Early Base A, 1994 NASA study, called A Design Reference Mission for Mars, considered the installation of a human base which would utilize Martian resources for fuel and air. Depicted here, the base would consist of redundant systems in case of emergency or equipment failures. Two, identical habitats would have attached greenhouses, airlocks, and rock sample racks which could be accessed by robot arms and small airlock for hands-on examination. A small nuclear generator, in a nearby crater, provides initial electrical energy.
Carter Emmart
Paine Base Late NASA Administrator (1968-1970), Thomas O. Paine directed this vision of an advanced outpost/colony on Mars. Large use of solar electric farms would provide power, while colonists live in high rises warmed by mirrors reflecting in additional light during the day. Vast radial greenhouse farming in inflatables give way toward more permanent underground farming beneath glass autoclaved in solar furnaces. Liftoff and landing facilities are distanced for safety, and monitored from a high central tower. Carter Emmart
Kevin Hand. The Green Side of the Moon Scientists design a self-sustaining lunar habitat that would make Al Gore proud. See our interactive infographic inside By Gregory Mone December 2007
Here on Ganymede is a good spot for a base, as is Callisto. Using solar power in space as a free source of endless energy will certainly be the best method of generating power. Already on Earth, we have conducted bio-sphere experiments successfully for indoor, hydroponic farming. These lunar bases would operate on the same principles, writ large.
From Boing Boing: According to NASA, “A couple of space colony summer studies were conducted at NASA Ames in the 1970s. Colonies housing about 10,000 people were designed. A number of artistic renderings of the concepts were made.”
