Once the stuff of science fiction, the possibility that humans could establish a permanent settlement on Mars now appears to be a genuine possibility. While doing so represents a major challenge and there are many hurdles that still need to be overcome, the challenge itself is inspiring some truly creative solutions. But what is especially interesting is how these same solutions can also address problems here on Earth.
This is especially clear where the Mars City Design Challenges are concerned. This annual competition was founded with the purpose of inspiring innovative ideas that could lead to sustainable living on Mars. For this year’s challenge, “Urban Farming for Extreme Environment,” Mars City Design and its founder (Vera Mulyani) are looking for designs that incorporate urban farming to support a colony of 100 people.
Born in Jakarta, Mulyani began contemplating how humans might live on Mars at a young age. After completing her education as an architect, she eventually moved to California and became inspired by the rise of the NewSpace industry. In particular, it was Elon Musk’s vision of making humanity an interplanetary species that captured her imagination and made her want to apply her talents to 'going interplanetary'.
Read more at Universe Today.