LONDON: A 3D-printed habitat for Mars could make human exploration, and eventual colonization, of the planet much easier and less expensive than current forecasts predict, and advances in these technologies could have great benefits on Earth. In an effort to produce such shelters, NASA is offering an award of $2.25 million for the best design for a printable Mars habitat.
The 3D Printed Habitat Challenge aims to encourage the development of a space habitat that can be constructed on an alien landscape. Participants in the contest, part of NASA’s Centennial Challenges drive, will need to actually build such a structure to show the task can be accomplished.
Phase one of the competition is a design contest, aimed at selecting plans which take advantage of the unique capabilities of 3D printers. A total of 30 designs will be selected to move onto the next round, and the top winner will receive $50,000. The Structural Member Competition which comes next will focus on the fabrication technologies needed to construct the shelters from discarded parts from the spacecraft and resources which could be found at a Martian landing site. During the On-Site Habitat Competition, the final round in the contest, participants will be required to actually show such a habitat being constructed utilizing 3D printing technology. The top winner in each of the two final stages will be awarded $1.1 million. Information on rules and registration may be found here.
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