Netherlands-based not-for-profit foundation Mars One has started work on a new project to build an outpost for its crew on Earth that would mirror the conditions on Mars, VentureBeat reported.
This development puts the group closer to its ultimate goal of establishing a human settlement on the red planet. The outpost on earth will serve as a training ground for astronauts and other members of the Mars mission crew. It will equip them on the kind of environment they can expect when they land in Mars.
Mars One Co-Founder Bas Lansdorp said in a statement, "We are very eager to get started constructing actual hardware for our mission that is important for training future Mars One crews and preparing them for their life on Mars. We are going from theory to practice."
The group has not yet decided on where to construct the first outpost but the group said it will be constructing the simulation homes in different locations all over the world. The first Martian home base will not have the technology for a real-life support system when it will start operations but this will be added later on, the report said.
The outpost project will be led by Kristian von Bengtson, a new member of the team. He will be directing the effort from Denmark. It will also be his responsibility to look for possible construction firms and sponsors who would like to be included in the simulation home effort of Mars One.
Bengtson expressed his enthusiasm about the project in the statement. He said, "Finally getting started on the outpost project is incredibly exciting and I am looking forward to replacing images with real life hardware. I think a lot of people are looking forward to opening the hatches of the outpost modules and taking the next step in the mission. I know I am."
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