A roadmap to cave dwelling on the Moon and Mars

Alternative Title

Advances in Space Research

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Publication Date

11-15-2014

Volume Number

54

Issue Number

10

Abstract

Habitat in lava tubes recently discovered on the Moon and Mars, should become a unifying concept for occupancy. Basic motivations and specifications for such a habitat are briefly reviewed. The first step is to obtain a consensus from Agencies on the validity of the concept. Afterwards, two types of research programs should be implemented: (1) Search for lava tubes by dedicated polar orbiters. Mapping, classification and choice of site should be achieved before 2020. (2) Development of specific technology to begin by the end of the 2020s: – Bulldozers, elevators, and cranes for access. – Inflatable cylindrical structures of large dimension for housing. Since apprenticeship is needed for Mars habitat, Moon lava tubes would be used as a first step. Use of lava tubes provides therefore a unifying concept for exploration. A roadmap is proposed.

Keywords

Lava tube, Habitat, Mars, Moon

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2014.08.019

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