A Martian City

Space always fascinates the humans. Even before the development of space exploration, the moon, and the stars fascinated many writers and scientists in history. Other than the earth, the moon is the only other celestial body to have human presences. There are several other celestial bodies with human reach. Mars is the only other planet with human technological capability that can support life. The materials necessary to support life are present in mars in an accessible form
. Mars is therefore the best candidate for the development of the first self-sufficient human settlement off earth. The psychological and health effects of space settlement shall determine the success or failure of the project (Uttley, Sara, and Alex, 19).
Mar contain the essential elements for the establishment of a human habitat. Almost all regions in mars are suitable for a habitat. Each location has its advantages and disadvantages depending on local characteristics and the available local resources. The methods and materials for the construction of the habitat must consider factors, such as radiation protection, insulation, space, speed of construction, and durability. The facilities in the settlements include living, working, and recreation environments. The living environments include sleeping area, washrooms, and kitchens. The recreation environments include reading, entertainment, gym, and other such facilities to help in recreation and unwinding. The working environment includes office space, industrial complexes for the life support, power generation, and food production systems (Uttley, Sara, and Alex, 62).
The power supply and storage option for the Martian city depend on the size of the colony and industrial complex. Nuclear power is the most viable source of power for the settlement. The colony cannot achieve full self sufficient with this source of power. Because there is no source of nuclear fuel in Mars, the fuel rods must be supplied from earth. Other sources of power that can help the colony achieve self-sufficiency. This includes wind, solar, and geothermal power. Each of these sources of power has its advantages and disadvantages. Power storage options include fuel cells and natural gas. Emergency power supply for critical processes, such as life support must be present. Power generation means, including manual generation must be explored for emergencies (Uttley, Sara, and Alex, 48).
The life support for the settlement is a critical aspect of the project. Research information for closed life support system is available. Most of the results are encouraging. The most important aspects of a closed life support system are compartmentalization and redundancies. The design of the system must ensure that failure of one or more compartments does not lead to failure of the entire system. The closed life sustenance system for the mars settlement reduces the requirement for resupply and minimizes the chances for contamination and accumulation of toxins. The life support system must consider the effects of radiation and micro gravity on the health of the colonists (Uttley, Sara, and Alex, 33).
The long-term psychological effects of living in space for long periods not understood. The current knowledge enables the development of a colony with the technology to support human life and economic activity on another planet. A full study on the long-term effects of space dwelling is unavailable. Available knowledge from astronauts in the international space station (ISS) suggests a high rate of depression and anxiety. This is for astronauts in space for a specified period. The mar settlement includes a lifetime membership. This factor is a key determinant for the success or failure of the project. A lunar out post before the mars human expedition is necessary to provide this information. This will allow the close observation of astronauts in the closed environments. The moon can also serve as a station for the mars settlement. The moon out post would also provide a valuable chance for conducting research on ways to recycle and produce the essential elements (Uttley, Sara, and Alex, 07).
There are many reasons for space exploration. Most of the consideration in the media and political arenas often take an economic perspective; however, there are other key reasons that do not feature regularly. These include answering the big life question of where the human race came from and why they are here. Space exploration and a settlement in mars will provide the necessary inspiration for future generation to aspire and achieve greater strides. Space exploration is also important for the long-term survival of man, especially with the increasing population and the depleting earth resources (Uttley, Sara, and Alex, 56).
 Works cited
Uttley Colin, Sara Angliss, and Alex Pang. Cities in the Sky: A Beginner's Guide to Living in Space (Future Files). Copper Beech Books. 1998. ISBN: 0761307419.