MakerBot Mars Base (MMB)

thingiverse

This utilitarian design employs simplicity while still possessing the necessities to survive on the surface of Mars. The MakerBot Mars Base (MMB) consists of 2 modular living spaces, dining area, satellite, and a nuclear power supply. Within the living modules, Martians will be able to conduct research, store supplies, enjoy free time, exercise, sleep, and clean and care for themselves. A crucial part of sustainability is the psychological well-being of the Martians. Being in a cramped area for a long period of time will undoubtedly take a toll on the psyche of a Martian, therefore, every room will utilize the concept of collapsibility in order to maximize the living space. Another way to dampen these effects would be to add mirrors to give the illusion that the space is larger than it actually is. Buildings will be heated to combat the -80 degree Fahrenheit average temperature on Mars, and all of the walls will be sufficiently insulated. Another issue that must be addressed is radiation. In addition to using radiation shielding materials on the buildings, Martian regolith can be used as a shielding material after base construction; utilizing local resources means payload free of charge. The idea of the small nuclear reactors came from the suitcase-sized nuclear reactor that was designed by NASA in 2011. Using a small power supply will lessen the payload that would have been taken up by solar panels, which will save millions of dollars in launch costs and generate much more power. Assembly of the printed design is necessary for making the model printable by a MakerBot Replicator™.