Sarah Ng, Maddie Cinelli, Ethan Cadaoas, Joey Walkup

Define the Problem Initial

Demand and Wishlist

Identifying the Need

• What do they want?

Safely live on Mars.

• Where do they want it?

On Mars.

• When do they want it?

Late twenties or thirties.

• ​What price are they willing to pay?

However much NASA will pay.

• ​How large is the market? This is usually determined by

conducting a “consumer analysis” through surveys.

Market is currently small, countries usually collaborate or

have friendly competition.

• Is anyone else supplying this market? This is usually

determined by conducting “competitor analysis” through market

studies. If so, can you determine if there are any needs not

met? CAN YOU DO BETTER?

In theory of working with NASA, we would not have

competitors in the USA. However other countries might be

attempting this as well.

• Is the market realistic? “I want to go to Mars next week” is

not realistic

The design itself will be realistic, however using it on

Mars in the near future is not realistic.

• What are the financial and legal risks? Research existing

patents to see if you risk any violations.

It is a big financial risk because it would cost a lot of

money. The legal risk is if it does not work and people die.

• Finally, can you make a profit by designing and producing a

product for this market?

In the beginning phase of the project, the dome will most

likely be used to do research on Mars, which will most likely

not turn much of a profit. However, it can also be used in the

future for citizens that want to live on Mars. Large amounts of

people buying domes to live in will create a significant profit.

Defining the Problem

​ e know little about other planets and their resources,

Need: W

and need a backup plan for when Earth is unlivable.

Problem Definition:​ R
​ esearch a way to safely live on a different

planet.

Improved Problem Definition:​ A

​ habitat to safely live on Mars.

List of Design Specifications - Demand (D) or a

Wish (W) List

● ​Performance

○ Protect from cosmic radiation

○ Protect from sand storms

○ Keep air in

○ Last a long time to the point in which is almost never

needs to be replaced

○ Remain at a constant, livable temperature

○ Allow for sunlight

● Geometry

○ Dome- durable

○ About 2000 square feet initially

● Materials

○ Metal

○ Clear

○ Durable

○ Possible choice- acrylic, polycarbonate

○ Insulation material

● ​Energy

○ Powered by nearby solar panel array

● ​Time

○ Manufacturing time- 6 months

○ Installation time- About a week

● Cost

○ About 1-2 billion dollars for the dome

● ​Manufacture

○ When on Mars has to be easily assembled

● ​Standards

○ Must sustain life

● ​Safety

○ Does not allow escape

○ Protect from cosmic radiation

 ○ Keeps sand out

● Transport

○ Small enough to fit on a rocket

● Environment

○ Uses sustainable energy and is environmentally

friendly

Clarifying the Problem

● Known Information:​ ​Humans are currently limited to living

in certain areas on Earth.

● Information to learn:​ ​most durable material, material that

can filter out radiation, most effective habitat shape,

what weight of material can we carry to Mars

● Research

○ Facts:​ No one has been on Mars. Space exploration is

expensive. There are many dangers being on Mars such

as cosmic radiation, sandstorms, decreased

temperature, and lack of naturally livable atmosphere.

○ Inference:​It is very expensive, difficult, and

dangerous.
○ Speculation:​ This project won't realistically be

completed in the next decade.

○ Opinion:​ This will be fun to try, but will end in

failure.