Dome Mars base project awarded
in First Colony on Mars competition
The project of the Martian base called Dome, created by a group from Wroclaw, qualified for the “short list” of the best projects submitted to the First Colony on Mars competition, organized as part of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival by the Malaysian Institute of Architects.
Dome is the idea of a Martian base using shape memory materials. The concept takes benefit of the significant daily temperature amplitude on Mars, which reaches tens of degrees. Under the influence of temperature changes during the day parts of the dome in the shape of petals bend towards the center of the base, giving access to natural light and at the same time creating a dome, which allows to obtain additional space protected from radiation. At night, however, the petals return to their place and become an additional layer insulating the interior of the base from low nighttime temperatures.
“The use of shape memory materials would turn the significant diurnal temperature differences that exist on Mars into an advantage. The technology is developing so fast that materials of this type could work very well on the Red Planet in the future.” – says Justyna Pelc, team member.
There are flexible solar panels on the inside of the petals to provide energy and the movement of the petals themselves causes the panels to clean themselves of Martian dust.
One building can accommodate 50 people. There is a residential part – rooms and sanitary infrastructure and a research part, which includes a greenhouse, laboratories or control center. The dome formed by the petals protects the geological research zone from external conditions, especially radiation. This allows astronauts to use lighter suits and stay out longer than would be possible without such protection. The buildings are designed so that further development of the base will take place by duplicating the base module.
“We are glad that the jury appreciated our project. The competition was huge – 125 works were submitted from all over the world, so we are even more proud of the result.” – says Beata Suścicka, team member.
