Safe Comfortable Habitats on the Moon Mars and Mercury Using Soil Vitrification

R. J. Sollieux et al. (2015), JBIS, 68, pp.275-281

Refcode: 2015.68.275

Abstract:
The idea of melting in-situ lunar regolith to create underground vitrified structures has been developed previously [1]. Using this technique, the possibility of establishing long term bases/settlements on the Moon, Mars, Mercury or any other rocky body is discussed. There are two basic obstacles to such settlements: gravity and radiation, and solutions to both problems are offered utilizing subsurface structures fabricated using vitrification techniques. Such structures could house large settlements of humans in comfort and safety in conditions similar to those envisioned with space based habitats. These settlements would have access to all the material and energy resources available to the planet or moon on which they are constructed. Such settlements offer protection to their inhabitants from radiation events or asteroid strikes that could destroy an Earth-based civilization.