Simple layer of silica aerogel will be enough to terraform Mars...

louis · 2019-09-09 13:55:09

Things seem to be gathering pace all round!

It's been proposed that layering the Mars surface with silica aerogel could be enough for terraformation: "Through modeling and experiments, the researchers show that a 2- to 3-centimeter-thick shield of silica aerogel could transmit enough visible light for photosynthesis, block hazardous ultraviolet radiation, and raise temperatures underneath permanently above the melting point of water, all without the need for any internal heat source."

This is actually rather close to an idea I had back in the day of covering large sections of the planet with plastic sheeting...

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 … 114256.htm

SpaceNut · 2019-09-09 20:06:39

In voids topic we have talked about the uses of aerogel for mars.
In the past I sugested that you use the blister package plastic of Robertdycks to form a geodesic like dome with the materials sandwiched in between the segments to assemble a light weight mass dome.

Sure placing it in proximity to mars surface but not on it as then you can not use what is there until you build well above it to begin with.

Enabling Martian habitability with silica aerogel via the solid-state greenhouse effect

An overview on silica aerogels synthesis and different mechanical reinforcing strategies

https://www.universetoday.com/142876/bl … habitable/

Some would want to cover the poles to cause the releasal of co2 to thinken up the atmospher for a global warming effect.

louis · 2019-09-09 20:17:14

Yes - indeed. But I think this paper is talking about directly putting down layers of 2 to 3 cm deep aerogel over the surface, the point being that gases formed as a result will simply lift the layer somewhat.

SpaceNut wrote:

In voids topic we have talked about the uses of aerogel for mars.
In the past I sugested that you use the blister package plastic of Robertdycks to form a geodesic like dome with the materials sandwiched in between the segments to assemble a light weight mass dome.
Sure placing it in proximity to mars surface but not on it as then you can not use what is there until you build well above it to begin with.
Enabling Martian habitability with silica aerogel via the solid-state greenhouse effect
An overview on silica aerogels synthesis and different mechanical reinforcing strategies
https://www.universetoday.com/142876/bl … habitable/
Some would want to cover the poles to cause the releasal of co2 to thinken up the atmospher for a global warming effect.

SpaceNut · 2019-09-09 22:04:44

Strong and Flexible Aerogels

Aerogel Insulation Mat Fiberglass Gasket Blanket for Pipelines Ship Bulkheads Household Appliances Lifesaving Cabin
6c3509cb-337d-46aa-933c-f2db91dbfda3_1.274118e800401549681727bc64dc6acd.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

Density: 180-220kg/m3
Bending Strength: 45KP
Breaking Elongation: 65%
Compressive Strength: 32N
Thickness: 3mm / 6mm / 10mm
Low Temperature Bending: ≤99%
Material: Fiberglass + Nano Silica Aerogel
Size: (L)X(W) 140x30cm / 55.12''x11.81''(appr.)
Thermal Conductivity: 0.012 - 0.018w/m·k (At 25℃)

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/73a3/e … 764472.pdf
Silica Aerogel as Super Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Materials

Last edited by SpaceNut (2019-09-10 17:51:02)

louis · 2019-09-10 13:27:58

If we covered say about 70% of the planet (100 million sq. kms) with the silica aerogel at 3 cm thickness I make that about 3,000 cubic kilometres of stuff. Feel free to check my maths! Do it over a period of 100 years...30 cubic kms per annum...total concrete production on Earth is about 8 cubic kms pa. So not entirely fanciful...but a huge undertaking!

Last edited by louis (2019-09-10 13:31:12)

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#1 2019-09-09 13:55:09

Simple layer of silica aerogel will be enough to terraform Mars...

#2 2019-09-09 20:06:39

Re: Simple layer of silica aerogel will be enough to terraform Mars...

#3 2019-09-09 20:17:14

Re: Simple layer of silica aerogel will be enough to terraform Mars...

#4 2019-09-09 22:04:44

Re: Simple layer of silica aerogel will be enough to terraform Mars...

#5 2019-09-10 13:27:58

Re: Simple layer of silica aerogel will be enough to terraform Mars...

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