Nov.17, 2012
Mars One, a private, non-political organization whose intent is to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars through the integration of existing technologies, announced its plan to establish a human settlement on Mars in 2023.
(Image credit: Mars One)
Mars One has designed a manned mission to Mars that has as little complexity as possible. The most important simplification is that the crew will emigrate to Mars. They will spend the rest of their lives living and working on Mars. While sustaining human life on Mars is not trivial, it is far easier and safer than bringing the crew back to Earth. If the astronauts had to return to Earth after their visit to Mars, a fully functional and fueled return rocket would have to be constructed on Mars without any human supervision, which is extremely complex and expensive. Instead, Mars One will provide the first and subsequent crews with water, food and oxygen by mining resources from Mars' soil and atmosphere.
Bas Lansdorp, M.Sc, co-founder: "It will inspire a new generation of engineers, inventors, artists and scientists. It will create breakthroughs in recycling, life support and solar power systems. It will create a new generation of heroes – the first explorers to go to Mars will step straight into the history books."
Mars One estimates the cost of putting the first four people on Mars at about six billion US dollars, including all the hardware, the operational expenditures and margins.
All components required to complete the mission can currently be built by existing suppliers. Mars One has visited a variety of companies that together can deliver the complete package, including ILC Dover, MDA Information Systems, Paragon Space Development, Space Exploration Technologies, Surrey Satellite Technology and Thales Alenia Space. Meanwhile Mars One is looking for corporate sponsors and investors.
Aleph Objects, Inc., makers of the LulzBot desktop 3D printer, announced it has become one of the Silver Sponsors of Mars One to support Mars One in its effort to give form to ideas and turn dreams into reality—even in outer space.
(Image credit: Aleph Objects)
"Mars One is unlike anything else in the off-world exploration arena. With the objective to integrate existing technologies without the need for substantial invention, Aleph Objects is a perfect mission partner offering technology that enables our astronauts to be as self-sufficient as possible. As the Aleph 3D printers are self-replicating, there is no end to the potential," states Kai Staats, Director of Business Development for Mars One. "Even in this initial stage, we are impressed by the knowledge the Aleph Object team employs, one of their lead engineers previously worked on the NASA Mars rovers. The collaboration has only begun, but already we see tremendous potential."
"Through 3D printer technology, we hope to reduce the cost of resupply missions and enable astronauts to repair and innovate in ways not otherwise possible," said Jeff Moe, President of Aleph Objects, Inc.
With the ability to quickly print high-quality parts virtually anywhere - sideways, upside down, or even in zero G environments - the LulzBot 3D printer will enable Mars One astronauts to build and improve, even 140 million miles away.
According to the Mars One roadmap, the astronaut selection begins in 2013, and Mars One will maintain 40 trained astronauts during the full duration of its missions, though only 4 would make the first journey.
By the close of 2013, Mars One will build a replica of the Mars settlement on Earth, likely in a cold, desolate environment, to help the astronauts prepare and train and for a realistic environment in which to test the equipment.
The first supply mission carrying 2500 kilograms of spare parts, solar photovoltaic panels, and general supplies will launch in January 2016.
In 2021 six separate landers would arrive at Mars carrying two living units, two life support units, a second supply unit, and another rover arrive on Mars. The two rovers take all components to the settlement location and prepare for the arrival of Mars Team One.
All water, oxygen and atmosphere production will be ready by early 2022.
(Images credit: Mars One)
In September 2022 the first four astronauts are launched on their journey to the Red Planet and land in 2023 – this will be the first humans to set foot on Mars!
Posted in 3D Printers
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