Martian lava caves and lava tubes could potentially serve as habitable shelters for future Mars astronauts, protecting them from the harsh radiation that bombards the Martian surface. A study presented at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, led by Dr. Anatoliy P. Vidmachenko from the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, explored various Mars locations suitable for future first-time settlements featuring lava caves and tubes.
Some of the suggested Martian sites with potential suitable lava caves are Arsia Mons, a component of Tharsis Montes with seven suspected skylights observed via orbital images; Hebrus Valles; the Pavonis volcano; Ascraeus Mons; Acidalia Planitia; and Cydonia Mensae. Particular emphasis was given to finding lava tubes close to water ice sources to minimize costs of storing and transporting water during the astronauts’ initial journey to Mars.
The best case scenario, as per the study, would involve locating a robust lava tube next to potent glacial structures to facilitate creating the first permanent Mars settlement. These colonies might consist of distinct living quarters, engineering and greenhouse facilities, connected via transition tunnels. This research also builds on the premise introduced in the National Geographic television series, Mars, wherein lava tubes provided temporary shelter from solar and cosmic radiation, while offering convenient water ice sources for consumption and fuel generation.
Cosmic and solar radiation relentlessly rains down on Mars due to its missing protective ozone layer and magnetic field present on Earth, allowing life to survive for billions of years. NASA intends to return humans to the moon for the first time in over 50 years, subsequently venturing to Mars, as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars Architecture. Adequate preparations are crucial for enhancing the chances of the first astronauts surviving throughout their entire journey to the Red Planet. In this regard, utilizing lava tubes for protection is a valuable solution highlighted by the presented study.
