8 Ways We're Getting Ready To Go To Mars
6. 3D Printed Habs And Inflatable Modules
If we want to take more permanent strides out into the solar system, then we're going to have to find some good digs. Leaving the cocoon of the Earth's atmosphere means that we will have to spend most, if not all, of our time inside.
As we have previously discussed, getting stuff into space is tough, and the lighter you can make it, the better. Taking all of the food, water and equipment that we will need for a Mars mission is going to make that ship heavy and expensive to run, so we need a way to shed the pounds.
For the actual journey, we could save weight by storing resources and even people in inflatable modules on the ship. The Bigelow Aerospace company have developed one such lightweight module called the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), which is be put through its paces on the ISS.
Once we get to Mars, however, there is a chance for 3D printing technology to come into its own. Rather than packing a big heavy tent at Earth end, it might make more sense to take a 3D printer and build habitats out of the local available resources. We could even send them on ahead, and have them laying out the welcome mat in time for our arrival.