.7S, 129.7E).
The Core provides the main infrastructure and distributes resources and goods to the entire city. It connects the city vertically with elevators and horizontally with a railway system to the outsourced factories and spaceport. The diameter of the dome will be about 1600 m to provide enough space for the residents.
It provides the Martians with everything they need; like homes (privacy), society, culture (art, music, theatre), restaurants, entertaining (cinema, club), hospital, sport facilities and education facilities. Because of the optimal dimensions, travelling inside the city will done by foot and bicycle.
It provides the Martians with a big functioning ecosystem similar to the one on Earth; with free space for outside activities like swimming and climbing. There will be parks, a forest, a lake, a beach and a zoo. Birds, insects, changing weather and temperature will also play a vital role.
The first rocket arrives with self-sufficient unpressurized digging-, transportation- and building -robots; inflatables, deployables, hut doors, nuclear fusion reactors, solar panels, batteries, life support systems like MOXIE (Mars Oxygen InSitu Utilization Experiment), ECLLS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems), as well as chosen plants and eggs to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.
The robots start mining resources which are used for building the first 3 huts. A few different layers are used to make an easy robot-friendly building manufacturing possible. Martian concrete is used as the first in-situ-resource.
The 3 built huts are connected by using deployables. The second rocket arrives with 6 future inhabitants, they start installing necessary equipment in their huts. 3 more huts are built by the robots to extend the habitat.
The first habitat is completed. A new in-situ-productionchain has been launched to fabricate Polyethylen, which is used as an additional protection layer against cosmic radiation and solar flares. It is also used as reinforcement for the Martian concrete to be able to construct larger buildings.
More humans arrive and the structure of the habitats is growing. Also, silicates are mined and used as a basic product for glass to gain view and natural light inside the buildings.
Larger structures are built. Trees are planted inside to be able to use wood as a new construction material. Also more complex materials like steel and fiber are fabricated to build wide spanned constructions like the future dome.
The grid and membrane of the dome are beginning to take shape to create an atmosphere for the future city. Also higher buildings are much easier to construct inside the dome.
Martian concrete will be used as the main building material for the huts. 12 to 25% sulfur will be mixed with Martian soil and heated up to 140°C. As it hardens when it cools off, the robot can work continuously. The concrete will act as the structure, insulation and protection against radiation; an all in one material to simplify and shorten the manufacturing process. Because of the usage of insitu-resources the huts can be built bigger and provide more space for the habitants.
Step
Step
Step 7: Several layers of concrete are sprayed to achieve the needed thickness of about 1 meter.
Step
Step 8: Gas is let out to reuse the inflatable for the next hut.
Step 9: The finished shell almost exclusively transfers pressure forces. The doorframe will be used as an entrance and to connect infrastructure like pipes. A layer of polyethylene will be added for more protection.
The first 3 huts will be built before the astronauts arrive to serve as a minimum habitat. While the robots will continue constructing the following 3 huts, which provide space for exploring, manufacturing and repairing, the humans install their equipment and coordinate the work. The doorframes of the huts will be connected using a short deployable.
1 Sleeping Hut - Private Area
Six Quarters for inhabitants and two bathrooms
2 Ecosystem Hut - Bionic System
Provides food, water and oxygen. Aquaponics: Raising fish, snails, algae in water tanks. vertical gardening, growing bamboo as a crafting material, recovery for inhabitants, stress release
3 Living Hut - Public Area
Eating, cooking, gym, climbing
4 Inflatable used as a connector
5 Inflatable as a Preparation room for going outside
6 Airlock for Astronauts
7 Laboratory and Medical Station
8 Vehicle-Bay: Reparing and Upgrading Rovers
9 Vehicle-Airlock
10 Manufacturing-Hut
11 Shelter