Norman Foster’s Mars Habitat Concepts

Space Habitats: Envisioning Life Beyond Earth

Space habitats—often referred to as space colonies, orbital cities, or space settlements—represent a vision for permanent living environments in space. While we have yet to construct any habitats beyond our planet, imaginative proposals from engineers and science fiction authors have sparked intriguing ideas about what life could be like among the stars.

Advocates for space colonisation present compelling reasons for this pursuit, including enhancing security against potential Earth-bound disasters, accessing valuable resources, and exploring new frontiers for humanity. However, these habitats also face unique challenges, particularly in ensuring adequate supplies of air, food, water, shelter, and energy to sustain healthy human populations.

A key example of these habitats is the space station, which serves as a continuously habitable structure in low Earth orbit. Designed to support human life for extended periods, these stations allow for resupply, research, and the development of technologies essential for long-duration spaceflight and exploration beyond Earth. Currently, two major space stations exemplify this concept: the International Space Station (ISS) and the Tiangong Space Station. The International Space Station (ISS), launched in 1998 and hosting over 250 visitors, is set to deorbit in 2031 due to ageing infrastructure. In contrast, China’s expanding Tiangong Space Station, which is still under development, offers one-third of the ISS’s habitable space and focuses on unique microgravity experiments.

Extraterrestrial habitats also play an exciting role in this exploration, concentrating on creating permanent living spaces on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. This idea gained momentum after the Apollo missions successfully landed humans on the Moon, sparking interest in establishing habitats beyond Earth. While these extraterrestrial habitats have yet to be constructed, research and design efforts are actively underway, with future missions planned to bring this vision closer to reality.

Norman Foster’s Mars Habitat Concepts 

Foster + Partners initiated Project GAMMA in response to NASA’s 3D Printed Habitat Challenge, aiming to create a sustainable habitat for four astronauts on Mars. This project is a collaboration with various industrial and academic partners under the collective name GAMMA, which stands for “General Additive Manufacturing for Mars Architecture.” The firm envisions a 93-square-metre living space that encompasses various elements, from delivery and deployment to construction and operations, ensuring both functionality and comfort for the astronauts.

Core Concepts of Norman Foster’s Mars Habitat:

• 3D Printing with Regolith
  

The habitat will be constructed using Martian regolith, the fine dust and rocky material that covers the planet’s surface. By employing innovative 3D printing techniques, the design aims to utilise local materials, minimising the need to transport building materials from Earth. This approach not only enhances sustainability but also reduces costs and logistical challenges associated with space missions.

• Multi-Robot System
  

The construction process involves three specialised types of robots, each designed for specific tasks:

• Diggers: These robots will excavate a crater for the habitat, preparing a stable foundation. By selecting optimal locations based on environmental data, diggers ensure that the habitat is built in safe areas, considering factors like solar exposure and protection from harsh weather conditions.
• Transporters: After excavation, transporters will process the regolith to create layered walls for the habitat. They will be responsible for moving and compacting the material, ensuring structural integrity and insulation against extreme temperatures.
• Melters: Utilising advanced microwave technology, these robots will fuse the regolith into solid structures. This method enhances durability and resilience, ensuring that if one robot fails, the remaining machines can continue the construction process without significant delays.
  

• Minimal Human Oversight
  

The system is designed to operate with minimal human intervention, relying on general rules and objectives instead of detailed instructions. This adaptability is crucial, especially given the significant distance from Earth and the associated communication delays. The robots are programmed to make autonomous decisions based on real-time conditions, which is vital for addressing unforeseen challenges that may arise during construction.

• Two-Stage Delivery Process:
  

The delivery of the habitat involves a structured, two-phase process:

• Phase 1: Diggers will select a site and excavate a crater approximately 1.5 metres deep. This initial excavation is essential for creating a stable foundation and ensuring adequate protection from Martian elements.
• Phase 2: Transporters and melters will employ Regolith Additive Construction (RAC) to build the habitat’s walls and structural components. This phase will utilise layers of fused regolith to create a robust and insulated living environment.

• Radiation Protection:
  

One of the critical challenges of living on Mars is exposure to harmful radiation and extreme temperatures. The fused regolith used in the habitat’s construction creates a durable barrier that effectively shields against these environmental threats. This protective layer is essential for ensuring astronaut safety during their missions, allowing them to live and work on the Martian surface for extended periods.

• Thoughtful Interior Design:
  

The habitat integrates overlapping private and communal areas, designed to enhance both personal space and social interaction among astronauts. The interiors will feature soft materials and virtual interfaces that promote comfort and efficiency, allowing astronauts to engage with their environment seamlessly. This thoughtful design is crucial for maintaining mental well-being during long-duration missions, providing a sense of normalcy and community.

Foster + Partners is among 30 shortlisted teams in this innovative challenge, tackling the unique challenges of constructing a habitat on Mars while preparing for future extraterrestrial missions. By focusing on sustainability, adaptability, and astronaut comfort, Project GAMMA aims to pave the way for successful human habitation beyond Earth.

Comparison of Mars Habitat Proposals

In 2015, NASA and America Makes introduced the 3D Printed Habitat Challenge, aimed at advancing technologies for building habitats using local materials found on Mars and Earth. The competition pushed participants to imagine how 3D printing and in-situ resources could be used to create viable habitats on Mars. This initiative sparked innovative thinking, motivating participants to tackle the unique challenges of Martian environments and explore the potential of additive manufacturing in space exploration.

Over 160 submissions were received from diverse participants, ranging from elementary schools to professional design firms. The top 30 entries were evaluated based on criteria such as design approach, habitability, functionality, and 3D print constructability. Teams Space Exploration Architecture and Clouds Architecture Office earned first place, followed by Team Gamma and Team LavaHive. Additionally, several honorary mentions and awards were given across various categories.

Table 1_Comparison of Mars Habitat Proposals, Including Norman Foster’s Inflatable Design compiled from ASME_© Asme.org. (2015)

The Inflatable design emphasises modularity and robotic automation, utilising Martian regolith for construction. In contrast, the House of Ice focuses on leveraging local water resources to create a protective ice habitat. Lava Casting creatively integrates recycled spacecraft materials, while the Hybrid Approach combines various robotic techniques and materials. The Ancient Design adapts historical concrete methods using Martian materials, and the Donut Home modernises traditional techniques with basalt fibre. Each proposal showcases innovative ideas and methodologies for creating sustainable habitats on Mars, addressing the challenges of extraterrestrial living.

Analysis of Norman Foster’s Mars Habitat Concepts

Strengths:

• Pioneering Design: Foster’s concepts exemplify advanced architectural principles that merge visual appeal with the practical necessities for habitation on Mars. This innovative approach sets a new benchmark in extraterrestrial architecture.
• Environmental Sustainability: The designs emphasise sustainable living by utilising Martian resources through in-situ resource utilisation. This strategy promotes self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on Earth for essential supplies, aligning with broader environmental objectives.
• Modularity: The habitats incorporate a modular design, facilitating scalability and flexibility. This approach allows for the seamless integration of additional modules as population needs evolve, ensuring adaptability to future demands.
• Focus on Human Well-Being: Foster’s designs prioritise the mental and physical health of residents. By integrating elements such as natural light, green spaces, and communal areas, the habitats aim to enhance overall well-being in the unique context of a Martian environment.
• Technological Integration: The proposals incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including 3D printing and robotics, which streamline construction and maintenance processes. This focus on advanced technology enhances the feasibility of future missions.

Weaknesses:

• Feasibility: The practicality of certain proposed technologies remains to be fully validated in a Martian context, as many concepts may still be in the theoretical phase.
• Cost Concerns: The ambitious features of these habitat designs may require significant financial investment, raising considerations regarding funding sources and potential returns on investment.
• Effects of Isolation: The psychological impacts of isolation and confinement within a Martian habitat are critical factors to consider, particularly concerning mental health support.
• Environmental Considerations: There is a need to address potential contamination of the Martian ecosystem and the ethical implications of altering an untouched extraterrestrial landscape.
• Cultural Considerations: The designs should accommodate the diverse cultural backgrounds of potential settlers, fostering inclusivity and adaptability in social interactions to build a cohesive community.
  

References List:

1. www.newworldencyclopedia.org. (n.d.). Space habitat – New World Encyclopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Space_habitat.
2. ‌National Space Centre. (n.d.). Space Stations. [online] Available at: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/news/space-now-blog/space-stations/#:~:text=Current%20space%20stations.
3. ‌Kalapodis, N., Kampas, G. and Ktenidou, O.-J. (2020). A review towards the design of extraterrestrial structures: From regolith to human outposts. Acta Astronautica, 175, pp.540–569. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.05.038.
4. ‌Dezeen. (2015). Foster + Partners reveals concept for 3D-printed Mars habitat. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2015/09/25/foster-partners-concept-3d-printed-mars-habitat-robots-regolith/.
5. ‌Asme.org. (2015). 3D Printing Habitats on Mars. [online] Available at: https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/3d-printing-habitats-on-mars [Accessed 29 Sep. 2024].

Images / Visuals

1. Newworldencyclopedia.org. (2024). File:Internal view of the Stanford torus.jpg – New World Encyclopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/File:Internal_view_of_the_Stanford_torus.jpg [Accessed 29 Sep. 2024].
2. ‌NASA (2024). International Space Station – NASA. [online] NASA. Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/.
3. Jones, A. (2021). China’s Tiangong space station. [online] Space.com. Available at: https://www.space.com/tiangong-space-station.
4. Dezeen. (2015). Foster + Partners reveals concept for 3D-printed Mars habitat. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2015/09/25/foster-partners-concept-3d-printed-mars-habitat-robots-regolith/.
5. Dezeen. (2015). Foster + Partners reveals concept for 3D-printed Mars habitat. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2015/09/25/foster-partners-concept-3d-printed-mars-habitat-robots-regolith/.
6. Dezeen. (2015). Foster + Partners reveals concept for 3D-printed Mars habitat. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2015/09/25/foster-partners-concept-3d-printed-mars-habitat-robots-regolith/.
7. Dezeen. (2015). Foster + Partners reveals concept for 3D-printed Mars habitat. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2015/09/25/foster-partners-concept-3d-printed-mars-habitat-robots-regolith/.
8. ‌ MARS ICE HOUSE. (n.d.). The Habitat. [online] Available at: http://www.marsicehouse.com/habitat/v3avu8b0chfv5kk5z4ga7503esl1l4.
9. Team, L. (2024). Concept | LavaHive. [online] Lavahive.com. Available at: https://www.lavahive.com/concept/ [Accessed 29 Sep. 2024].
   

Table / Figures

1. Asme.org. (2015). 3D Printing Habitats on Mars. [online] Available at: https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/3d-printing-habitats-on-mars.