Human outpost

For other uses, see Outpost.

Human outposts^[1][2][3][4] are artificially-created, controlled human habitats located in environments inhospitable for humans, such as on the ocean floor, in space or on another planet.

The logistics and difficulties inherent in such ventures have been heavily explored in written science fiction, inspiring several scientists and governments around the world, some of whom have already started working toward small-scale trials.

In the future, Earth-like planets may be found, as popularly shown in science fiction films of current times, which are habitable for humans and other earthlings and hence human habitats there will not have to be artificially created or controlled and yet human outposts may be able to flourish just like cities here on Earth.

In fiction

Human outposts in other worlds are a common motif in science fiction, whether established and occupied solely by humans or in cooperation – or competition – with alien species. The setting may be another planet, Earthlike or otherwise; or a spaceship large enough to house a city.

Reality: Scientific advances

Under sea

Various attempts have been made to construct underwater habitats for humans, to research the possibility of settling the ocean floors.^[5]

NASA currently trains astronauts in an under-sea habitat, to simulate living and working in the International Space Station. They conduct scientific research on the human body and coral reefs, and build undersea structures to simulate space station assembly spacewalk tasks. The program is also being used to study how isolation affects human behaviour, to prepare for the first human outposts on the Moon and Mars.^[6][7]

Outer space

The Salyut 1 Space station in low Earth orbit was the first human outpost in space. The only current human outpost in space is the International Space Station.

Planning and design for Lunar^[2][8] and Martian outposts is underway.^[4]

See also

• Space habitat
• Space stations and habitats in popular culture
• Inflatable space habitat
• Space colonization
• Colonization of Mars (Martian outpost)
• Colonization of Moon (Lunar outpost)
• The Millennial Project: Colonizing the Galaxy in Eight Easy Steps (Book)
• Outpost (civilian)
• Outpost (military)
• Mars to Stay

References

1. ^ 'Trash Can' Nuclear Reactors Could Power Human Outpost On Moon Or Mars; Oct. 4, 2009; ScienceDaily
2. ^ ^{a b} David, Leonard (4 March 2004). "NASA goes lunar: Robot craft, human outpost plans". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-03-04-lunar-outposts_x.htm. 
3. ^ Ice, mineral-rich soil could support human outpost on Mars; by Sharon Gaudin; 27 June 2008; IDG News Service
4. ^ ^{a b} Resource Utilization Concepts for MoonMars; ByIris Fleischer, Olivia Haider, Morten W. Hansen, Robert Peckyno, Daniel Rosenberg and Robert E. Guinness; 30 September 2003; IAC Bremen, 2003 (29 Sept – 03 Oct 2003) and MoonMars Workshop (26-28 Sept 2003, Bremen). Accessed on 18 January 2010
5. ^ Dennis Chamberland. "Atlantica Expeditions Website". Underseacolony.com. http://UnderseaColony.com. Retrieved 2011-06-01. 
6. ^ Astronaut Leads Aquanauts On Aquarius Undersea Mission; June 17, 2003; ScienceDaily. Also see [1]
7. ^ In Undersea Habitat, Aquanauts Learn About Teamwork And Task Performance For The Moon And Mars; May 9, 2006; ScienceDaily
8. ^ Small Robots Can Prepare Lunar Surface For NASA Outpost; Mar. 2, 2009; ScienceDaily

Further reading

• Resource Utilization Concepts for MoonMars; ByIris Fleischer, Olivia Haider, Morten W. Hansen, Robert Peckyno, Daniel Rosenberg and Robert E. Guinness; 30 September 2003; IAC Bremen, 2003 (29 Sept – 03 Oct 2003) and MoonMars Workshop (26-28 Sept 2003, Bremen). Accessed on 18 January 2010
• Google Book Preview Of Lunar Outpost: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on the Moon; By Erik Seedhouse; Praxis Publishing Ltd., Chichester, UK, 2009. ISBN 978-0-387-09746-6.Library of Congress Control Number: 2008934751.
  • "Lunar Outpost". Springer.com. http://www.springer.com/astronomy/space+exploration/book/978-0-387-09746-6. Retrieved 2011-06-01. 
• MARTIAN OUTPOST: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on Mars; by Erik Seedhouse; Praxis Publishing; 2009; ISBN 978-0-387-98190-1.
  • "Martian Outpost". Springer.com. http://www.springer.com/astronomy/space+exploration/book/978-0-387-98190-1. Retrieved 2011-06-01. 
  • Schrunk, David. "Martian Outpost: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on Mars (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration) (9780387981901): Erik Seedhouse: Books". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Outpost-Challenges-Establishing-Exploration/dp/038798190X. Retrieved 2011-06-01.