New Mars Forums

I read that aerogel has a low refractive index. Ideal for letting in the essential visible and infra-red radiation. This leaves the problem of cosmic rays. How effective would a substance that is effectively not there be at stopping these fast particles?

[Later]

Been thinking about the atmosphere in the greenhouse.

The gas that plants need to grow is carbon dioxide. There's plenty of that available for free on Mars. Perhaps the partial pressure of carbon dioxide could be increased in the greenhouses. As the gas is not poisonous to humans per se, it would be safe to work in this higher pressure environment as long as the partial pressure of oxygen was maintained.

Perhaps this denser atmosphere could be used throughout the entire base. It would increase the boiling point of water (but it still won't be high enough to make a decent cup of tea), and would, I suspect, make the explorers feel more comfortable. Plants could then be grown throughout the complex, releasing oxygen and moisture into the atmosphere, and helping to remove pollutants. I know NASA has done research on the beneficial effects of house-plants. It's amazing what they research.

The ideal way of determining a new leader has occured to me. it involves skill, tact, an understanding of human nature, and the boldness to follow your instincts to the end. It is, of course, SPR - Scissors Paper Rock. Best of three just to make it interesting for the spectators.

I saw that pic too. Didn't see anything wrong with green pasta in a rich tomato source. You can check out the full article at http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMQTE1DU8E_in … dex_0.html

I think we should follow the chicken idea further. They're small. They can be transported easily in their embryonic state (just put them in an egg-carton at the right temp). They can be fed on scraps and left-overs. They make great fertilizer (though it needs dilution). As well as meat, you get eggs. If we take enough eggs, we should be sure of getting a mix of cocks and hens, and hence more chickens.

Now for the downsides. chickens flapping around in low g would be chaotic. Very funny, but chaotic. Numbers would be limited by the food available. There's no point growing grain just to give it animals. It may be possible to grow fodder quickly and easily, I haven't investigated that yet, but it might be worthwhile.

Of course another animal that has traditionally been fed on scraps is the pig. European cuisine is justly proud that it can use every part of the pig apart from the 'oink'.

So there we have it: egg and bacon for breakfast, sausage sandwich for lunch, omelette for dinner, and that Scottish speciality battered black pudding for supper. Sounds good to me.

Ed

Where can I get one of those 'Giant Martian Grazing Rats'? They sound great.

Just a few quick points.

Proteins don't have to come from animals, they just taste better that way.

After a journey lasting several months, there will be large quantities of human waste available. This can be composted, mixed with courser material and used as a growing medium/fertilizer.

Crops can be grown to feed the crew and any animals they have. This, of course leads to the production of more waste products.

Instead of having fish and plants in separate tanks, keep them in the same tank. Fertilizer will need to be added to maintain the mass balance.

All the elements needed to make life are available on Mars, it's "just" a matter of getting them in the right place in the right form. e.g mars has nitrogen and hydrogen the components of ammonia.

This brings us to the whole subject of terraforming.

Cheers,

Ed