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NASA's 3D Printed Habitat Challenge has seen several companies vie for a great honor – designing the first habitats for humans on Mars and the Moon. the impression, these competitors have proved their ability to create structures such as cones, cylinders and beams.The latest phase of the competition pushes things to a new level by asking teams to present their ideas for whole structures. To this day, there were domed structures, some partially buried in the ground, but AI SpaceFactory, the second place of the last round of competition, has something a little different.
MARSHA (MARS HAbitat), large cylindrical structures resembling elongated eggs, optimized to withstand internal atmospheric pressure and structural constraints, they are very different from terrestrial dwellings, designed to withstand gravity and wind
. the level of each MARSHA structure has a "garage" that contains external systems and exploration activities with a wet support laboratory. Above is the main hub, with 34 square meters of dry mixed laboratory and kitchen. The third level has individual cabins, a sanitation basin and a hydroponic garden. The fourth level is an area of recreation and exercise and has a bright skylight and filled with water. Each building is made from two "shells" with the space between acting as a skylight. The circadian lighting is designed to recreate Earthlight
The reason so much work is put into the development of methods and materials for building on Mars is that it is n & # 39; 39; is not realistic to consider bringing construction materials, so everything must be made from readily available material on the red planet. To this end, AI spaceFactory develops basalt fiber reinforced PLA (PLA), with basalt extracted from Mars rocks and PLA harvested and processed from plants grown on Mars. Basalt fiber is super-strong and happens to be a natural insulator, so it is convenient that it is also readily available.
Whenever humans reach the point where the colonization of Mars is an imminent possibility, NASA plans to send robots to the planet to gather materials and print habitats in 3D so that They are ready for people when they arrive.
"Architecture on Earth plays a vital role in our way of life. On Mars, this role reaches a higher level of importance since architectures are machines that keep us alive, "says AI spaceFactory. "In space architecture, every design decision is of great importance to the success of a mission, structures must be resilient and interior arrangements must meet mission requirements." sustained social and mental health is also critical, space habitats should offer an element of humanity.The result is a believable and evocative habitat with an alien but familiar beauty. "
Structures may seem strange to the 39 outside, but inside, they seem comfortable and livable. The fact that they are built vertically means that it's not necessary for a robot to cross an unknown surface to build them; a stationary rover with a telescopic arm builds the structures.
NASA awarded the SpaceFactory $ 21,000 to develop the project.
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[Images: AI spaceFactory]
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