MARSLIFE
Marslife base is located on the edge of the Victoria Crater and is made of 21 modules, a geodetic dome and two underground spaces
Mars Life envisions the creation of a settlement to support long-term human presence on Mars, laying the foundations for a future social community on the planet. At its core, the project focuses on habitat modules dedicated to the essential activities that sustain human life in a hostile and demanding environment. These spaces are designed not only to provide safety and resilience, but also to ensure comfort, allowing astronauts to live and work effectively.
The laboratory builds on the Mars Habitat project by Foster + Partners, presented in a NASA-backed competition for a 3D-printed modular habitat. Considered one of the most plausible current solutions, it proposes robust dwellings built with regolith—the primary component of Martian soil—using semi-autonomous robots to minimize human involvement during construction. Expanding on this model, the laboratory developed a habitable Martian base designed for a self-sufficient, multidisciplinary community engaged in a wide range of daily activities. The base is organized into key areas devoted to Work and Research, Health and Well-being, Rest and Entertainment, and Safety and Technology. The Mars Life base is located on the edge of Victoria Crater to take advantage of favorable environmental conditions. It is composed of 21 modules, a geodesic dome, and two underground spaces.
The effort to reach Mars requires extraordinary design and engineering commitments, which in turn drive technological innovations that benefit life on Earth. Many advances—such as CT scans or cushioned athletic footwear—owe their origins to the breakthroughs made during the first race to the Moon. Yet the impact of these advancements extends well beyond everyday improvements. Facing the extreme conditions of extraterrestrial environments not only reminds us of the fragility and value of Earth, but also sharpens our awareness of the urgent need to address environmental degradation. Imagining human life in a place without water, oxygen, or atmosphere, and exposed to solar radiation, compels us to design new self-sustaining solutions. These innovations can be directly applied on Earth, contributing to better resource management and more effective climate change mitigation.
Marslife Video Reel
People
Project Coordinator
Gianfranco Bombaci
Advisor
Prof. Luca Galofaro (Interior Design)
Francesco Subioli (Product Design)
Tutors
Marco Galofaro (Model Making)
Giulio Aleandri (Technical Studies)
Benedetta Gaiani (Video Making)
Marco De Angelis (Visual communication)
Claudio Castaldo (Visual communication)
Alessio Tommasetti (Visual communication)
Chen Zhao (Visual communication)
Guest lecturer
Ing. Ornella Bombaci (Thales Alenia Space)
Franco Caimi (CAIMI Acoustic Products and Interior Design)
Stefano Polato (Nutritional & Nutraceutical Consultant)
Students
Duro Nichol, Pierucci Francesca, Ortore Marika Pia, Stabile Chiara, Basco Giuliana, Bakanidze Elisabed, Sabatini Sara, Todrani Gisella, Trosini Alice, Anelli Anita Nicolina Marianna, Chabili Amal, Cupini Andrea, Valeria, Lupi Giorgia, Barbati Angelo, Dai Mengyu, Wei Lan, Chen Zhuo, Zhang Xueyao, Ye Qianfei, Abbati, Daniele, Di Furia Sofia, Menghini Clelia, Jiang Jiani, Yang Dandong, Amore Riccardo, Gallace Francesca,, Carbone Luca, Cerri Elisa, Marchetti Marta, Azioneti Giulia, Hofmann Paola, Runcio Claudia, Benetti Lorenzo, Vicario Federico Antonio.
Photos
Antonio Cama
Partner
CAIMI Acoustic Products and Interior Design
with the support of ASI Agenzia Spaziale Italiana
