Japanese researchers to develop lunar, martian habitats
Kyoto University and a Tokyo-based construction firm have launched a joint research project to develop human habitats on the moon and Mars with Earth-like gravity.
Due to the significant technical challenges involved, a livable habitat is unlikely to be realised until the latter half of the 21st century, they said. The university's Human Spaceology Centre is collaborating with Kajima Corp.
Gravity on the moon is about one-sixth that on Earth, and Mars’ gravity is about a third of that on our planet. Spending long periods in a low-gravity environment can have adverse physical effects on humans, so the project aims to develop a habitat with artificially created gravity similar to that on Earth.
The envisioned habitat being developed will be a giant glass-like structure about 200 metres in diameter and 200 to 400 metres in height. According to the project team, rotating the structure three times a minute will generate a centrifugal force that creates gravity similar to that on Earth.
The project team envisages creating an Earth-like ecosystem with forests and oceans, transporting animals and plants from Earth.
The researchers also plan to develop a transportation system that will enable people to travel from Earth to the habitats on the moon and Mars.
The Japan News
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