With advances in aerospace engineering and space exploration technologies, the prospect of humans living on Mars does not seem as futuristic as it used to.
But what does it take to prepare for life on Mars? How will engineers overcome the challenges and environmental conditions associated with living on Mars to create a sustainable habitat that can support human life?
The challenge:
Our UNSW Young WIE Club aerospace engineering challenge requires you to explore the possibility of life on Mars and research the conditions and requirements for a sustainable habitat. As an engineer, you are tasked with designing a conceptual habitat to support human life on the red planet. When thinking about your design, research the unique conditions of Mars including the atmosphere, temperature, radiation levels, and gravity to understand the challenges of living there.
To develop your conceptual habitat, consider some or all of the following:
- How does this habitat support human life, considering essential elements such as shelter, food production, water supply, waste management and energy sources?
- What existing or new aerospace and bioengineering technologies will be implemented into this design?
- How will the habitat be sustainable and self-sustaining in the long-term?
- How will the materials used to construct the habitat be acquired and transported?
- Where on Mars will the habitat be located to better support life?
- What will be the purpose of the habitat – is it for research and experimental purposes, or communal living for the general population?
- How will inhabitants communicate with Earth and each other?
- What medical facilities and resources will be available to ensure the health and well-being of inhabitants, including addressing feelings of isolation and confinement?
- How will the habitat interact with the Martian environment and what is the environmental impact? Consider the ethical implications of human presence on Mars.
Submission
Due 11:59pm, Sunday, 24 November 2024. Email your submission to wie@unsw.edu.au with the title “Life on Mars challenge” and your name, school, and year stage.
In your submission, please make sure you include the following:
- A brief introduction about yourself and the aim(s) of your design proposal.
- Your design proposal.
- The resources required to implement your design proposal.
- Images, prototypes, models, sketches, videos etc of your design proposal.
- The team of engineers required to implement your proposal e.g. aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical, software etc.
- OPTIONAL: Are there currently any other designs or visions that are like your proposal or have similar goals?
Format
- 2–6-page PDF document; or
- 2-5-minute video; or
- A2 poster **
If there is an additional format you think would work better for your proposal, please run it by the UNSW Young Women in Engineering Club team first by emailing wie@unsw.edu.au.
**Note: when doing a poster, try to limit the amount of text and preference diagrams you use to make it easy for the reader.
Prize
The top three (3) challenge entries as determined by the UNSW Young WIE Club team will win a special prize pack.
Need some inspiration? Check out these links:
Exploring Mars Together (NASA)
Settling Mars (National Geographic)