In collaboration with Maciej Marszał and Małgorzata Radaj.

 

 

 

Stephen Hawking: humanity has only 100 years left on Earth

 

In the recent interview, Stephen Hawking stated that due to the climate change, pollution and growing scarcity of materials humans may be forced to leave
the Earth in the next 100 years. Assuming the truth of the statement, we must find a way to colonize other planets in order to avoid extinction. Nowadays,
the most viable option as a new home seems to be Mars. It's a planet on which there is possibility to create conditions sufficient for living. Additionally, recent researchers have shown that a large amount of water and necessary minerals may be found underneath its surface near rims of craters. There is also a better chance to combat harsh weather conditions shielding inside the craters.

Our plan is to chose a perfect crater for a model city, provide the basic functionality as fast as possible and develop the ideas in the coming decades.

 

Craters are one of the most characteristic elements of Mars's landscape. For us they are intriguing points on the vast surface of the red desert. When craters were observed from Earth, many of them got their names taken from existing cities. In that way, it is a distant echo of our planet. Crater Hope, which took
its name from a city in Canada, is the crater that we have chosen not only because of the symbol that it may pose. We also think that it has good size and conditions for a model city.

 

To ensure we do not make the same mistakes as it happened with cities on Earth, our master plan is divided into six parts, each one is crucial for
a sustainable development. Firstly, a small group of scientists and engineers is sent to the site in order to find water and possible mine localizations. Researchers think that the most likely place to find necessary minerals and water are the craters' rims. This is the reason why the main mining facilities may be located there. Secondly, the vital equipment is transported from Earth and the extraction of materials starts. At the same time the crater is being covered with a glass dome. The next step is planting trees and greenery in order to create a suitable atmosphere. Only after this, the real colonization of Mars may begin.

 

At the foundation of this project lies a goal to build a colony adjusted to a human being and conditions typical for Mars such as a different gravitation. Because of these differences, we cannot fully predict how a good human dwelling should be designed. Our plan is to create three housing settlements which layout and size will be similar to those known from Earth. Next step is to test their feasibility and usefulness compared to Mars conditions. According to the outcome, those buildings may or may not be duplicated. Next settlements could be different from the previous ones and their form and construction may evolve in a way not seen on Earth. The city will develop similarly to coral reefs known for its variety and diversity in composition. Mixing different buildings
and functions we  can achieve sustainable living environment. Reefs and cities are complicated organisms that only because of their diversity can face current problems. In that way, we are giving an opportunity for people to survive on Mars and for humanity to survive as a species.