About our project
Quantaris was created with a mission in mind: to make a future amongst the stars a reality
Quantaris is not only an idea, but a little glimpse into the future. We aim to create a permanent and autonomous space settlement that serves as a living laboratory for deep-space exploration.
In the making of our project, we have taken inspiration from Gerard K. O’Neill’s idea regarding to a lasting space habitat, capable of providing for itself. To further advance humanity beyond Earth’s atmosphere we have created Quantaris, that will play a part in forthcoming technological developments.
We have chosen the name for its connection to quantum mechanics, a relatively new field, having its first theories introduced in 1900 challenging some of the biggest problems of modern science.
Location and Design
In the making of Quantaris, we have covered crucial topics, from the way people live to the design of the spacecraft itself. In the following paragraphs, we will walk you through the strategic selection of its location and the sophisticated structural design required to simulate Earth-like conditions.
Firstly, let’s talk about one of the most important aspects: the LOCATION.
We believe the place where we choose to settle in must not present any risks of collision with other moving objects. Moreover, considering the fact that Quantaris will be focused on conducting research, it is essential we find resources that could lead to the creation of innovative materials. We plan to have mining activities to obtain these resources, therefore boosting our technological industry and support long-term habitation. After much consideration, we decided on orbiting Mars.
Here are some facts about Mars:
– Diameter: 6,779 km
– Distance from the Sun: 93 million miles
– Mars is the 4th planet from the sun
– It has two moons: Phobos and Deimos
– Martian day – a day on mars, called a “Sol”, is very close in length to an Earth day, lasting about 24 hours and 39 minutes
– The atmosphere of Mars is mostly carbon dioxide with trace amounts of nitrogen and argon
– Mars also experiences dust storms, some of which can cover the entire planet for weeks
The biggest advantage of settling on this planet is that mining activities could be conducted here to extract elements and compounds, such as titanium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and many others. Titanium is massively used for building spacecraft parts because it is strong, has a light weight and is thermally and corrosively resistant. Magnesium, zinc and calcium can be used in the production of pharmaceuticals for the Medical System and phosphorus and potassium can be utilized for fertilization in the spacecraft’s agriculture.
Secondly, we created an unique design featuring seven rings and an octagonal pillar in the center where there is microgravity. By rotating the spacecraft, we generate artificial gravity that ensures long-term habitation. The rings are connected to the central structure through 8 large channels, which are specially designed for humans to access them and travel to the octagonal pillar.
The central ring has an interior radius of 700m and an exterior radius of 800m. It’s primary purpose is to generate and store the energy that powers the settlement. In addition, 4 thrusters will be built on its exterior, positioned at an equal distance from one another. This ring is called level 0. The other 6 rings are positioned symmetrically, 3 on each hemisphere. They each have an exterior radius of 700m and an interior radius of 600m.
The interior design was made by taking into consideration that when the population will grow, more rings will be added symmetrically. The residential rings will contain medical facilities, schools, parks, recreational zones and housing areas.
The Medical System
To give you a better understanding of Quantaris’ autonomy, we will present one of our facilities that the settlement relies on deeply: the Medical System.
The Medical System on Quantaris will be devised into four area of interest which will ensure the health and well-being of the citizens, covering all types of needs, from foreseen issues, caused by life in a new environment, to emergencies and unexpected events:
1. Universal Medicine: it is the area that is concerned with diagnosing and treating any illness encountered by our civilians and providing both general and critical care. The main specialties of Universal Medicine are:
– Preventive and Primary Care Emergency Medicine
– Reproductive, Pediatric, and Genetic Health
– Geriatric and Chronic Care
– Medical Technology
2. Fitness & Diet Program: it will be of great importance to everyone as it will help maintain a strong body. Many activities on Quantaris will require good physical shape and, moreover, it is known to have great health benefits for the body in general.
One of the most important parts is the NUTRITION. We will talk about how we can obtain the main ingredients to create 3D food printing possible. Every person on the spaceship will have a medical test which will show what nutrients they need and what their body lacks. Using the 3D food printing machine, every meal will be chemically engineered specifically to help each person’s deficiency.
Here is how it works:
– Ingredient Preparation
– Loading the Printer
– Design and Printing
– Post-Processing
3. Psychology of Adaptation: it is a much needed branch, seeing that life in this new environment will be fundamentally different from that on Earth. Specialists will analyze people’s difficulties encountered day by day and find solutions to overcome them. They will counsel civilians, assuring their overall well-being by encouraging them to try out the innovative activities present on the spacecraft, such as gardening, microgravity sports and many others. In addition, teaching relaxation methods to handle stress will be a factor of great importance in this area, as it is acknowledged by psychologists that the nervous system is often overwhelmed by work and other endeavors that consume energy, and taking pauses to rest is a healthy practice.
A peaceful and organized mind can deal with any type of situation, allowing individuals to focus better on their tasks, use their time efficiently and express their creativity freely.
4. Microgravity Evaluation: Given the fact that Quantaris has a zone with microgravity in its center, we must take into consideration how staying in the octagonal pillar will affect each person’s body and thus determine through medical analyses: who can handle those conditions, how they can deal with the changes experienced and for how long they can perform their activities there.
To prevent serious injuries, the time spent by civilians on recreational activities in this zone will be limited to a couple of hours. For scientists, physical preparations will be done in advance to make sure they are in perfect shape to withstand the conditions for up to 6 months.
