Plans for long-term human activity on the moon, on Mars, and elsewhere in the solar system go through the study of surface caves. These caves may serve as a protected base and possibly even a water source.
One of the areas at the forefront of planetary research is the study of caves on
planets and moons, due to the far-reaching implications for future human
settlement and the possibility of extraterrestrial life forms.
Video: Caves on other bodies in the solar system, in particular Mars and The moon of the Earth.
Caves on Mars and the Moon
Cave openings
have been observed in satellite images
on the moon
and
Mars. Depressions that appear to be collapsing into interior space have also been
observed on
other planets and moons, asteroids, and even comets.
The moon's surface and
Mars' environment
is hostile to life due to its exposure to intense radiation from space,
meteorite impact, and a
large amplitude of temperatures. Suppose the observed cave openings do expand into underground spaces. In that
case, it is assumed that they can
provide an environment protected
from radiation and meteorite impact and that they have much more favorable
microclimate conditions than outside.
Planetary caves are a major
destination for
planning permanent settlement
on the moon and Mars.
The potential for construction in
these
vast caves
is a significant economic and technological player on the way to significantly
reducing the costs of future ventures to establish colonies there and send
humans to them.
Advantages of using caves on planets
The main advantage of using caves for construction purposes is
the possibility of using particularly lightweight building materials, as they
will not be required to support the weight of unnecessary protection systems.
Also, the structure's shell should not carry most of its weight on the cave. It
can be supported by the
walls and ceiling or
supported by only internal air pressure.
The ancillary equipment for a living
and performing tasks, which today a lot of money is invested in planning for functioning in the harsh outdoor conditions, will resemble ordinary
tools and be built from more standard materials.
The massive bedrock
of the cave walls is a relatively rare commodity on the moon's surface or Mars,
most of which are covered with crushed rock and dust. This rock allows easy and
accessible mooring for massive equipment that requires such a point to operate.
Inside the cave, there is a greater possibility of removing the heavy dust to the surface, which could damage the equipment,
as happened in the Apollo missions to the moon. While in the cave, the astronauts' team can work in lighter and simpler suits
than those needed for surface activities, which allow for flexible movement and
faster tasks. Thus also helping to reduce the wear and tear of using the more
expensive protective suits.