This subsection discusses the major components of the large-scale extraterrestrial infrastructures expected to emerge by Step 3 of our strategy.

Architecture

For settlements on planetary surfaces, large civil infrastructure will be required. They will consist of manufacturing facilities, in-situ resources utilization, transportation, storage, and habitation. A transportation network will also be required for things such as spaceports, roads, pipelines, and transport vehicles. A large communications network between the Earth and its colonies will provide the connection between the different civilizations.

Habitats must be spacious enough for human comfort. There will be links between various modules for entertainment, medical care, education, and habitation. The quality of life will be an important factor for space colonists and tourists alike. Space architecture could be totally different from that of the Earth.

On the Moon, habitats could be shielded from radiation by building them inside lava tubes, or covering the surface with regolith or water tanks. The lighting conditions will be essential for plant growth as well as the general well-being of the crew. From a psychological point of view, special attention must be taken into account in the design due to effects of confinement when habitats are underground.

For Mars it is possible to envisage modules stationed on the surface. Concerning the psychological factors in the design of the infrastructure, the fact that a human on Mars will not see the Earth anymore may have to be compensated for somehow. One could think of giant screens of Earth video images inside the habitats.

An important aspect to consider when designing an infrastructure for long-term human settlement is sex and reproduction. The infrastructure must be flexible and expandable to allow for the growth of the space colony. Scientists and workers will be the first permanent colonists, followed by other such as tourists.

Closed-Loop Life Support

Living conditions such as breathable air, pressure, and humidity are supported by a complex life support system to ensure the regulation and control of living conditions in the habitat modules and during EVA activities. A close-loop food supply will require the implementation of greenhouses and animal farms.

The food supply on the Moon does not need to be fully closed due to its proximity to the Earth. A problem exists in that the Moon lacks an atmosphere and the lunar soil is not fertile. In addition, the investment in building a regenerative system may not be worth it because of the possibility of re-supply from the Earth.

On Mars, the food supply has to be fully regenerative. Since on Mars there is 1/3 Earth gravity, and a 24 hour Earth-like day, it could be possible to grow plants directly from the Martian soil. Finally, a complete bioregenerative system that utilizes the Martian atmosphere may be installed.

Space Environment Considerations

Particular attention must be paid for waste management. Humans constantly produce natural waste in liquid, solid, and gaseous forms. In a close-loop life support system, waste are recycled to the maximum extent possible.

Ecological aspects must be taken into account to prevent the contamination of the planetary surface from human waste. The pollution due to human activity will need to be controlled. Perhaps a form of space environmental legislation will be required.

Human must not repeat the same mistakes made on Earth. Going into space has shown us that our ecosystem is very fragile and needs to be protected for future generations. People will have to consider this on other planets as well.

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