Optimum lunar and martian structures and their construction

Abstract

Conditions on the Moon and Mars are very different from those prevailing on the Earth as far as design and construction of lunar and Martian habitats or stations are considered. Gravity on the Mars is about 1/3 of that on the Earth, and about 1/6 on the Moon. There is no atmosphere on the Moon, and it is minimal on the Mars. The radiation is much above the level that human beings or other living organisms can support. Daily temperature fluctuations are much above the levels accustomed. Supply of raw or manufactured materials is very difficult and expensive. These conditions and others bring in very important constraints on the types and constructional techniques to be used. Inner pressure to be provided within structures imposes spherical, toroidal or cylindrical shaped buildings. The need for protection against radiation favors underground, buried or covered structures. Lack of atmosphere and high level of radiation necessitates an advanced level of automatization using robots and tele-operated construction activities. Difficulty and high cost of supplying materials from the Earth increases the feasibility of using local materials. In addition, a high level of security is required under these hostile conditions and all operations must be optimized because of the extremely high level of costs and difficulties.