This project is solving the Deployable Greenhouse challenge.
Description
A deployable greenhouse for Mars, designed to produce organic biomass in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. Utilizing a Antarctic strain of Chlorella Vulgaris, this mission aims to double the biomass of the Algae every five days. Once the Algae has been allowed to double several times the deployable greenhouse will withdraw half of the biomass and distribute it onto the surface of Mars. The landing location for project LUPA was chosen for it's unique features - Hellas Planitias ; a 10km deep impact crater and with an atmospheric pressure 89% greater than the average atmospheric pressure on Mars. This greater pressure will allow the frozen water usually found on the surface of Mars to achieve a liquid state around Martian noon. The dark green of the Algae will also absorb more sunlight, allowing the water found there to maintain a liquid state at ever- increasing intervals. This process is designed to take full advantage of the auto-catalytic effect already present on Mars. A kick start project, this deployable green house will in theory eventual be able to generate a greenhouse effect in Hellas Planitias, creating an exciting land of opportunity for future Astronauts. Main features of this design include; mobility, ability to generate a edible and stable biomass, and a science laboratory giving it the features and capabilities of current Mars Rovers, it's multi-mission system, production of Chlorella Vulagris, the ever present search for life, geographic, geological and chemical research and analysis and the unique opportunity to offer a rekindling of the publics desire for space exploration by providing the first step in the next age of exploration and the eventual terraforming of Mars. Given the limited resources this project was designed on pencil and paper, pictures of which may be found in the URL below, along with a link to a short description and explanation.
Project Information
License: Eclipse Public License 1.0Source Code/Project URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/