BRAHMARS: A Vision for Sustainable Human Settlelment on Mars

The quest to establish human life beyond Earth has long captivated scientists and visionaries. The BRAHMARS project, as depicted in the detailed concept image, outlines a comprehensive plan for building a self-sustaining human settlement on Mars, specifically at "The Gale Crater"—a site chosen for its evidence of ancient saltwater lakes and valuable soil samples.

Why Mars?

Mars stands out as the most habitable planet in our solar system after Earth. Its surface contains saltwater, which is crucial for sustaining life. The planet receives enough sunlight to power solar panels, and its day length and seasonal cycles are similar to those of Earth, making it a suitable candidate for human adaptation. Notably, Mars is considered Earth's "sister planet," with years that are roughly double the length of Earth's, providing a familiar rhythm for human settlers.

Ideation and Design

The BRAHMARS design proposes a self-sustaining system that prioritizes basic needs: food, energy, and shelter. The project envisions a phased expansion, starting with a discovery base for researchers and gradually growing into a settlement capable of supporting up to 250 people. This approach integrates advanced research and laboratory facilities to ensure the long-term viability of human life on Mars.

Survival Essentials

• Five essentials are identified for sustaining human life on Mars:

• Water: Extracted from the soil by heating it until the water evaporates.

• Air (Oxygen): Produced using solar panels through the process of regolith electrolysis.

• Food: Grown in greenhouses using solar energy.

• Energy: Supplied by solar panels.

• Shelter: Provided by specially designed bio-domes and private pods.

Key Architectural Elements

• Vegetation Tube: A conventional greenhouse with ETFE skin, filled with gas to maintain temperature for food production.

• Bio-dome: The main settlement space, designed for 35-50 people.

• Private Pods: Individual living, storage, and life support units.

• Discovery Base: A solar-powered facility for energy production, research, and communal activities.

Conclusion

BRAHMARS presents a thoughtful, phased approach to Martian colonization, focusing on self-sufficiency, sustainability, and scalability. By leveraging Mars’s unique resources and employing innovative architectural solutions, the project offers a compelling blueprint for humanity’s first steps toward becoming an interplanetary species.

Source: Presentation board as Study reference