A multiple choice question about how the first Mars colonies will be set up?

Question

A. In a domed structure built over a small crater.

B. In an underground lava tube or magma chamber.

C. In prefab inflatable habitats set up in a organized manner.

D. In martian monolithic domes made from martian soil.

An article on Martian lava tubes: http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solarsystem/mars_caves_000321.html

A monolithic dome website: http://static.monolithic.com/

a wiki article on an inflatable habitat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BA_330

Another wiki article for domed cities/craters: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domed_city

Answer 1

Mars is geologically dead so there aren't any magma chambers etc. This rules out possibility B. Inflatable structures need to be built out of something flexible and soft i.e. plastic. However the lack of air pressure on the outside would most likely cause these to pop so C is a no go. This leaves A and D. I would go with D because you don't have to bring material over to Mars and digging into a dome of soil would provide better protection from the intense cold of the Martian night.

Answer 2

These are all ideas that would word eventually.  D, monolithic domes from soil would be the easiest for the first people.  Once established, the other ideas could be checked out.  One idea for setting up the monolithic domes is to use an inflatable structure, and pile dirt or sand bags over it.

The monolithic structures might be built by robots before anyone arrived.

Answer 3

B & C could be combined, find a lava tube and put your inflatable habitat inside, this would add extra protection from radiation, micro meteors, dust storms, but i wouldn't want to be inside during a cavein even though the inflatable habitat would be as hard as concrete on the outside the inside could still collapse in on itself.

Answer 4

I guess A.  I watch a lot of the science channel.