ACHIEVING SELF-RELIANCE
- how an off-Earth base could quickly become self-sufficient -

So, in order to generate interest, plans are under way to develop an analogue base which would illustrate these concepts at full scale. The purpose of this analogue base would be both to generate publicity as well as being a site whereby different people to develop and demonstrate different aspects of the Plan at increasing levels of realism.

COMPARING ANALOGUE BASES
There are already other analogue bases. Why do we need a new one? The other analogue bases tend to be Mars-only and exploration oriented. In contrast, the MMAB concepts would be applicable to either the Moon or Mars and would be development and settlement oriented. Instead of crew donning suits and simulating extra vehicular activities (EVAs) the focus of the MMAB would be developing increased sustainability illustrating how less and less material needs to be launched from Earth in order to sustain the base.

Tucson, AZ has been chosen for the site of the MMAB. The University of Arizona - Tucson has a connection with the Moon and space since the Apollo program. It also has some space-related companies and a local National Space Society branch which has pledged its support for this project. The specific site for the MMAB has not yet identified but, unlike other analogue bases, it will be close to the population, very visible, and conveniently located near the stores, students, and supporters needed for it to continually develop.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MMAB
It is also envisioned that external hardware and additional habitats would be added to the initial UniHab with the ultimate goal of illustrating a full settlement. Already a full-scale lander mock-up has been developed. Soon, full-scale mock-ups of the solar power systems (drapes) and the Ice Harvester will be completed.

A Kickstarter campaign is being planned to construct a full-scale mock-up of the UniHab out of vinyl by paying the people who construct the children's bounce houses. When completed, a very public demonstration be made of its inflation and hence "construction".

Local contacts in Tucson have been made with individuals and departments interested in collaborating on a number of areas including: site identification, habitat design, machining & 3D printing, hydroponic greenhouse, spirulina & tilapia fish tank, mining, electrical engineering, artificial gravity animal studies and care, education, linguistics, arts, music, dance, and medical. Other areas needing collaboration include: lunar geology, robotics, chemistry, biology, psychology, gymnastics, costume, TV programming, and all aspects of social media.

A 1:20 scale model of the Falcon Heavy, XEUS lander, UniHab, centrifuge, solar drapes, and Ice Harvester are being developed as a portable illustration of the MMAB. These will be transported to space conferences and other settings to illustrate the concepts.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
You don't have to live by Tucson in order to get involved with the MMAB. The Space Development Network provides the means whereby individuals with any of a number of interests can join together to help move forward the Plan for Sustainable Space Development including the Moon-Mars Analogue Base. Click here to join.