Pionering in Mars

E Establlishing g a on n Pioneer Ba ase on n Marrs Propo osal by Dr E1 and d Mr AJ A 2 Barrclay3 I NTR RODUCT TI ON For deccades hum mans have dreamt ab bout the possibility p of o creatingg a commu unity on Mars. A At presentt the Earth h civilizatio on is closerr to that possibility p tthan ever before. I nnova ation in co onstruction, technolo ogy and su ustainabilitty is rockeeting ahea ad on a daily ba asis. I n so ome cases progress iss made by y not lookin ng at sciennces, but primitive p commu unities and d their prractices, w which prov vides us with the clues of how a civilisattion can be b establis shed and can thriv ve in abso olute isolaation with limited resourcces. The mo ost efficien nt method to follow in creating g a thriving g, sustainaable, resilie ent and self-suffficient community on o Mars iss by using g Maslow’s s Hierarchhy of Need ds as a basis. T The subseq quent prop posals will also be ba ased on the e various tiiers. Figure 1: Maslow w’s Hierarch hy of Need s4 1 Twentyy years’ experience and a Ph hD in Urban a nd Regional Planning P Specialiises in historicc analyses, linked to gamingg simulation, with w the focus on educatioon and leadersship 3 Contactt details: lize.b [email protected] 4 https:///www.getamb bassador.com/blog/maslow ws‐hierarchy‐o of‐social‐media‐referrals 2 Tiers one and two deals with basic needs for survival, tiers three and four are linked to psychological needs and tier five is related to self-fulfilment needs. This proposal will not only look at technical priorities, but also emotional and psychological priorities to ensure the successful establishment of a Mars base. Thus a balance of qualitative and quantitative elements and needs will be provided in brief. The proposal is based on research in history and today what makes communities thriving, cohesive, resilient, self-sufficient and sustainable. This perspective is thus provided from a historic and town and regional planning perspective. TI ER 1: PHYSI OLOGI CAL NEEDS Tier 1 deals with physiological needs such as air, water, food, shelter, excretion, sex, warmth, good health and sleep. I t is thus the basic necessity for survival on earth and subsequently on Mars. The first priority of creating a pioneer base on Mars is the establishment of shelter, which can also provide sufficient amounts and quality of air, water, food and sleeping facilities. Location of the Pioneer Base I t is proposed that the base be located in the Gale Crater, near the equator on Mars. I n that area the temperatures are the highest on Mars, which will enable improved ability to adapt to the environment, as well as an increased ability to utilize the sun for solar energy. Mount Sharp might also provide possible geothermal energy. This area is also very well charted and analysed. Figure 2: Gale Crrater 5 mplex Buil ding com or extra-Ea arth habitats, for exa ample on M Mars, is th he most Using a modular design fo practica al initial ap pproach to establishi ng a long- term comp plex. Theree are a num mber of conside erations to o take into o account. Such a complex, c in n a hostilee environm ment on anothe er planet or o in spac ce, would be natura ally vulnerrable. I n tthe case of fire, explosiive decom pression or o any unfforeseen emergency,, certain ssections orr transit routes in the com mplex may y become cut-off. I f the modu ules of succh a comp plex are conneccted in a linear fas shion, this would en ntail entire e sectionss of the complex c become e cut off and a inacce essible. Thiis could be ecome a critical issuee if, for ex xample, an inju ured pionee er is trapped in one module, or o if critical equipmennt or supp plies are trapped d in a module. m Fo or this rea ason, all modules m should s havve at leas st two, prefera ably three, connectin ng points liinking it to o the rest of the com mplex. This s would ensure multiple access a and d evacuatio on points in n the even nt of a crissis. From a design perspective, this would also o increase the illusion n of space,, thus reduucing the sense s of confine ement expe erienced by the pione eers. 5 http://m mars.nasa.govv/mro/multim media/slideshoows/findingap placetolandon nmars/ The mo ost efficien nt plan beh hind such a design would w entaiil the compplex being built in a wh heel-and-spoke form m, as indica ated here in Figure 3. The cent ral hub (w which wou uld probab bly be thee largest) should ast risky technology and a shouldd also be th he most cont ain the lea critic cal for survvival. I n t his case, a Greenhoouse which h would creatte some po ortion of oxygen and d provide m most food. Around it wo ould be fivve or morre modules designedd around specific purposses, which will be disc cussed in m more detaiil later on. This wouldd then allo ow each module e to have at a least three accesss points an nd no part of the com mplex to be easily cut off from the rest unless s all three exits are deliberatel d y sealed. T The design n would hen allow w for easy y further expansion n as add ditional moodules co ould be also th built/ atttached in an additional circum ference. n developm ment of a h human outtpost on Mars, additioonal expan nsion of At a latter stage in a base b could d be donne below ground usin ng a nuclear poweered therm malbore drilll (illustratted here in Figu ure 4). Natturally a smaller verrsion would need to be utilised due to launch h load resttrictions. This T wou ld still probably p require e a dedicatted launch and would d most like ely only take place ssometime after a an initial ccomplex ha ad been established on the su urface of Mars. M This option, ho owever, would allow for large-scale l e expansio n of a pioneer base on Mars aand could lead to the esttablishmen nt of minin ng or man nufacturing g operations off-worrld once a stable presen ce there h as been es stablished. The exxterior consstruction of o the com plex could be constructed usinng ETFE (E Ethylene tetraflu uoroethylen ne) 6 cushio ons. I n su uch a case,, I would recommendd a beehive dome design,, as was done at Eden E Park7 in Cornw well, Britain n (Figure 5). ETFE is very 6 7 https:///en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETFE https:///en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ede en_Project strong,, UV ligh ht resistan nt and ca an be in ntegrated with cablles and support infrastrructure. Ass steel is usually u use ed as the framework k for ETFE E, it might not be ars, due to advisab ble for the e Pioneer Base B on Ma o the extre eme tempeerature va ariations on Marrs. Alterna ative materrials, such as interco onnected ceramic tuubes or grraphene compo sites, whicch can be reproduced r d to speciffications by y 3D printeers, can be e tested to provvide alterna atives for the t framew work. Figure 5: Eden Pa ark The be eehive desiign incorpo orates hexxagon cush hions, since e, if one oof the ETFE E plates is dama aged or co ompromise ed, these ca an be easiily replaced d without ccompromis sing the safety and integrrity of the entire e com plex. The ET TFE should d have an integrated microalga ae system, as shownn in Figure 6. This integra ated system, with spirulina s a as basis th hat grows s within thhe cushions, will provide e energy, food f and aid in oxidissation and CO2 remo oval. Figure 6:Microala ae system 8 The Greenhouse e portion of o the com mplex sho ould be ke ept free oof the mic croalgae system m, which wiill ensure t hat the fru uits and ve egetables have h full suun exposurre. ed ‘earth’ constructio c on (as seen n in Figure e 7), with the t Martiann regolith, can be Ramme conside ered for the t inside walls of the comp plex to prrovide privvacy and further insulatiion. The water in the rego olith shoulld be suffficient to facilitate adobe constru uction 9. ed Earth wa all10 Figure 7: Ramme uld be cove ered with G24i’s DSC C (Dye Sennsitised Ce ells)(see I ndivid ual interior walls cou un shines through thhe ETFE cushions Figure 8) which can generate energyy as the su 8 http://inhabitat.com/futuristic‐urb ban‐algae‐follly‐grows‐food d‐fuel‐and‐sha ade/ http://w www.isciencetimes.com/arrticles/6131/220130926/mars‐water‐soil‐nasa‐curiosityy‐rover‐martia an.htm 10 http:///www.sirewall.com/ 9 during the day and a can t hen aid h eat retenttion and energy e genneration att night. Other iinterior wa alls could become b verrtical garde ens, which will aid in food and oxygen producction (see Figure F 9). D Figure 8: G24i’s DSC Figure 9: Verticall Garden Wall W 11 11 http:///livinator.com m/creative‐office‐spaces‐thaat‐inspire/ The flo oor of the e pioneer base b shou uld be cove ered with Pavegen tiles (Figu ure 10), which convert viibration into energy,, especially in the areas a that will see a lot of movem ment, such as central ‘spoke’ co orridors. The syystems succh as the lights, l ene ergy and fiibre optic cables willl run throu ugh the comple ex in the roof. r The heating, h w water and removal r sy ystems willl run throu ugh the floor, w where it iss easy to reach r for m maintenanc ce purpose es. I t is suuggested that t the system ms use pla astic tubing where suitable and a 3D-printed plasstic piping where possibl e. These need n to be e integrated d into the structure itself (posssibly incorp porated into a graphene e frame sttructure. H Having exp posed wiring & pipinng is not only a potentiial hazard,, but also adds cluttter and red duces aestthetic desiign. Psychological wellbeiing is a crittical part of o the overa all design architectur a re. Figure 10: Paveg en Tiles 12 12 http:///www.bbc.com m/news/busin ness‐232819550 I n rega ard to the zoning of the t Pionee er Base com mplex into several huubs, the fo ollowing are sug ggested: G Greenhous se I n centtre of the complex, the t centra al hub shou uld be the Greenhouuse. This is s where all the food will be b produce ed and kep pt (which will w be disc cussed lateer). The ce entre of the Gre eenhouse should be the ‘Centrral Square’’, the place e where thhe people can sit, prepare e food, ea at and rela ax. This iss the hub of the complex andd will prov vide the anchorr as was t he case with w the m market squa are or chu urch/ religioous square e in the early h human setttlements. I t will be th he area tha at signifies s communiity. Enterta ainment venuess such as a compact ‘cinema’ and ‘gym m’ would be integrateed in the hub as unal space ‘commu es’. The uses and im mportance e of The Square S willl be discussed in furtherr Tiers. Exa amples of how the sspace can be recrea ated (thouggh of courrse in a scaled down form m) are indic cated in Fig gure 11. Figure 11: The ‘S Square’13, 144, 15, 16 http:///blog.alpinegrrows.com/wp‐‐content/uplooads/2012/12/indoor‐garde en‐in‐changi‐aairport‐1.jpg http:///www.felmiatika.com/wp‐ccontent/uploaads/2013/02/vvertical‐indoo or‐garden‐dessign‐ideas‐for‐‐ restauran nt.jpg 15 http:///gbdmagazinee.com/2014/27‐aweber‐com mmunicationss/ 16 http:///www.cbsnew ws.com/pictures/google‐offfices‐around‐tthe‐world/4/ 13 14 To enhance food production security, a design separating vertical gardens into isolated pockets, in addition to the communal open zone is recommended. These ‘secure’ food production pockets would form a second separate layer or ‘food production skin’ around the main central hub (see the design draft in the front of this document). The main purpose of dividing food production into isolated pockets in addition to open transit areas, is to prevent an outbreak of blight or other plant infections from spreading to all food sources easily (as in the case of a single, uniform greenhouse). I t also adds redundancy to limit other types of damage such as fire, atmospheric breach or hazardous material exposure. The vertical garden walls covering much of the interior, communal areas would maximise space for food production and also facilitate the dispersion of oxygen and natural air scrubbers to the living areas. The addition of natural greenery further adds psychological benefits to inhabitants living in isolated and artificial surroundings for long periods of time. Offices and laboratories Green spaces and innovative spaces should be the key to ensure comfort, creativity and innovation. Examples of innovative spaces are indicated in Figure 12. They are examples from Google, Microsoft, Facebook and other companies that top the R&D, patents and innovation lists. I t also facilitates Design Thinking and co-operation. Furthermore, the examples in the pictures are open plan and sparsely furnished. The furnishings can be assembled and made by 3D printers and the rest are inflatable or can be filled with regolith. The open-plan nature of these spaces would enhance the sense of space for inhabitants living in such a confined structure. These are largely cosmetic considerations but need to be carefully designed in line with the overall psychological plan for the inhabitants. Figure 12: I nnova ative office e spaces 177 , 18 , 19 , 20 21 , , 22 , 23 24 2 , , 25 http:///www.businesssinsider.com//the‐most‐innnovative‐workkspaces‐2013‐‐7?op=1 http:///www.businesssinsider.com//the‐most‐innnovative‐workkspaces‐2013‐‐7?op=1 19 http:///www.pfmontthenet.net/artticle/38467/W Workplace‐Inn novations.aspxx 20 http:///www.premierestateslimite ed.com/index .php/blog/pro obably‐the‐second‐best‐offfice‐in‐the‐wo orld/ 21 http:///www.brisalum minium.com.a au/category/i nnovative‐offfices/ 22 http:///livinator.com m/creative‐office‐spaces‐thaat‐inspire/ 23 http:///livinator.com m/creative‐office‐spaces‐thaat‐inspire/ 24 http:///www.boredp panda.com/coolest‐offices‐iin‐the‐world//?image_id=am mazing‐creativve‐workspace es‐office‐ spaces‐12‐3.jpg 25 http:///livinator.com m/creative‐office‐spaces‐thaat‐inspire/#ligghtbox[gallery‐szrO]/15/ 17 18 Living quarters Living quarters should provide a sense of privacy and refuse. This is the area each pioneer can personalise and feel at home and escape from the rest of the pioneers when needed. Functional hub The Functional hub will house the energy storage batteries, vehicles, equipment, 3D printers and all the systems required to run an efficient complex. Water, Air & Energy There might be possible under-surface water on Mars, especially at the poles, but the viability of extracting and using this is uncertain, especially the quality and quantities involved. Also, this water is in the coldest and darkest areas of the planet surface, and quite far from the recommended site. For this reason, water reclamation from waste recycling (such as the UPA on the I nternational Space Station), as well as from condensation, will be a necessity. The carbon dioxide on Mars makes the extraction of water via the Sabatier Reclamation process possible. This has the added benefit whereby oxygen can then be reclaimed from the water. Methane that is removed from the living spaces, as well as faecal excretion, can be channelled to a processing unit where the methane gas can be utilised for heating or cooking. Certain methane extractors also provide very useful fertilizer by-products for use in the vertical gardens. The proposed algae that should be integrated into the construction, will also assist in absorbing CO2 and oxidising the air. Fauna & Flora As a key element of establishment sustainability, plants will be an integral part of the Pioneer Base. I nstead of only depending of chemical and mechanical procedures to filter the air, there are plants that will aid to purifying indoor air quality and that will supplement the oxygen supply. The plants will also act as air fresheners, which is preferable to stale air. The plants are26: Aloe Vera: • • Filters out benzene and formaldehyde • Moderate watering • Likes light Has several medical uses Areca Palm: • General air purifier, especially as it grows Azalea: • • Filters formaldehyde Prefers cool areas Baby Rubber: • • Filters formaldehyde and other toxins Emits high oxygen content Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii): • • • Removes formaldehyde, benzeme and trichloroethylene Moisturise the air Low light Boston Fern: • • Removes formaldehyde Moisturise the air Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema Crispum ‘Deborah’): 26 http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy‐spaces/photos/15‐houseplants‐for‐improving‐indoor‐air‐quality/a‐ breath‐of‐fresh‐air • • • Filters out air pollutants and toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene Low light Emits high oxygen content Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium): • • Filters out benzene Needs light Dwarf Banana (Musa Cavendishi): • • Filters out formaldehyde • Likes light and semi shade • Moisturise the air Keeps moist English I vy (Hedera Helix): • Filters out formaldehyde and reduces airborne fecal-matter Ficus alii: • Overall air purifier Florist Daisy / Pot Mum • Filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene ammonia Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii): • • • Filters benzene, formaldehyde & trichloroethylene Removes carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight Prefers light Golden Pothos (Devils I vy / Scindapsus Aures): • • • Filters out xylene, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene and trichloroethylene Stay green even when kept in the dark. Low watering needs Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium): • Filters formaldehyde Mass Cane: • Filters benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene Peace Lily (spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa’) and • • Filters out formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, toluene, xylene and ammonia Prefers low light Pygmy Date Palm: • Filters formaldehyde and xylene Red-edged dracaena (Draceana marginata): • Filters xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata Laurentii): • • Filters out trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, benzene and formaldehyde. • Likes moderate light • I t provides oxygen at night. Low watering needs Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) • • • Filters formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, toluene, benzene and xylene Prefers bright light, but can grow in semi-shade A lot of water in summer, less in winter Warneck Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’): • • Combats pollutants Low light Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina): Filters formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene As the purpose of the Pioneer Base will be to establish a presence and the foundations of a community on Mars, freeze-dried food as used on the I SS will not be a long term solution (though it will be an initial staple and a reserve as food production will take a while to be established). The types of seeds taken are specified below. I n the construction section, the area that will house the ‘greenhouse’ was discussed. I t is important to take ‘virgin / hairloom’ seeds with, as they can be harvested and replanted for regrowth. Most of the general seeds available have been genetically modified and are not usually suitable for harvesting and replanting. There are added legal complications regardiing the usse of and harvesting of seeds from gene eticallymodifie ed strains. Many GM fruits and d vegetable es are also o seed freee, thereby adding furtherr vulnerab bility shou uld seed stores be e damage ed or lost st (they become b irreplacceable). As the use and transform ation of th he soil on Mars for plants wi ll take tim me, it is propossed that a combinatio on of aqua aculture, aeroponics a ould be and hydrooponics sho utilised d in the Gre eenhouse to t cultivate e the fruits s and vege etables. Veertical gardens will safe sp pace and work w in unity to enab ble improv ved use of water andd fertiliser.. Figure 13 provvides exam mples of ve ertical and tiered gard dens. 2 al herb and d vegetabl e gardens27 , Figure 13: Vertica 28 Aquacu ulture workks as a tow wer system m, where th here are va arious edibble plants in n a tier, with fissh in water at the bo ottom. The e fish are used for both b eatingg purposes s and to 27 http:///blog.mocha.u uk.com/plantss‐interior‐trennd/ http:///www.settingfforfour.com/2 2013/05/12‐faabulous‐vintage‐and‐repurposed‐diy‐proojects‐feature es‐from‐ project‐in nspired‐no‐15 5.html 28 fertilise e the wate er that will be circula ated to the e plants. The T plants then prov vide the fish wi th food an nd nutrients. An exa ample of an a aquacullture systeem is indic cated in Figure 14. Figure 14: Aquacculture29 29 http:///www.thecoolist.com/green‐sky‐growerss/ onics and hydroponic cs are systtems wherre water is grown witt hout any form of Aquapo soil, in a water ba ased syste em as illusttrated in Figure 15. Figure 15: Aquap ponics 30 , 31 Aeropo onics is th e growth of pants in air or mist, with hout the uuse of soil. I t is illustratted in Figu ure 16. Figure 16: Aeropo onics 32 , 33 3 34 , , 35 30 http:/ / www.polyco ount.com/ forrum/ showthrread.php?t= 152306 1 http:/ / www.cityfarrmer.info/ 2009/ 11/ 20/ tim me-magazine e-names-valc cents-verticall-farmingtechnolo ogy-one-of-to op-50-best-in nnovations-o of-2009/ 31 32 http:///www.gardeningtipsnideas.com/2006/044/are_aeropo onics_systems_the_same_aas_hydroponicc.html http:///www.ecochunk.com/tag/a aeroponics/ 34 http:///hydroponicsttrawberries.orrg/uncategori zed/aeroponiic‐strawberrie es‐grow‐your‐‐strawberries‐‐in‐air 35 http:///www.ki7xh.co om/aeroponiccs.htm 33 I t is essential to take a variety of seeds from fruit and vegetable plants with to cultivate. The bigger the variety, the more improved the health benefits. Not only a diversity of types, but also a diversity of cultivars, as there is various kinds of potatoes and of tomatoes. This will ensure any disease in one kind; will not decimate the entire yield of potatoes or tomatoes. Furthermore, trial and error might be required to determine the best cultivar for the indoor environment on Mars. Apart from fruit and vegetables, numerous herbs should be grown, as they are not only edible but also medicinal and culinary enhancers, such as garlic, parsley and rosemary. A list of essential herbs and plants for medicinal purposes are: Agrimony: For urinary tract disorders and is anti-inflammatory. Alder Buckthorn: Relieves constipation and it stimulates the colon. Angelica: Treats indigestion, eases cramps, prevents flatulence and is antiinflammatory. Aniseed: Relieves respiratory congestion such as colds and flu. Used as a digestive aid to help with colic, bloating, gas and controls nausea and vomiting. Artichoke: Lowers cholesterol production and aids to relieve digestive issues. Bilberry: High antioxidants contribute to eye health and it is anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Black Cohosh: Balances hormones and soothes inflammation, e.g. arthritis. Blackcurrant: Treats skin conditions such as eczema and reduces hypertension, rheumatoid disorders, blood pressure and alleviates swollen glands. Black Mustard Seed: improves circulation and reduces inflammation. Brahmi: I mproves mental clarity, memory and concentration. Burdock: Detoxifying, antibiotic, antiseptic and mild diuretic effects, especially helpful with skin conditions. Caraway: Aids in digestive issues. Celery: Anti-inflammatory and sleeping aid. Centaury: Aids in digestive issues. Chamomile: Reduces the effects of anxiety, poor sleep, indigestion, colic, sciatica and gout. Chaste Tree: Relieves hormonal related issues. Cherry: Rich in vitamin A, B and C; calcium and magnesium. Also antiinflammatory and boosts the immune system. Chickweed: Helps with skin conditions and sooths rheumatism. Chicory: Anti-inflammatory and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Chili: Antiseptic, analgesic, reduces muscular aches and pains and prevents gastrointestinal infection. Cinquefoil:. Treats fever, diarrhea, toothaches and mouth ulcers. Cleavers: Aids swollen lymph glands and urinary tract conditions. Cranberry: Treats urinary tract infections. Cucumber: Help lower blood sugar levels, it is anti-inflammatory and rehydrate and soothe skin. Daisy: Heal wounds such as cuts, bruises, sores and stiff joints. Helps reduce the impact of respiratory tract infections. Dandelion: Detoxifying, treat high blood pressure, cleanse the intestinal organs, treats skin conditions and possesses vitamins A, B, C and D as well as potassium and calcium. Dill: Calms digestive disorders. Echinacea: Cold and flu relief and Antibacterial. Elderberry: Antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Elderflower: Antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Eucalyptus: Antiseptic and decongestant. Evening Primrose: assists bone health, regulates metabolism and blood pressure and soothes eczema. Eyebright: Reduces eye infections and a good lung tonic. Fennel: Relieves digestive issues. Fenugreek: Relieves digestive issues and reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Feverfew: Treat migraines andfever. Fig: Relieves digestive issues. Fleabane: Diuretic and astringent properties and it lowers blood pressure. Garlic: Antiviral, with cancer fighting properties. I t also combat colds, flu and bronchitis, lowers cholesterol and is anti-fungal. Ginger: Prevents all kinds of nausea and is anti-inflammatory. Ginko: Enhances brain functions ans soothes vertigo, leg cramps, asthma and allergies. Goji Berries: Bboost circulation, improve eyesight, lower cholesterol, protect the liver, enhance immune function and high in vitamin C. Gotu Kola: Aids skin problems, memory and concentration. Anti-inflammatory properties give relief to rheumatism, arthritis and poor circulation. Honeysuckle: Painkilling properties. Hops: Aids in inducing sleep and relaxation. Horse Chestnut: Treats haemorrhoids and vein related issues. Horseradish: Soothe aching joints and muscles, stimulates the digestive system and lessens the severity of colds and coughs. Juniper: Diuretic and anti-inflammatory, also lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Kiwifruit: High in vitamin C, E, magnesium and copper. I mproves heart function, eye health and quality of skin and hair growth. Lady’s Mantle: Stops bleeding. Lavender: Calming effects. Lemon: High in vitamin C, with antibacterial and astringent properties. Also soothe fatigue and insomnia. Lemon Balm: Soothe nervous tension, relieve anxiety and enhance sleep. Licorice: Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties. Helps sooth coughs, sore throats and bronchitis, and aid in digestive issues. Lime/ Linden: Calms nervous disorders, treats colds and flu and lowers blood pressure. Marigold: Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Treats minor burns, insect bites, acne, cuts and abrasions, rashes and varicose veins. Meadowsweet: Treats digestive issues, eases headaches and joint inflammation. Milk Thistle: Helps diminish headaches and digestive problems. Motherwort: Reducing swelling, anxiety and irritability. Mugwort: Liver tonic and energy stimulant. Mullein: Expectorant, decongestant, soothes inflammation and aids in wound healing. Neem: Anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Used to protect the liver, aid digestion and heal skin diseases. Nettle: High in vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll, boost the immune system, reduce the pain of arthritis and joint swelling. Nutmeg: Stimulant, relieve muscle spasms, stimulate blood flow and prevent vomiting. Papaya: Heals skin related issues and reduces inflammation. Parsley: High in vitamin A, B and C, protein, iron, potassium and magnesium; also anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Passionflower: Calming, sedative effects. Pine: Decongestant, antiseptic properties. Plantain: A natural source of antihistamine, decongestant and expectorant. Psyllium: Reduce bloating and swelling, lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Purslane: Good source of vitamin E and omega-3; and treats gastric and liver ailments and arthritis. Rose Geranium: Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used to treat nausea, poor circulation, skin conditions and tonsillitis. Rosehips: Rich source of vitamin A, C, B vitamins and K and assist with coughs. Rosemary: Relax the digestive tract, improves concentration, memory, reduce anxiety and mild depression. Sage: Treats colds, coughs, tonsillitis, sore throats, inflamed gums and mouth ulcers; also a memory enhancer, diuretic and digestive aid. Self-Heal: Excellent plant for first aid, calming bites, burns, bruises, ulcers, cold sores and reduces the effects of throat infections and inflamed gums. Skullcap: Reduces the impact of anxiety, neuralgia, insomnia, tension and other nervous system disorders. Slippery Elm: Recommended for digestive disorders and skin conditions. Spruce: Antimicrobial properties and treats wounds, blemishes, bed sores, ulcers and other skin infections. Also makes a soothing inhalant for colds and flu. St. John’s Wort: Natural antidepressant, Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Also treats cuts, bruises and inflamed skin. Tea Tree Oil: Possesses antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Excellent for treating skin problems and infection. Thuja: Used to soothe sore muscles, neuralgia and rheumatic pains. Tumeric: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Also used to treat arthritis, allergies, skin conditions and high cholesterol. Thyme: Antiseptic and expectorant properties, soothe infected skin and aching muscles. Tulsi (Holy Basil): Lowers blood sugar levels, blood pressure and reduces fever. Uva-Ursi: Used to treat urinary tract infections. Valerian: Natural tranquilizer. Vervain: Assists with chronic fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia, depression, hot flushes, inflamed skin, coughs and headaches. Viola: Anti-inflammatory properties, diuretic, helping with urinary disorders and decongestant for colds and flu. Watercress: Rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, C, E and minerals such as iodine, iron and phosphorus. Also contains cancer-fighting properties and used to treat arthritis. Wheatgrass: Vitamin-rich and excellent for improving digestion. Willow Bark: Natural painkiller. Witch Hazel: Used for sprains, burns, bruises, blemishes, boils and other skin irritations. Woodruff: Enhance liver function, soothes arthritis and acts as a mild sedative, helping with anxiety, restlessness and sleeping problems. Wormwood: Used to improve liver and gallbladder functioning. Yarrow: Treats coughs, colds, digestive issues, diarrhea, bleeding, bruises and rashes, and prevent headaches. I n light of self-sufficiency, base oils, such as coconut oil, as well as baking soda, lime and vinegar can be taken along to Mars. This can then be used as the bases to create medicinal, cleaning and beauty products with the abovementioned plants and their by-products. The proposed algae that should be integrated into the construction will also provide essential food supplementation. Protein requirements are an added challenge in a long-term settlement plan. Prepackaged protein is only viable for a limited period and not sustainable. Cryopreserved fish eggs\ embryos (primarily Salmon which has been demonstrated to survive the freezing process) can be stored and then thawed upon arrival. Salmon can then be bred in a closed aquaculture environment, once it has been set up. Other forms artificial insemination of certain other editable species eggs can be investigated. Alternative plant sources of protein, such as certain beans and spinach would supplement the above breeding attempts and provide a back-up in case of failed breeding attempts. I t is also suggested to take along an African Bee larvae, as these bees can assist in the fertilisation of the plants and also in the production of honey, which can be used for food and medicinal purposes. An added benefit will be to study the bee outside of the Earth environment, as they are perishing in great numbers on Earth at present. One of the very important aspects of food production is to make sure that the people that will be involved in the growth and care of the plants, have practiced in simulated conditions on Earth, before they venture out to Mars. They will require extensive training, as all members of the expedition will need to contribute to this labour intensive, and vital task. At least one of the crew should be highly qualified in biology and have a strong operational knowledge of plant rearing techniques, plant diseases, nutrition and perhaps even aquaponics and fish breeding. Physiological effects of changes in geomagnetic fields Significantly increased or reduced electromagnetic fields can have an effect on the human pineal gland, particularly the enzymes NAT (serotonin N-acetyl-transferase) and HI OMT (Hydroxy-indole-O-Methyltransferase), disrupting the production of melatonin and serotonin. A decreased electromagnetic field can lead to decreased melatonin production and short-term changes in magnetic field strength in either direction inhibits melatonin production. Since Melatonin affects a wide range of endocrinal and neuronal functions in the body, such disruptions would have an effect on humans’ biological clocks leading to effects such as ‘jet lag’, depression, human sexual dysfunction and increased stress. To counter such disruptions, long term extra-Earth excursions would require either chemical regulation of melatonin and serotonin or their habitat/ capsule would need to have an artificially regulated magnetic field designed to simulate that of the Earth. Further research on the effects of altered geomagnetic fields is recommended, especially for long term extra-Earth excursions. I t is possible that the human body can adapt to such changes over time, but little research has been done in this field. TI ER 2: SAFETY AND SECURI TY I n the category of safety and security the base must be efficiently insulated against the elements and also needs to take into account internal strife. The design of the complex as suggested should provide the necessary safety against the elements on Mars. Proper screening of the people that will inhabit the Pioneer Base should be done through strict psychological simulations. I t is not necessarily similar to the current NASA astronaut screening, as the people on Mars will be more akin to explorers and settlers than temporary scientists and astronauts. They would need to be highly selfsufficient and fairly independent minded, although able to easily adapt and work in a small group. I deally these individuals would have lived in multiple environments in different countries and show a very high level of personal and emotional resilience and tolerance. They would also need to be multi-skilled and demonstrate the ability to gain a high level of expertise in widely divergent fields, from aquaponics, to engineering to creative design. Further considerations would include an adventurist pioneering spirit, as well as very high levels of innovative and creative thinking. TI ER 3: LOVE AND BELONGI NGNESS I n order to ensure that the base runs smoothly and provide the necessary pioneering collaborative spirit, the people that are on the base should feel a measurable amount of cohesion, sense of community, as well as a sense of belonging amongst their family, friends and peers on Earth. A background of stable and healthy relationships is important to judge how they will react in an extreme environment. They also would need to feel support from those still on Earth to whom they are close and with whom they can communicate, albeit in a delayed form. I n addition to the characteristics of individuals, the team dynamic would need to be studied in a variety of simulations. These would need to go further than mere teambuilding exercises and would need to look at how different team members would complement each other. Candidates would need to go through programmes as parts of different teams in different challenges and simulations, and profiles would need to be prepared from these. The team dynamic would need to be explored carefully once a select group of candidates remain. I n some cases a very good individual candidate may not contribute optimally to the team dynamic and this needs to be considered. The team members would need to demonstrate a strong, authentic sense of empathy and support for each other. This would be difficult to determine as all would be trying to ‘get selected’ and would therefore try to show a good face forward. Some deception may be required in this case (simulations claiming to test for one dynamic but actually testing for another). Candidates would also need to participate in Virtual Reality simulations of seemingly unrelated scenarios that aim to build cohesive, authentic profiles in order to construct a sound team dynamic with healthy relationships. Other factors to consider in the selection process would be a strong sense of humour, an intrinsic sense of ‘kindness’ and consideration, and a strong sense of selflessness. A candidate who puts energy into supporting or ‘building someone else up’ to the detriment of their own candidacy, would be a strong contender (hence the deception mentioned above). TI ER 4: SELF-ESTEEM People perform better if they have a sense of confidence, achievement, respect from others, respect for others and respect of self. However, care must be taken to not confuse this with egotistical behaviour or arrogance. Strong self-respect needs to be combined with a certain sense of humility. While it may be easy to overlook, a strong sense of fun and personal creativity is a vital characteristic of individuals who may be isolated for extremely long periods of time. By ‘fun’ we need to emphasise that they must be able to have fun and to share it with others, while using relatively few resources. After all, the initial crew will not have access to sport facilities or outdoor environments (apart from somewhat hazardous EVAs). Hobbies have been with humans for centuries. I t is the one method where people can express their creative side and take their minds off their work and daily lives, while sharing their creativity and interests with others. I ndividuals selected should demonstrate a level of creativity through hobbies and interests, which they are able to apply in a closed, indoors environment. These can be anything from playing an instrument, to sketching, to needlework, to carving or model building. I n the early stages of the colony, such crafts would be a healthy distraction and a source of communal interaction. I t can be noted though, that as a colony were to develop and increase in size over decades, the recreational use of crafts and hobbies would in time expand into local creative industries which in turn could form the basis of a small, local economy. This builds a sense of community and personal achievement, and may in time actually provide for certain needs without having to import products from a distant Earth. Other, passive hobbies could include reading, watching films or playing games. Virtual reality games could be employed where the pioneers can ‘escape’ back to earth or into a fantasy environment where they could explore, socialise or just blow off steam. A fair library of titles could be taken with them and even transmitted via satellite link in data packages. This will aid gross motor skill development and maintenance and provide psychological relief. Some games may be aimed at individuals who need to ‘escape’ for a few hours, while others could be team-based games that may contribute to joint ‘play’ and help strengthen the team socially. One of the principal stressors of a pioneer would be the fact that they are isolated, for long periods, in a very confined and alien environment. The wellbeing of the pioneer would require some way for them to deal with this stressor. A recommendation would be to utilise advanced virtual reality systems (eg: Oculus Rift VR system) which would not only provide the possibility of a compact physical exercise system for physical wellbeing, but also allow crew members to ‘escape’ from their confining environment by being able to experience virtual excursions. VR material could include scenes in nature or landmarks around Earth, to counter homesickness or feelings of confinement. I n addition, a library of ‘open-world’ games could be loaded to allow crew members to escape and take part in entertaining and mentally stimulating activities in virtual worlds. Current VR technology has reached an impressive level of immersion and could significantly enhance psycho-social wellbeing in such an isolated environment. A high level commercial company, such as ‘Bioware’ or ‘CD Project Red’ could be contracted to develop catalogues of appropriate VR content, with input from psychologists on how best to cater to the expected stresses of the pioneers. An additional practical use of VR technology can also be applied during the premission and pioneer selection and training stages as virtual simulations could help indicate psychological profiles, leadership traits and stress resilience of potential crew members. Such simulations are generally far more accurate than pen-andpaper psychometric tests as they allow for in-context assessment. They can also contribute to establishing complementary psycho-social profiles for a prospective team. Ensuring a strong team dynamic is critical for such long term, high stress missions. The relaxing effect of gaming and the boost of self-esteem through accomplishment, as well as its educational effect and its value of combatting dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have been well documented. Due to space restrictions in a relatively small habitat, a gym could be established but it would not be able to follow the traditional gym design. I t would need to be fairly compact and the equipment would probably need to be created from 3D printed components upon arrival. Recent studies have indicated that muscle development has a better impact on weight control, health and development of self-esteem and self-control than cardio training does. Therefore inflatable Pilate’s Balls care compact enough to include. Resistance bands can be used in combination with Mars’ gravity and the pioneer’s own weight to exercise further muscles. TI ER 5: SELF-ACTUALI ZATI ON Morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, acceptance of facts, and achieving one’s full potential, is the last tier and also an important aspect for consideration – particularly in long-term colonisation plans. This is where the innovative spaces are important. I ncreasingly studies and experiences of people as they move from conventional office spaces to innovative spaces, have validated Google and Facebook office’s style of office. Colour, cohesion and comfort are the key role-players in enhancing design thinking, creativity and collaborative problem solving. I n a creative and stimulated environment people have fun while working and their stress levels lower while their serotonin levels rise and they become more engaged and alert, which leads to better health, productivity and innovation. CONCLUSI ON A culture of innovation needs to be established along with the culture of pioneering on Mars, this will enable healthy and sustainable goals. The pioneers will see Mars as a creative and comfortable space and not as a hostile planet they have to ‘do time in’ before they can return to Earth to reap the benefits of being a celebrity. The more pioneers see Mars as a viable home, the more they will invest in ensuring that it thrives and is established as a Pioneer Base for future colonisation.