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The settler in the Platonic/Plutonic cave? (no, it’s Mars): A. Vidmachenko, ‘Which caves are better suited for living on Mars?’ Proceedings of the 4th International scientific and practical conference, 2024

04Feb24

Abstract: Now humanity has an urgent question regarding the development of Mars. For this, it is necessary to send settlers there, and provide for the possibility of ensuring their residence in a hostile environment for a long time. Planning missions to Mars is the first step toward the beginning of an era of interplanetary migration that will change human history. To master this planet, it is necessary to think about a trip to Mars, taking into account the long-term prospects of a person staying there with the goal of colonizing this planet, and with the full functioning of a person in a hostile environment for him. Mars is a relatively calm planet with a fairly cold climate, a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide, and a very weak magnetic field. Therefore, the entire surface of the planet is constantly bombarded by cosmic rays and high-energy charged particles of the solar wind. Another feature of Mars is frequent local and global dust storms. For this reason, living and working quarters for colonists are best built below the surface. This is necessary for reliable human protection against cosmic radiation. These colonies must be provided with energy. And using solar batteries for this is not the best option. After all, the flow of solar radiation on Mars is much smaller than on Earth. In addition, the panels will be constantly dusted with sand due to frequent dust storms. A nuclear reactor may be the best option. Also, people need constant access to water resources. From the point of view of the reliability of the future housing, these requirements are best met by a volcanic lava tube with strong walls. And based on the need to provide settlements with water, a more suitable case should be considered underground caves in glacial cracks with a gentle horizontal entrance. But the walls of such settlements will be less strong, and they will require significant preparatory work. The best case would be a lava tube with strong walls found next to powerful glacial structures.


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