Caves of Mars Project
The Caves of Mars Project was an early 2000s program funded through Phase II[clarification needed] by the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts[1][2] to assess the best place to situate the research and habitation modules that a human mission to Mars would require.[3] The final report was in mid 2004.[3]
Description
Caves and other underground structures, including lava tubes, canyon overhangs, and other Martian cavities would be potentially useful for manned missions, for they would provide considerable shielding from both the elements and intense solar radiation that a Mars mission would expose astronauts to. They might also offer access to minerals, gases, ices, and any subterranean life that the crew of such a mission would probably be searching for.[3]
The program also studied designs for inflatable modules and other such structures that would aid the astronauts to build a livable environment for humans and earth creatures.[3]
Summary of final report
Discussion of how best to seal caves to provide breathable atmosphere with air locks.[3]
Awaiting NIH approval for study of humans breathing argon.[3] Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Results
The project showed crickets and mice could breathe argon mixtures for extended periods without apparent problems.[3]
The project produced many educational materials.[3]
Demonstrated wireless communications within limestone cave system.[3]
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HiRISE image of Mars hole "Jeanne", about 150 meters (492 feet) across and at least 178 meters (584 feet) deep.
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HiRISE image of a 180 m wide lava tube skylight on the southeast flank of Pavonis Mons.
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HiRISE image of a 35 m wide lava tube skylight surrounded by a collapse pit on Pavonis Mons.
See also
References
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- The Caves of Mars Project[dead link]
- Human utilization of subsurface extraterrestrial environments (2002 NIAC Paper on living underground on Mars)
News
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- Herbert W. Franke, "Höhlen auf dem Mars", Naturwissenschaftliche Rundschau 1998, Issue 5, page 169-175
- "Life in the Extremes: An Interview With Dr. Penelope Boston", 2000
- Radio interview on the caves with NASA scientists by Planetary Society.
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| Mars analogs (list) | ||
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