DESIGNING MOBILITY: VEHICLE CONCEPTS FOR FUTURE MARTIAN SETTLEMENTS

Abstract

Martian colony transport systems development requires new design concepts to address the challenging topography, thin Martian atmosphere, and adverse environmental conditions of Mars. This thesis considers prototype vehicles specially engineered to deliver efficacious mobility in Mars' undulating topography and arid environments. This research identifies lightweight structures, efficient propulsion mechanisms, and autonomous control systems to enable reliable performance in an off-world environment. Incorporating innovative configurations, robust materials, and optimised designs, this study establishes vehicle models to achieve optimal functionality and endurance. From exhaustive schematics, computer simulations, and comparisons with the Earth-based prototypes, this research offers groundbreaking design concepts conceived to meet the transportation and exploration demands. The propositions developed offer foundation for realistic vehicle designs imperative for the sustainability of future Martian residential environments. The ideas put forth provide a basis for practical car designs that are essential to the sustainability of future Martian living spaces.