Igloos on Mars? How Future Astronauts Could Use Ice to Survive

"If humans are ever to land on Mars, they will need somewhere to staya protective shell that can shield them from the sun's harsh rays. One possible answer: great, glassy domes of ice. Mars is rich in ice, both on and under its surfacewith more predicted to lie farther below its dusty exterior. If future astronauts were able to access it, they could use that ice to build hardy shelters, according to new preliminary research."

"Each structure could range from a few tens of square meters to a couple of hectares in size with a domed roof and space for living and growing food for sustenance. Designed to be entirely clear, the domes would let in sunlight but not harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, says Robin Wordsworth, an earth and planetary sciences professor at Harvard University and a co-author of the new research. Sunlight is particularly important to grow plants without artificial lighting and for human psychology, he says."

Mars contains abundant ice both at the surface and beneath its regolith, with additional ice predicted deeper below. Martian ice could be accessed and used to construct transparent, glassy domes ranging from a few tens of square meters to a couple of hectares, providing domed roofs and interior space for living and growing food. The domes can admit visible sunlight while blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation, enabling plant growth without artificial lighting and supporting human psychological well-being. Mathematical models estimate the quantity of ice required for such habitats. Starship rockets are designed to haul 100 metric tons of cargo, enabling delivery of building materials but likely requiring multiple launches.

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