🏠
Hard
Engineering

Mars Habitat Design Challenge

Design a sustainable habitat for Mars colonization that can support 50 people for 2 years.

Prize Pool
$50,000
Participants
1,250
Deadline
1/31/2025
Time Left
-377 days

Problem Statement

Create a comprehensive design for a Mars habitat that addresses:

1. Life Support Systems

- Oxygen generation and CO2 scrubbing

- Water recycling (99% efficiency target)

- Waste management

- Temperature regulation (-63°C to 20°C)

2. Radiation Protection

- Shield against cosmic rays and solar radiation

- Safe exposure limits (<100 mSv/year)

- Emergency shelter protocols

3. Food Production

- Hydroponic/aeroponic systems

- Nutritional requirements for 50 people

- 70% food self-sufficiency minimum

4. Energy Systems

- Solar panel arrays with battery storage

- Backup nuclear power options

- Energy efficiency optimization

5. Psychological Well-being

- Recreation areas

- Privacy considerations

- Communication with Earth

Deliverables:

- 3D CAD models

- Engineering calculations

- Resource requirements

- Risk assessment

- Budget projection

Required Skills

CAD DesignSystems EngineeringPhysicsBiology

Mentors

Dr. Sarah Chen - NASA
Prof. Michael Torres - MIT