Written by Amira Shahata
Wednesday, July 03, 2024 12:00 AM
When pioneers land on Mars one day, they may have to live in lava caves to survive the harsh radiation on the surface. But what caves might offer the best chance of survival? A new study presented at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Congress aims to address this question. Dr. Anatoliy P. Fedmachenko of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences in Ukraine investigated where, how, and why lava caves might be beneficial for future Martian astronauts.
This research has the potential to help scientists and engineers mitigate risks and plan for a successful Mars mission. Dr. Fedmachenko identified several sites on Mars that contain lava caves suitable for future settlements for the first time, including Arsia Mons, one of three extinct volcanoes that make up Tharsis Montes.
A study presented in 2007 at the 38th International Congress of Sciences observed seven objects from orbital images, which were later interpreted as entrances to lava caves on the Moon and other planets. This recent study suggests that these lava caves might have diameters ranging from 100 to 250 meters (328–820 ft).
The study proposes that these reliable caves might provide protection from intense radiation and serve as the foundation for the first permanent settlements.
One challenge is the need to deliver water ice to the settlements for water resources, oxygen extraction, and hydrogen fuel for rocket engines.
The study cites other locations on Mars with potential lava caves, including Hebro Vallis, Pavonis Volcano, Mons Ascraeus, Acidalia Planitia, and Cydonia Mensae. It also discusses the possibility of using lava channels or tubes near water ice sources, potentially reducing the cost of transporting and storing water on the initial journey to Mars.
“The best case would be a lava tube with strong walls next to strong ice structures,” the study notes, adding that “the colony itself would likely appear to be separate buildings, with residential and engineering compartments, elevators and greenhouses, and would need to be connected to each other by small transitional tunnels to control the pressure and composition of the artificial atmosphere in them.”
This research comes as NASA plans to return humans to the Moon, followed by a mission to Mars, as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars engineering.
Thorough preparation for the first human mission to Mars is crucial for astronaut survival. This study sheds light on how lava tubes can contribute significantly to this preparation and increase the chances of a successful mission.
Lava Caves on Mars Could Be the Key to Human Survival
When the pioneers land on Mars one day, they may have to live in caves. To survive the harsh radiation on the surface of Mars, lava caves might provide them with the best chance of survival. But what caves might provide them with the best chance of survival? According to the Phys.
That’s what a new study presented at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Congress hopes to address, with Dr. Anatoliy P. Fedmachenko of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences in Ukraine investigating where, how and why lava caves might help future Martians regarding their survival.
Why Lava Caves?
Lava caves, formed by flowing lava during volcanic eruptions, offer several advantages for human settlements on Mars:
- Radiation protection: The thick rock walls of lava caves provide a natural shield from the harsh radiation on the Martian surface. This is crucial for protecting astronauts’ health from long-term exposure.
- Stable environment: Lava caves offer a more stable temperature and pressure environment compared to the fluctuating Martian surface. This makes them ideal for creating livable habitats.
- Resource access: Some lava caves are located near potential sources of water ice, a crucial resource for drinking water, oxygen production and rocket fuel.
Potential Locations For Lava Caves
Dr. Fedmachenko’s study examined several sites across Mars that he found contained lava caves suitable for future settlements, including:
- Arsia Mons: One of three extinct volcanoes that make up Tharsis Montes. This area has been identified as a potential spot for lava caves, with some estimates suggesting these caves might be regarding 328 to 820 feet (100-250 meters) across.
- Hebro Vallis: A valley that features signs of ancient volcanic activity.
- Pavonis Volcano: Another volcano within Tharsis Montes.
- Mons Ascraeus: Another volcano within Tharsis Montes.
- Acidalia Planitia: A plain that is believed to have been formed by volcanic activity.
- Cydonia Mensae: A region with a unique landscape that includes mesas and canyons, which might have been formed by lava flows.
The Benefits of Using Lava Caves
Using lava caves as a base for settlements on Mars has several benefits:
- Protection from radiation: This is the primary advantage, as the thick rock walls of the caves can effectively shield astronauts from harmful radiation.
- Stable living environment: The caves offer a more stable and consistent environment in terms of temperature and pressure compared to the Martian surface, making them more suitable for human habitation.
- Potential access to water ice: In some locations, lava caves are close to water ice deposits, providing a valuable resource for drinking water, oxygen production, and fuel.
- Cost-effective solution: Utilizing pre-existing cave structures might potentially reduce the costs associated with building habitats from scratch on Mars.
Challenges and Considerations
While lava caves offer promise for future settlements, there are also challenges and considerations:
- Cave exploration and mapping: Thorough exploration and mapping of potential lava caves are essential to understand their size, stability, and suitability for habitation.
- Life support systems: Implementing life support systems, including air filtration, temperature control, and waste management, within the caves would be crucial for sustained human presence.
- Power and energy: Ensuring a reliable source of power within the caves will be crucial for operating life support systems, scientific research, and communication.
- Transportation and logistics: Establishing efficient transportation systems and logistics for moving supplies and personnel between the surface of Mars and the caves is critical.
- Psychological impact: Living in a confined underground environment for long periods might have psychological impacts on astronauts, necessitating careful consideration of mental health and well-being.
The Future of Living on Mars
Lava caves offer a compelling opportunity to make human settlements on Mars a reality. They present a potential solution for providing radiation protection, a stable living environment, and access to essential resources. Further research and exploration are necessary to fully understand the potential of these natural formations for creating a sustainable human presence on the Red Planet.
As NASA embarks on its Moon to Mars program, this study highlights the crucial role that lava tubes might play in facilitating human exploration and settlement of Mars. By carefully studying and harnessing the potential of these natural features, we can move closer to achieving the dream of living on another planet.
The study’s findings have important implications for the future of human space exploration. If lava caves can be used as shelters for astronauts on Mars, they might significantly reduce the risks of space travel and increase the chances of human survival on other planets.
