One day in the not too distant future, NASA could send the first human beings to Mars. In doing so, they will need shelter from the harsh elements, such as high radiation levels, extreme cold, lack of oxygen, and the frequent dust storms experienced on the distant red planet. Could these Martian bases one day be created by robotic 3D printers, using the soil already located on Mars as a bonding agent? Perhaps. A couple of months ago, NASA and MakerBot’s Thingiverse teamed up to challenge the public to come up with 3D printable models for potential bases on Mars. Over 225 entries were received, and many of them were quite thought provoking and very unique. Below you will find a handful of some of the more popular designs uploaded to Thingiverse.
Martian Pyramid by Thingiverse user Valcrow
If aliens would come to earth, one of the first things that they would notice would likely be the amazing pyramids built thousands of years ago (if it wasn’t them that build them, as some believe), so why not take the same idea to Mars? The structure would be incredibly green (or maybe the word to use here is ‘red’), and utilize mirrors to collect energy, as well as heat the structure. The openness of the structure would allow for ample light which crews could utilize for whatever they are busy working on. There are intricate details on how energy collection will work and water storage will be.
Mars MakerBot Base by Thingiverse user XOHenno
Astronaut Action Figure Play Set by Thingiverse user Solstie
The Queen B (Bioshielding) 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Mars Apartment by Thingiverse user NoahHornberger
mars_CRAG_base by Thingiverse user bendBrady
As I said, there were so many incredible designs submitted. I wish we could have profiled them all, however, these will do for now. The complete list of submissions can be found at the Thingiverse website.
Which is your favorite? Let’s hear your thoughts in the 3D printed Mars base forum thread on 3DPB.com.