NEITHER ELON MUSK NOR NASA WILL COLONISE THE RED PLANET IN THE 21st CENTURY

The 21st century will not be a breakthrough when it comes to the colonisation of Mars in the literal sense of the word. Even if the first single missions to Mars take place in the coming years, building and developing the first self-sufficient colony on the Red Planet to safely support human life will be a long-term process. NASA knows this, and Elon Musk knows it as well.

When should you expect a colony on Mars? Accurate predictions about the date of colonisation of Mars are difficult to determine due to many variables, such as technological progress, project financing, as well as technical, biological, and political challenges. As a design studio and a group of architects, we are convinced that it will only happen after 2100.

Currently, plans for colonisation include both the Moon and Mars. In our opinion, the construction of a base on Mars will be unrealistic without the construction of a base on the Moon, and there are many arguments for this.

Why, as a studio, have we taken on this topic?

Firstly, because of our interests and passions.

Based on scientific research, we are creating a platform, the aim of which will be to design and present an idea of how the process of creating structures (a base / settlement / infrastructure) conducive to life on the Moon, and further on the Red Planet, will proceed. The effects of this research activity will be successfully translated into work and design in extreme conditions on the Earth (Antarctica, deserts, dry areas, floodplains, etc.). We want to be consistent in what we design, without allowing our intellectual resources to be wasted. We will surprise you with theories presenting our own point of view, which deviates from the commonly accepted concept, proving the thesis that living in a safe structure that will effectively support human existence on the Moon or Mars will be possible only in the 22nd century. As a team of engineers, we will present a likely scenario and the way in which the construction of a base capable of a safe and independent existence will take place.

Secondly, we want to draw attention to the extremes that we see.

The conquest of the cosmos, which ignites the imagination, means that a significant part of humanity already wants to colonise the Red Planet, while in many places on Earth there are still people who are struggling with poverty and hunger, people who are deprived of basic resources such as water and food. Water is a fundamental resource, necessary for life, plant cultivation, animal breeding and for conducting many types of economic activity.

Experts are wondering how to obtain water resources for human consumption, food production or as a raw material for the production of fuel or energy on the Red Planet or the Moon, when to date the global problem of lack of access to safe drinking water, which affects many areas of the Earth (Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa or Latin America), has not been solved.

Taking this opportunity, we want to draw attention to the fact that in this space race, which consumes huge financial outlays, we should not lose sight of the Earth’s problems. The fight for access to clean water is an important aspect of the work of many international organisations, governments and non-governmental organisations for sustainable development and improvement of living conditions on Earth. And although the steps taken to solve this problem are noticeable, there are many areas where these activities leave a lot to be desired. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in 2021 there were approx. 768 million people suffering from chronic hunger in the world. Therefore, effective management of water resources is crucial for ensuring food security and preventing hunger. Investments in the development of water infrastructure, effective agricultural practices, protection of water ecosystems and actions for sustainable water management are necessary to achieve the objectives related to food security and the fight against hunger.

It is worth pointing out that space exploration should be carried out in parallel with solving problems on Earth, such as poverty, hunger or social injustice. Sustainable development and a balance between investment in space research and the needs of the Earth’s population are crucial. This means that technologies and achievements developed as part of space programmes should be adaptable to applications on Earth, contributing to improving the quality of human life. Space programmes are often international projects. Cooperation in this field can also contribute to the joint solution of global problems on Earth through the exchange of knowledge, technology, and experience. It is important for society to be aware of the benefits of space research, while being involved in activities aimed at solving social problems in their own environments. Public education and communication are crucial in building understanding for the needs of a sustainable approach. When developing space programmes, it is important to simultaneously implement projects aimed at improving access to basic needs such as drinking water, food, education and health care.

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