New Mars Forums

make a building that can house 1,000 crew is just a multiplier for what needs to be setup for all space requires from power, life support, greenhouse, medical care, ect these are not established for mars or for the moon in there entirety.

Picking any number to support any person is going to fail for any construction when quotative numbers are not proven.

That's like saying you only need 8 gallons of water to drink for the whole mission with none on the other end once you are there.

Ignoring facts of who, what, where, when and more 20 questions are blank.

These are the quick google of software to use in a isogrid construction.

Basalt sand processing is a multi-stage industrial process, rather than a single-step action. Because basalt is an extremely hard, high-density rock (\(2.8-3.0\text{\ g/cm}^{3}\)), processing focuses on efficient, multi-stage crushing, typically lasting for a few minutes per batch, but operating continuously. Basalt Sand Processing Time Chart Note: This represents the mechanical processing time of rock-to-sand in a typical industrial crusher. 

• Production Stage OperationEstimated Time (Duration)
  1. FeedingVibrating Feeder (removes debris)Continuous (immediate)
  2. Primary CrushingJaw Crusher (\(>300\text{mm}\rightarrow <50\text{mm}\))Seconds to Minutes
  3. Secondary/FineCone Crusher (\(50\text{mm}\rightarrow \text{smaller}\))Seconds to Minutes
  4. Sand MakingVSI Crusher (shapes and grinds)Seconds to Minutes
  5. ScreeningSeparating particle sizesContinuous (concurrent)
  6. Washing/DewateringWashing & Drying (if wet process)10–30+ minutes
  Total Cycle TimeRaw Rock \(\rightarrow \) Finished Sand\(<1\text{\ hour\ per\ batch}\)

Key Processing Steps & Considerations
Crushing Technology: Due to the hardness of basalt, laminated principle crushing equipment is recommended to minimize wear and tear.
Production Volume: Large-scale, high-capacity plants (e.g., 350-400 TPH) are common for basalt, focusing on creating construction aggregate, asphalt material, and manufactured sand.
Dry vs. Wet Process: Dry, vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers are often used to create a uniform particle size, while wet processes are used to wash and remove fine dust.
Performance Metrics: The process aims for high efficiency, with a high crushing rate and low operational costs

[table]
[tr][td][b]Process Step[/b][/td][td][b]Description[/b][/td][td][b]Estimated Time[/b][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1. Quarrying/Mining[/td][td]Extracting raw basalt rock[/td][td]1-3 Days[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2. Primary Crushing[/td][td]Jaw crusher reduces rock size[/td][td]2-5 Hours[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]3. Secondary/Fine Crushing[/td][td]Cone crusher/Impact crusher[/td][td]3-6 Hours[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]4. Screening[/td][td]Separating by particle size[/td][td]1-2 Hours[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]5. Washing/Drying[/td][td]Removing fines/Moisture control[/td][td]4-12 Hours (varies by drying method)[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]6. Bagging/Shipping[/td][td]Packaging and dispatch[/td][td]1-2 Days[/td][/tr]
[/table] 

Typical Production Metrics
Production Capability: 154,000 T/month (system capacity).
Throughput: 30–700+ t/h (depending on line size).
Basalt Hardness: High (139-185 MPa) requires heavy duty equipment.

Basalt Aggregate Processing

300tph Basalt making sand production line

Basics in Minerals Processing

Rather than shape more information of Basalt forming blocks from hard rock or from sands if site present as I included in the topics.

As 5 days plus for single blocks means we are not building very much for each processed batch.

Basalt Aggregate Processing

300tph Basalt making sand production line

Basics in Minerals Processing

Researchers discover massive hydrogen system beneath the Pacific Ocean

Research findings are available online in the journal Science Advances.

Artemis II: NASA's mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

cooling or dehumidiation

For a structure with a 200 m (656 ft) diameter and 120 m (394 ft) tall parabolic dome, standard High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) ceiling fans, typically with diameters up to 7.3 meters (24 feet), would be used in a calculated array to provide effective air circulation. Multiple fans, rather than a single massive fan, are required due to the immense size of the space.

Step 1: Calculate the Floor Area and Assess Fan Coverage The floor area of the dome is a circle with a radius of 100 m:\(\text{Area}=\pi \times \text{radius}^{2}=\pi \times 100^{2}\approx 31,416\,\text{m}^{2}\,(338,166\,\text{ft}^{2})\)A single large HVLS fan (e.g., 7.3 m diameter) typically covers between 900 and 1,500 square meters. For cooling purposes, the coverage area is roughly five times the fan's diameter for large-blade fans, but for destratification (air mixing in very high spaces), it can be up to ten times.

Step 2: Determine the Number and Placement of Fans Given the vast area, an array of fans is necessary. The general guideline is to space fans a distance equal to at least one fan diameter apart, or up to three times the diameter depending on the manufacturer and application. For consistent coverage, a grid pattern is ideal. For such a massive, open space, consulting with an HVLS expert for a custom layout drawing is crucial. The number of 7.3-meter (24-foot) fans could range from 21 to over 30 to cover the entire area effectively, depending on specific airflow requirements and building obstructions.

Step 3: Consider Ceiling Height and Fan Mounting The 120 m (394 ft) ceiling is extremely high. While fans perform well when mounted between 6 and 12 meters (20 to 40 feet) above the floor, longer downrods might be needed to position the fans within the occupied zone for optimal air movement. The fans must also maintain safe clearance from the floor (at least 3 m or 10 ft) and other structural elements.

Answer: For a parabolic dome ceiling with a 200 m diameter and 120 m height, multiple HVLS fans with diameters typically ranging from 6.1 meters to 7.3 meters (20 to 24 feet) would be required. The exact number and strategic placement of fans, likely exceeding two dozen units, should be determined through a professional airflow study to ensure uniform air circulation and temperature control

Commercial 7m (7-meter) fans refer to large industrial fans, often HVLS (High-Volume, Low-Speed) ceiling fans, used for cooling vast spaces like warehouses, factories, malls, and arenas, providing massive airflow (measured in CFM) for comfort and energy efficiency in huge commercial areas. You'll find them as massive ceiling units or powerful pedestal/wall-mounted fans designed for serious air movement, not typical home use, with high CFM ratings (thousands) for effective cooling.
Key Characteristics:
Size & Type: Look for HVLS fans (often 7 feet or more in diameter) or large pedestal/wall fans, not standard residential ceiling fans.
Airflow (CFM): Measured in Cubic Feet per Minute; higher CFM means more air moved, crucial for large spaces (e.g., 7000+ CFM is common).
Applications: Warehouses, factories, gyms, shopping centers, agricultural buildings, and large event spaces.
Benefits: Better air circulation, reduced heat, improved comfort, and energy savings over traditional AC in large buildings.
Where to Find Them:
Home Improvement Stores: The Home Depot offers large industrial ceiling fans.
Online Marketplaces: Alibaba.com has many manufacturers for 7m industrial fans.
Specialty Retailers: Amazon.com (for large pedestal/wall fans) and industrial fan suppliers.
When searching, use terms like "HVLS fan," "industrial ceiling fan," "large commercial fan," or specify CFM and diameter (like 7ft or 7m) for best results

Colony or settlement sized

Designing a Mars water system for a crew of 4-6 (initial) to dozens (colony) relies on In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), primarily extracting water from Martian soil/ice via heating or microwave drilling, supplemented by high-efficiency closed-loop recycling of hygiene/wastewater, plus atmospheric water harvesting (like MARRS), all integrated with habitats (MHUs) and power (solar/nuclear), ensuring redundancy for survival and growth.
1. Water Sources & Extraction (ISRU)
Subsurface Ice/Hydrated Minerals: The main source; systems heat regolith (200-500°C) or use microwave energy down boreholes to vaporize water, then collect and condense it.
Atmospheric Water: Systems like MARRS (Mars Atmospheric Resource Recovery System) capture water vapor from the thin Martian atmosphere.
2. Water Processing & Recycling (Life Support)
ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support Systems): Highly reliable systems (similar to ISS) to recycle water from urine, humidity, and hygiene.
Bioregenerative Systems: Using algae or plants (in greenhouses/hydroponics) to further purify water and produce food, reducing Earth dependence.
3. System Design for Different Crew Sizes
Early Missions (4-6 crew): Focus on robust, high-reliability closed-loop systems with significant storage (1000+ days' supply) and initial ISRU capability.
Colony (Growing to 20+): Requires large-scale, scalable ISRU plants, modular habitats (MHUs) with extendable capacity, and robust power generation (solar/nuclear).
4. Key Components & Concepts
ISRU Hardware: Mobile units (like Honeybee Robotics' MISWE) for exploration and extraction.
Habitat Modules (MHUs): Inflatable structures with integrated water processing, living areas, and crop growth zones.
Power: Thin-film solar arrays or small nuclear reactors to power extraction and life support.
Redundancy: Critical for survival; backup storage, parallel systems, and emergency escape routes within habitats.
5. Water Needs Estimation
Baseline: Around 0.6-0.7 kg/person/hour (consumption, hygiene, plant growth) in a gravity environment, with high reclamation.
Plants: Require additional water (approx. 0.003 kg/hr/person) not easily reclaimed.
Example Design Framework (for a growing colony)
Initial Landing: Crew of 4-6 with pre-deployed ISRU hardware and life support units.
Expansion (Year 2+): Increase crew (6, 12, 24 per mission) using new missions, deploy larger ISRU facilities, establish larger crop areas, and build more habitat clusters.
ISRU Integration: Automated systems extract water, feed it to storage, processing units, and greenhouses, ensuring continuous supply

project design to produce water on mars system for science mission size

Designing a Mars water production system for science missions involves extracting subsurface ice or hydrated minerals, processing them (heating/microwave), and collecting the vapor, using methods like drills (Coiled Tubing), heated regolith extraction (C.R.A.T.E.R.), or Rodriguez Wells, focusing on reliability, low mass, power efficiency for tasks like life support (ISRU) and propellant, with key components including drills, heaters, condensers, storage, and potentially atmospheric processors for oxygen/methane.
Core Concepts & Technologies
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): The overarching goal is using local Martian resources (water ice, atmospheric CO2) to create needed consumables (water, oxygen, methane fuel).
Extraction Methods:
Drilling: Using drills (like the Mars Ice Drill or Coiled Tubing) to reach buried ice, potentially melting it in situ.
Regolith Heating: Heating Martian soil (regolith) to release bound water molecules (e.g., 200-500°C).
Rodriguez Well (Rodwell): A method using a well to access large subsurface ice deposits, especially glacier-like forms.
Processing & Collection:
Microwave Heating: Efficiently freeing water from soil.
Condensers: Cooling water vapor to collect liquid water.
Storage: Tanks for storing extracted water.
Atmospheric Processing (for oxygen/methane): Using the Sabatier process (CO2 + H2 → CH4 + H2O) to make fuel, creating water as a byproduct.
System Design for Science Missions (Scalable)
Targeting: Use orbital data to find shallow subsurface ice or hydrated minerals, crucial for accessibility.
Excavation/Drilling Unit: A robust, potentially semi-autonomous system (e.g., drill with air/water jets) to reach the ice/hydrated material.
Processing Unit:
Heating Element: For regolith (microwaves/resistive heating) or sublimating ice.
Separation/Condensation: Capturing water vapor.
Collection & Storage: A reliable system to meter and store the water in tanks, potentially with internal heating/cooling loops.
Power & Control: Solar/RTG power, autonomous controls for simple operations, and telemetry for remote monitoring.
Integration (Optional): Link to a life support system (like CHRSy) for crewed missions or propellant production.
Example Project Elements (Student/Small Scale)
C.R.A.T.E.R. System (Colorado School of Mines): A conveyor belt system to feed Martian soil into a microwave-heated casing for water extraction.
Mars Ice Drill (FAU): A drill to penetrate ice, heat it, and pump water to the surface for collection

Designing a Mars water system for a science mission (e.g., 3-6 crew) involves In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) like extracting subsurface ice (drilling/melting) or atmospheric vapor, combining with water recycling (ISS-style) for reliability, and using systems like Sabatier reactors for propellant/oxygen production, all needing redundancy and significant power (160kW+) for a ~1.5 yr stay, balancing mass/cost with crew needs for drinking, hygiene, science, and crucial life support. Key Design Components & Technologies Water Sourcing (ISRU)Subsurface Ice Extraction: Drilling (e.g., Coiled Tubing method) to access buried ice, followed by melting.Atmospheric Extraction: Capturing water vapor from the Martian atmosphere.Waste & Recycling: Advanced systems to recover water from urine, humidity, and hygiene, similar to ISS but with higher reliability for Mars.Water Processing & StoragePurification: Filtration, reverse osmosis, distillation, and UV treatment.Storage: Durable tanks (FRP, PEX) with anti-freeze/heating to prevent freezing, plus distribution piping.Water for Propulsion & Life SupportSabatier Reactor: Uses imported Hydrogen (\(H_{2}\)) and Martian Carbon Dioxide (\(CO_{2}\)) to create methane (\(CH_{4}\)) fuel and water (\(H_{2}O\)).Electrolysis: Splits water into Hydrogen and Oxygen, providing breathable air and rocket propellant (for ascent/return). Crew Size & System Implications Crew Size (e.g., 3-6): Impacts total water needed (drinking, hygiene, food prep, science), influencing habitat volume, water processing capacity, and ISRU system scale.Mass & Cost: ISRU dramatically cuts Earth-launched mass by using local resources, making missions feasible and more autonomous.Reliability: Higher redundancy and robust systems are critical due to the long travel time and inability to quickly resupply if systems fail. Example Mission Scenario (6 Crew) Pre-deployed Cargo: Habitat, ISRU plant, Descent/Ascent Vehicle (DAV) sent ahead.Crew Transit: Transported in a separate vehicle, potentially using water electrolysis for propulsion.Surface Operations: ISRU system extracts water, processes it, and stores it; water is used for life support and creating propellant for return. Key Considerations for Science Missions Power: Significant power (160kW+) needed for ISRU, life support, and thermal control.Science Payload: Water use for scientific experiments (e.g., hydroponics, sample processing) must be budgeted.Planetary Protection: Strict protocols for handling potential Martian microbes

Drilling on Mars

Water Extraction from Martian Soil
The topic we have

ISRU Technology Development for Extraction of Water from the Mars Surface

project design to produce food for mars crew sizes during colony or settlement missions

Designing a Mars food system involves closed-loop, resource-efficient bioregenerative systems, integrating high-yield crops (wheat, soy, sweet potatoes), microbial/algae protein, potentially cultured meats, and fungi, within vertical farms using Martian regolith amendments and recycled water, requiring minimal external resupply for large settlements, focusing on nutrition, caloric density, minimal waste, and crew effort, as highlighted by NASA's Deep Space Food Challenges.
Core Components of a Martian Food System
Crop Production:
Vertical Farms: Soil-less, hydroponic/aeroponic systems in controlled environments (modules) to maximize space and nutrient delivery.
Suitable Crops: High-calorie staples like wheat, corn, soybeans, peanuts, and sweet potatoes.
Soil Enhancement: Using Martian regolith (soil) amended with organic matter from composted waste, fungi, and worms for long-term soil building.
Protein Sources:
Microbial/Algae: Cultivating bacteria, fungi (mushrooms), and algae for nutrient-rich protein.
Insects/Cultured Meat: Crickets or lab-grown meat could supplement diets, reducing space/resource needs compared to traditional livestock.
Resource Management (Closed-Loop):
Water Recycling: Essential for all life support, including hydroponics.
Waste Management: Incineration or biological digestion (anaerobic) to recover nutrients and water, minimizing stored waste.
Atmosphere Control: Regulating CO2, temperature, humidity within grow modules.
System Integration:
Modular Design: Interconnected modules for different functions (growing, processing, living).
Automation & AI: To manage complex growing conditions and minimize crew labor.
Energy Efficiency: Critical for lighting and environmental control, potentially using solar or nuclear power.
Design Considerations for Scale
Initial Crews (Small Scale): Focus on high-efficiency, pre-packaged food supplemented by early, compact growing systems.
Settlement Growth (Large Scale): Shift to large-scale, self-sustaining systems, modeling needs for potentially thousands or millions, incorporating tunnels for space.
Nutritional Completeness: The system must provide 100% of required nutrients, not just calories, for long-duration health.
Key Technologies & Challenges
Genetic Engineering: Modifying plants for higher productivity and CO2 consumption.
3D Bioprinting: For creating complex food structures.
Sustainability: Achieving food independence from Earth, a significant long-term goal.
This project design concept integrates ideas from NASA's challenges and scientific modeling, emphasizing bioregenerative life support for sustainable Martian settlements.

Ground heat pumps (geothermal) are a promising concept for Mars settlements, using the relatively stable underground temperature of the regolith for efficient heating and cooling, supplementing solar/nuclear power, and can even be reversed to manage waste heat, though deep drilling for consistent heat is challenging initially, requiring significant infrastructure. While NASA currently lacks deep Mars data, shallow systems could exploit the day-night temperature swings, and larger, deep-drilled systems offer long-term potential for large-scale colonies, making them key for sustainable power and thermal management.

How it works on Mars
Heating: In winter or cold periods, heat is extracted from the ground (regolith) and transferred into habitats.
Cooling: In summer or during peak operation, the system can reverse, dumping waste heat into the ground to cool habitats.
Shallow vs. Deep: Shallow systems use the day-night temperature difference, while deeper systems tap into the planet's consistent internal heat, similar to Earth's geothermal systems.

Benefits for Mars settlements
Efficiency: Heat pumps are much more efficient than electrical resistance heating, using less power for the same thermal effect, according to a presentation at AAPG 2017.
Reduced Transport: Uses local resources (regolith) and electricity, reducing reliance on fuel imports from Earth, notes the AAPG presentation.
Waste Heat Management: Effectively uses waste heat from industrial processes or power generation, as discussed in a Reddit thread.
Reliability: Less affected by Martian dust storms that hinder solar power, as noted on the NASA Spaceflight Forum.
Challenges
Drilling: Deep drilling for consistent geothermal sources is technologically challenging and expensive for early colonies, though feasible for later-stage settlements, as pointed out in a Quora discussion.
Data Gap: NASA currently has limited data on Mars's internal thermal gradients, notes a NASA document.
Future potential
Geothermal is considered a vital long-term solution for large, self-sustaining Martian societies, potentially alongside solar and nuclear power, states a Utah FORGE article.

A ground heat pump system for a 200-meter diameter, 120-meter tall Mars settlement dome would serve primarily as a high-capacity, long-term thermal management system rather than a standard HVAC unit, leveraging the high insulating capacity of Martian regolith to maintain comfortable internal temperatures (approx. 20°C) against an average ambient temperature of -63°C. Due to the immense heat loss to the cold Mars environment, this system would likely require over 1 MW of heating power, with the ground acting as both a heat source and a heat sink.
Key Technical Considerations
Heat Loss and Power Needs: A 200m dome (volume ~83 million m³) has massive surface area, requiring substantial energy to prevent heat loss, with estimates exceeding 100 MW of heating during, for instance, a cold winter night.
Regolith as Insulation: Martian regolith is a poor thermal conductor (approx. 0.039 W/(m·K)), which is beneficial, as it acts as a natural insulator when used to cover or bury portions of the dome.
Subsurface Temperatures: While surface temperatures fluctuate wildly (-153°C to 20°C), deep underground temperatures on Mars are generally below the freezing point of water, requiring the heat pump to manage a large, constant temperature differential.
System Design (BTES): A Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) system, involving a series of U-tube pipes connected in a closed-loop and drilled 50–200m deep, would be necessary to transfer heat between the habitat and the deep ground.
Operational Strategy
Thermal Regulation: The system would likely operate as a water-to-water heat pump to deliver radiant, in-floor heating at the ground level, maintaining a stable temperature.
Waste Heat Usage: The heat pumps can be used in tandem with nuclear reactor waste heat (approx. 210 kW of thermal energy per 40 kWe reactor) to warm the surrounding regolith barrier, which helps keep the dome insulated.
Thermal Conductivity Management: The system would need to ensure the ground remains frozen outside the dome to prevent the leakage of liquid water or air through the soil, using the ice as a natural sealant.
Advantages and Challenges
Advantage - Efficiency: Ground source systems provide high efficiency, potentially reducing energy demand by 25-50% compared to conventional, less efficient systems.
Challenge - Installation: Drilling deep boreholes in Martian soil requires robust, heavy-duty mining equipment that must be brought from Earth or constructed locally.
Alternative: Given the high energy demand, a combination of thermal insulation (like an inflated dome with an insulating layer) and in-floor heating is often considered more practical than relying solely on heat pumps.
Given the scale, the heat pump would likely function as part of a hybrid system, managing the base temperature while, for instance, nuclear or solar-powered radiators handle peak heating/cooling loads

project design to produce food for mars crew sizes during science missions

Designing a food system for Mars missions involves integrating prepackaged staples, hydroponics/aeroponics for fresh produce, and novel methods like bioreactors for protein, all managed by AI with 3D printing for customization, to ensure nutrition, prevent menu fatigue, minimize waste, and support crew morale through variety and flavor, addressing challenges like resource scarcity, toxicity, and microgravity effects. NASA's "Mars to Table" challenge pushes for holistic, self-sustaining designs combining these technologies, from waste recycling to nutrient synthesis, for long-duration independence.
Key Components of a Mars Food System
Prepackaged Food & Preparation:
Staples: Shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, space-optimized foods, with advanced packaging to protect against light, gases, and physical stress.
Processing: Equipment for mixing, heating (under reduced pressure), and sterilization, possibly using bioreactors for converting waste products.
Fresh Produce (Hydroponics/Aeroponics):
Gardens: Closed-loop systems using mineral-laced water (hydroponics) or mist (aeroponics) for vegetables (carrots, peppers) and fruits.
Light & Water: LED lighting and mirrors to supplement Mars' weaker sunlight; filtered Martian ice for irrigation.
Novel Production Methods:
Microbial/Gas Fermentation (HOBI-WAN): Using bacteria, electricity, air (CO2, H2), and recycled urea (from urine) to create protein-rich powders, reducing reliance on Earth supplies.
Cellular Agriculture: Potential for lab-grown meat for complete nutrition and variety.
Technology & Logistics:
3D Printing: Synthesizing food from macronutrient powders (proteins, starches, fats) with added flavors/micronutrients, offering customization and reducing waste.
AI & Automation: Managing climate control, nutrient delivery, and recipe generation for optimal health and morale.
Challenges & Solutions
Martian Soil: Toxic (perchlorates); needs washing, enriching, or bypassing with soilless systems.
Microgravity/Partial Gravity: Affects fluid dynamics, bubble behavior, and microbial settlement; requires forced mixing and tailored system design.
Waste Management: Recycling urine (nitrogen source) and organic waste into compost/nutrients.
Menu Fatigue: Variety is crucial for long-term physical and mental health, addressed by combining sources and adding flavor/texture options.
Project Design Example (Integrated System)
A Mars food system integrates these: a core bioreactor for protein, hydroponic bays for greens, 3D printers for varied textures, and pre-packaged essentials, all managed by an AI system that adjusts recipes based on crew needs and available resources, turning waste into nutrients for a truly self-sufficient cycle