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Technology 2: Mars Greenhouses

There were several other plans to develop a sustainable greenhouse on Mars, many of which would need to be built underground due to the increased radiation levels on the surface. Since the greenhouses are going to be underground, the plants and structure will not be subjected to potential weather conditions such as extreme cold weather but will rather use the planet's land to their advantage, it is also an efficient way to use less of the land surface.The greenhouses will use light emitting diodes (LEDs) as an alternative to sunlight, light concentrators can also be used to collect natural sunlight for the plants allowing them to have a sufficient amount of light. The use of a recycling system for these Mars Greenhouses is a sustainable method for waste and water resources, the plants would conserve and reprocess the waste and water they have been using which is effective for another plants. These greenhouses will provide a controlled environment for these plants, I believe that they can fully support and withstand the conditions on Mars for a long-term period. And as plants start to grow in these underground mars greenhouses, they will start to develop and grow accustomed to the environment and to the conditions that will make them easier to grow. Due the fact that the soil on Mars is incompatible with the plants and has poor nutrient levels, another soil and fertilization that is discussed in my other solution will be utilized.
The image below is an example of an underground greenhouse on Mars.

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Technology 1: Martian Soil

The soil factor and issue on Mars is having a major impact on the food and sustainable ecosystem needed, soil provides the need of nutrients for all the plants to grow, but that can not be independently produced by the soil on Mars. The soils and fertilizers that would be used as a solution may be organic waste or manure, because they are beneficial to plants because of their nutrients. Although animal manure has high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus which is a concern, there are many strategies on lowering and removing that so it won't impact the water and air quality of the environment. Many approaches include modifying the livestock 's diet so that their manure has naturally reduced nitrogen and phosphorus levels, while another method is to keep animals relaxed and healthy, which has been shown to help improve the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus. Another effective method is the use of water to concentrate and remove the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, the use of additional water in the martian soil process significantly adjusts the manure regimens. Available plants that can be planted in this soil include garden cress, arugula, tomato, radish, spinach, chives, peas, potatoes and leeks. I believe that as the civilization and exploration of Mars develops, so will the variety plants and possibly even animals on Mars available to us. Earth experiments have confirmed that Earthworms can be put into this soil which is a significant factor that could very well help the plantation, these earthworms can endure and reproduce in space and presumably on the planet of mars.They will further help mix organic matter into the soil, improve soil quality and water within it.

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The Real Problem with Growing Plants in Lunar and Martian Soil

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Post #1 Challenges (with role explanation)   By: Robyn Samson

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Post #1 Challenges (with role explanation)   By: Robyn Samson

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Food is a necessity for sustaining life and providing energy, on Earth we can easily buy a hamburger with a side of fries to fill that need, but it's questionable to happen on the planet of mars. Mars needs a sustainable ecosystem to maintain food sources, it needs to be able to withstand pressure and support a variety of ecosystems and it is my job as the Biologist to ensure that.

Challenges:

I believe that because of its conditions, Mars should be limited to supporting plants and not animals, this would restrict food sources to plants which needs a sustainable ecosystem to survive.

The external and internal factors to be present, they are key to sustainable ecosystem development.

Mars has a much colder climate, due to its distance from the Sun (210.59 million Km) and thin atmosphere. It has an temperature of around -60° C and is prone to extreme weather conditions such as dust storms all of which may not be suitable for many plants.

In addition to the statement made previously, we can further add on to the fact that there is insufficient sunlight, Mars is farther from the sun than the Earth so many plants may not be able to manage the difference in sunlight, Mars only receives around 44% less sunlight compared to the earth.

Lack of water availability is another challenge that will be addressed, almost all water on Mars is ice, momentary and changing water has been found on the planet, but this results in a very difficult environmental issue for the food sources that we would need on this planet.

Soil provides plants with a foundation for plants and gives the essential nutrients to develop, however there are many challenges on Mars to provide the right and adequate amount of nutrients for soil.

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Post #3 Technology #2      Brianna Gordon

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Post #3 Technology #2      Brianna Gordon

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The second issue I am going to address has to do with energy which I’m aware is in the physics department. The problem however will be solved with chemistry using an understanding of elements, chemical reactions etc. The colonies on Mars will need to get their energy from somewhere and as Mars is not known for its sunny warm weather, solar energy is a stretch (but can still work). The average temperature on Mars is about -60 degrees Celsius but can get to -195 degrees Celsius in the Mars winters. Because of the frigid temperatures, any water or liquid that was once on Mars is now frozen into ice or snow. While it would be nice to use the snow for drinking water that is not possible because it is made up of 95% carbon dioxide which if ingested it is toxic to humans. Because this snow is made of carbon dioxide or CO2 it is possible to turn it into energy that could be used in the colony. Scientists have found that an electrocatalyst (single atoms of a nickel) can convert CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO), which is a highly energetic molecule. CO can be used to make energy-rich hydrogen gas, hydrocarbons, alcohols and other useful chemicals. These gases and chemicals can be used to power anything from the electricity to the tools on the Mars colony.

“An electrocatalyst is a catalyst that participates in electrochemical reactions. Catalyst materials modify and increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Electrocatalysts are a specific form of catalysts that function at electrode surfaces or maybe the electrode  surface itself.”

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Post #2 Technology #1     Brianna Gordon

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Post #2 Technology #1     Brianna Gordon

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The first issue I would like to address is the lack of drinkable water found on Mars. My first thought was to find a way to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrogen dioxide (H2O). However, after a lot of research, I was unable to find any leads on how it would be possible. When that approach did not work I went back to the basics. A very common practice for astronauts is to term their urine into clean drinking water. On a Mars colony, the method used would be called Forward Osmosis Concentration. This method uses the potential energy difference between saltwater and freshwater to transport water across a semipermeable membrane (a large sheer like a paper material with polymer on it) while excluding all the contaminants that might be in the water. The semipermeable membrane acts as a filter allowing water to pass through but not salts or organic molecules. Another way urine to water filtration is done is a longer, more complex process. First, the urine is sent to the urine processor where it’s turned into steam. This leaves the solids behind. The steam is then formed into an almost transparent liquid, then joins the rest of the dirty, used wastewater for further processing and cleaning. Small particles and chemicals are filtered out. The water is then heated to 130 Celsius. This is to kill any remaining germs and chemicals. Then finally iodine is missed into the water to help slow the growth of microorganisms.

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Post#3 Technology 2                                                          By: Ehfaz Ahmed

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Post#3 Technology 2                                                          By: Ehfaz Ahmed

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How it works:

A nuclear powered thermo-electric generator (NPTEG) will be used to generate electricity. This NPTEG generator uses essential components from nuclear power plants and radioisotope thermo-electric generators. As the name suggests, the NPTEG will use a nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor performs a process called fission. In the process of fission, a particle (usually a neutron) is shot at an uranium atom. After the atom is shot, the atom splits into two and some of the neutrons escape.Those escaped neutrons hit other uranium atoms which causes atoms to split and some neutrons to escape. This keeps on happening which creates a self sustaining fission reaction process. To make sure the nuclear reaction is happening properly, systems in the nuclear reactor, either accelerate, slow or shut the process.The repeated splitting of atoms produces a lot of heat. The heat produced from the nuclear reactor is transferred to the thermo-electric generators.The thermo-electric generators are basically thermo-couples which are an electrical device made of two different types of semiconductor called p-type and n-type, connected by a metal strip in series.The thermo-couples basically use the Seeback effect which is when there is a temperature difference in the middle of two different semiconductors that creates a voltage difference.The particles which n-type semiconductors carry the electric charge are electrons and for p-type semiconductors the electric charge carriers are holes (which is the absence of electrons in a particular place). When there is heat, the charge spreads away from the hot side of the semiconductor which creates an increase of charge carriers in one side.This increase of charge carriers in one side, generates a voltage potential that is almost as much as the temperature difference between the semiconductors. The electricity generated will be transported to the Martian colony through electricity transmission lines.

How it overcomes challenges:

NPTEG will not require any energy source from Mars because it is powered by uranium pellets which can be found on Earth. Nuclear energy is extremely efficient because 1 gram of uranium can produce 1 megawatt of electricity which is enough to power 650 homes a day. Only 10 kilograms of uranium brought from Earth will be enough to power a colony easily for over 27.78 years which will buy enough time to start using Martian energy that can be used to generate electricity so that Mars is not dependent on Earth. All the components of NPTEG will be built on Earth but need to be assembled on Mars.The NPTEG will be inside a structure to make sure the natural elements (such as dust and wind) on Mars do not break or disturb the nuclear reactor. This structure that will protect NPTEG will be made out of concrete which can be made in Mars and will have a radiation shield made of lead to protect all the sensors, instruments and monitors from Martian radiation and solar flare. NPTEG should be placed away from the colony because it is hazardous and so the electrical transmission lines will be needed to distribute the electricity.The electrical transmission lines will be underground and will be insulated with aerogel to protect the transmission lines from the dust. Unlike other electricity generators, NPTEG can work at any temperature because most of the components were used by the spacecraft of NASA. The heat generated from the nuclear reactor will be enough to keep NPTEG warm. NPTEG will be an asset for human kind to settle in Mars.  The colonization of Mars will be one of the greatest human achievement after going to the moon. We human race of the twentieth century are going to the Mars because it is hard. We have a lot to learn and develop. It is our curiosity and the will to never give up always elevated us. We will learn from this pandemic and make sure this never happens again.  Who knows what the future generations will uncover and achieve. Lets see how far the human race goes.

The nuclear reactor will be the heart of the NPTEG. The thermo-couples will directly generate electricity with the heat generated from the nuclear reactor instead of spinning a turbine. The NPTEG has a high power output which means it will be able to generate enough electricity for the growing colony with ease.  NPTEG might be the stepping stone for something great in the future.

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Post#2 Technology 1 (Solar panel)                                   By: Ehfaz Ahmed

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Post#2 Technology 1 (Solar panel)                                   By: Ehfaz Ahmed

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How it works:

Solar panels will be used to power the Martian colony.The solar panels in Mars will work almost the same way as the ones used today on Earth. In solar panels there are photovoltaic cells which are semiconductor wafers made of two layers of silicon with different charges because one is positively charged and the other is negatively charged. The two layers of silicon with different charges create an electrical field and so when the particles of light (photons) hit the photovoltaic cells, the electrons from atoms of the semiconductor wafer are pushed out. The electrons that are pushed out, move around because of the electric field in the wafer. This creates a DC electrical current. The solar panels basically use the photovoltaic effect to generate electricity. The electrical supply made from the solar panel will be connected to the distribution panel of the Martian Colony and will power it. The solar panel will also be connected to a storing compartment where excess electricity produced by the solar panels will be stored in Batteries.

How it overcomes challenges:

Solar panels will still work on Mars despite the lack of resources.This is because the sun is still present in Mars which is a very reliable energy source. Since solar panels are relatively simple to build compared to other electricity generating technologies, they can be built on Earth and just be installed on Mars. This means the Martian colonists do not need to make solar panels on the land of Mars wearing heavy space suits.The solar panels will be placed on top of the buildings of the Martian colony. The electrical cables are going to be insulated with aerogel to make sure they are insulated and are not exposed to the elements.The solar panels will have water sprinklers near them connected to the main water supply to clean the dust blocking the sunlight. There will be dust sensors to sense dust particles and will turn the water sprinkler on if there is too much dust piled up.The  batteries that will store electricity will be in a ceramic compartment to make sure the heat produced by the batteries does not escape. The compartment will protect the batteries, thermometers and electricity monitors from radiation and dust. Since the compartment will be small and have a lower center of gravity, the compartment does not need to be attached to the ground which means it will be easier to install.  Since solar panels are relatively simple to install and so they are the best choice for generating electricity in the initial colony. Solar panels do not output as much energy as other technology but it can work anywhere there is sun and as always more solar panel can be added so that they can power the growing settlement.

Sunlight is one of the few available energy source on Mars. Sunlight is easily accessible and can be used to generate electricity. Using this convenient source of energy is going to be the best choice for the early settlement. Solar panels are simple and easy to assemble which means the colonizers do not need to struggle to have electricity to power all the technology. Obviously modifications on the Solar panels need to be made to work efficiently on Mars.

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Post #1 Challenges (With role explanation)      By: Brianna Gordon

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Post #1 Challenges (With role explanation)      By: Brianna Gordon

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The understanding of chemistry; including particles, elements and atoms, are crucial to survival on the never before human-inhabited planet of Mars. Without chemistry, we would not be able to know what air is breathable by humans or the makeup of Mars’s surface and snow which all play an important factor in scientist decisions on how to proceed. My job is to identify problems on a chemical and elemental level and use my knowledge of elements atoms and chemical compounds to solve these issues that may arise on the way to or living on Mars.

Challenges

1. One of the first and most obvious issues that would be present in a Mars colony is the atmosphere. Mars’s atmosphere consists of 95.32 percent Carbon dioxide, 2.7 percent Nitrogen 1.6 percent Argon, 0.13 percent Oxygen, 0.08 percent Carbon monoxide. There is not enough oxygen to breathe

2. The soil on Mars is toxic. Chlorine-based compounds such as calcium perchlorate were found in the soil. The levels detected are around 0.5%, which is a level considered toxic to humans.

3. Giant dust devil or dust storms are a big part of the weather on Mars. They can become so big that they cover the entire planet for months. These carry small particles of dust at speeds of 33 to 66 miles per hour.

4. An issue about Mars is that there is no drinkable water that we can currently access. There are some located under Mars's surface in aquifers. The problem is we don’t know where they are located.

5. The colonies on Mars will need to get their energy from somewhere as has Mars is not known for its sunny warm weather, solar energy is a stretch. Mars is extremely cold and there is even snow on this planet, while it would be nice to use the snow for drinking water that is not possible because it is made up of 95% carbon dioxide which if ingested it is toxic to humans.

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Post #1 Challenges (with Role explanation)                   By: Ehfaz Ahmed

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Post #1 Challenges (with Role explanation)                   By: Ehfaz Ahmed

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Overview:

Colonizing Mars can potentially save the human race from extinction. A colony or any technology as a matter of fact needs electricity to work. The solar wind slowly depleted the Martian atmosphere because of no global magnetic field and a weak gravity which creates many environmental conditions that make it very difficult to generate electricity which can power the colony. My job is to basically find and inspect these conditions and understand which environmental conditions are going to pose as an issue or challenge. Then I have to create a technology that overcomes the challenges to generate electricity.

Challenges in depth:

Generating electricity on Mars is going to be challenging because of the lack of energy sources. The atmosphere on Mars is about 100 times thinner than Earth's atmosphere. The atmospheric pressure and the concentration of the atmosphere is low because the atmosphere is thin which will make the wind on Mar travel fast but will be extremely weak. This means the wind energy source can not be used to generate electricity. The greenhouse effect does not really happen in Mars because the heat is not trapped properly because the atmosphere is very thin which means most of the water is frozen. This means most of the water source can not be used to generate electricity. I have to figure out a way to generate electricity with technology that can use a feasible energy source on Mars or Earth for the initial settlement. The real challenges come after finding the energy source because I have to make sure my technology uses the available energy source and is able to operate properly in the environmental conditions of Mars. On Mars there are high levels of radiation because there is no ozone layer to block them out. This radiation in Mars can disrupt the monitoring systems of electricity generators. Or even worse they can create leakage currents between circuits. The high winds on Mars create dust Storms which happen very often. These dust storms can build up on technology and act as an insulator which can overheat technology or burst batteries. If enough dust accumulates through the dust storms, the rust particles can stop the flow of electricity because they are poor conductors. Mars is an extremely cold planet because the average temperature on Mars is about -60 degrees Celsius and the poles can be as cold as -125 degrees Celsius. Cold temperature can break technology because of thermal contraction. Cold temperature can cause a battery to lose its charge because the molecular action slows down due to the fluid getting thicker. Components of my technology must be made in Earth so that the colonists only have to assemble the technology because the initial colony will be small and can not protect people from the natural elements. I have to make modifications on my technology so that it is appropriately protected to work in the Martian environment. I have to make sure that my technology is effective and will be a reliable power source for the colony until new technologies are made to generate electricity in Mars by using the hidden energy sources to generate electricity effectively.

Mars have many bad environmental conditions because of the thin atmosphere and no magnetic field. Mars looks like a planet without a life. We humans need to bring the life back on Mars first by creating a small colony and then expand . But to do that technology is needed. To power the technology electricity is needed. Generating electricity will be difficult because of the bad temperature, dust storms, radiation and lack of resources.  Fortunately nothing is impossible and so we will figure something out to generate electricity.