modular mars habitats

To reduce material weight, the habitats are inflatable, maintaining an atmosphere inside. The doughnut-hull consists of several layers of metallizes foil to act as a radiation trap. They can rotate individually on the masts to turn the solar panes right to the sun at alle times. The masts provide the base for the habitats, as well as life support, electronics etc. and carry a sensor platform. One habitat is 8m in diameter by 2m height, and the round form presents a minimum of resistance to winds by giving a maximum of stability. The form also aids the circulation of the inner atmosphere as well as an economic distribution of temperature. The base of the mast acts as an airlock, so mutliple habitats can be connected while still being autonomous. The structure is expandable and gains more stability with it.

Oh yeah, in this setup they form a peace-sign to send a first message to whoever may be visiting the site. (... and knows the cultural meaning of a peace signin our soiciety... we