SPACE OBSERVATORY AND RESEARCH CENTER

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"EXTRATERRESTRIAL ATMOSPHERIC
RESEARCH BASE ON EARTH"
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SHAKEEL MUHSIN
INTRODUCTION
In the ceaseless pursuit of understanding the cosmos,
humanity stands on the precipice of a new frontier – an
architectural odyssey that transcends the earthly bounds of
conventional design. "Beyond Horizons" encapsulates an
audacious endeavor the creation of an Extraterrestrial
Atmospheric Research Base on Earth. This visionary
project seeks to bridge the gap between the terrestrial and
the extraterrestrial, weaving together the art of
architecture and the science of space exploration in a
symphony of innovation and discovery.
PURPOSE OF THE SIMULATION
ATMOSPHERIC EXPLORATION: The primary purpose is to simulate and
study extraterrestrial atmospheres, offering scientists a controlled
environment to conduct experiments and gather data. By replicating
the atmospheric conditions of distant celestial bodies, the base
contributes crucial insights into planetary and lunar atmospheres,
aiding our understanding of the broader cosmos.

BRIDGE BETWEEN DISCIPLINES: By seamlessly integrating the art of

architecture with the science of space exploration, the base becomes a
tangible manifestation of collaboration between diverse disciplines.
Architects and scientists work together, breaking down silos and
pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking.

INSPIRATION FOR FUTURE EXPLORATION: "Beyond Horizons" serves

as an inspirational beacon, encouraging future generations to pursue
careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The base sparks curiosity and nurtures a sense of wonder about the
cosmos, inspiring the next wave of innovators and explorers.

EDUCATIONAL HUB: The research base functions as an educational

hub, engaging the public and fostering scientific literacy. Interactive
exhibits, workshops, and educational programs create opportunities
for visitors to learn about space exploration, atmospheric science.
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
ACCURATE ATMOSPHERIC SIMULATION:
• Replicate and simulate the atmospheric conditions of specific
extraterrestrial bodies with precision.
• The primary goal is to create controlled environments that
accurately mimic the atmospheres of distant planets or
moons for scientific experimentation.
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL:
• Develop state-of-the-art environmental control systems.
• To maintain and manipulate temperature, pressure, and
atmospheric composition within the simulated environments,
allowing for controlled experiments and observations.
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION:
• Integrate cutting-edge technology for atmospheric data
collection and analysis.
• Incorporate advanced instruments and sensors to gather real-
time data on atmospheric conditions, contributing to
scientific research and understanding.
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE:
• Implement sustainable design principles and eco-friendly
construction materials.
• Minimize environmental impact, reduce energy consumption,
and promote responsible architectural practices within the
context of the research base.
LITERATURE STUDIES
BIG and ICON Imagine Project Olympus, a Space-Based
Construction System Developed with NASA
Teaming up with ICON, developer of advanced construction
technologies that advance humanity including robotics, software, and
building materials, and SEArch+, a startup developing human
supporting design concepts for space exploration, BIG-Bjarke Ingels
Group will be in charge of designing the Project Olympus. With the
Moon being the first off-Earth site for sustainable surface exploration,
through the Artemis program, the venture, funded by NASA, aims to
generate the first construction system to support future exploration of
this satellite.
In fact, Project Olympus is “a sustainable lunar habitat that will be the
first human foray into extra-terrestrial construction with robust
structures that provide better thermal, radiation, and micrometeorite
protection than metal or inflatable habitats can offer”. In order to
make humanity a spacefaring civilization, the project explores all the
needed components, from landing pads to habitats.
LITERATURE STUDIES
The New Space Race: 6 Challenges for Extraterrestrial
Architecture
Up until now, space architecture has been mainly focused on
engineering, centered on projects like orbital space stations or
Martian exploration convoys, commissioned by world space
agencies such as ESA (Europe) or NASA (USA). But in recent
years, an increasingly broader spectrum of professionals (e.g.
architects, sociologists) as well as entrepreneurs and investors
(not all well intentioned) have joined the challenge of
designing extraterrestrial built environments, the new space
race of the 21st century.
The fast development of technology, the increase of world
population and the climate change crisis create the perfect
setting to think about life outside of our planet, and as these
trends continue to evolve and converge, new opportunities to
explore options beyond our traditional limits appear (NEOM),
as well as new organizations which support this research (like
SATC, SICSA). Even though no one is currently on Mars, many
ongoing projects and simulations (MARS-ONE,
Mars City Science) are already exploring how we will design,
build and inhabit the new realms of humanity in outer space.
1. WATER EFFICIENCY
As Bjarke Ingels shares in his prototype Martian "city" in Dubai,
on planet Earth we have 1.5 billion cubic meters of water, while
on Mars we only have 5 million, so we have to be incredibly
efficient with how we use water. There is no ready-to-use water,
potable water will be created through the heating of ice in the
local ground soil, where water will be condensed and dry soil
returned to its origin. A portion of this produced water is stored
while a portion is used to produce oxygen. This forces us to re-
think all water-related processes that we currently give for
granted, from the very basic such as direct consumption, to more
secondary ones, such as agriculture (which will also be
challenged by a reduced amount of land surface), or cattle
(animal based diet probably won’t be an option). The way in
which we build should also be conceived without water as a
main material, and the treatment of used water will be easier
than the generation of new water.
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
On Mars you have no fossil fuels (since you have no fossils), so
energy on Mars has to be renewable. Solar, wind and nuclear
power are possible energy alternatives to fossil fuels. MARS-
ONE life support unit is one of the projects which has already
defined how to capitalize on available resources on Mars, and
they propose electrical energy generated through the application
of thin and flexible film solar photovoltaic panels, which can be
rolled up for compact transportation to Mars.
3. EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS: HIGH RADIATION,
LOW PRESSURE AND LOW TEMPERATURES
Mars has a very extreme environment; it has no breathable air,
very light gravity, no magnetic field and a very thin atmosphere,
which results in very high levels of radiation. From an
architectural perspective, architects need to think about building
special atmospheres where air can be sustained, as well as
shells or structures that protect humans from radiation. Four
main types of building structures appear to be the best solutions
for a Martian base: rigid metal or plastic based structures,
expandable structures, underground tunnels, and structures
made of brick and rocks.

4. RECYCLE EVERYTHING (CAN’T AFFORD WASTE)

Another huge challenge regarding space architecture and construction
is to think smarter about how to use resources. Because of the amount
of rocket fuel needed to move a kilogram of anything through space,
there’s no space for overconsumption and waste. All configurations
and structures need to be as efficient as possible. This means we need
to think about all of the parts as an integrated ecosystem, whether we
call it circular economy, sustainability, or circular life support systems,
it has to be 100% waste free.
THANK YOU