MOON-MARS ANALOGUE BASE
- where advocates can develop approaches to space development -

The Moon-Mars Analogue Base (MMAB) will start out small but could grow to a very large size. It could also be at a layperson's space advocate level or at a professional level. Both of these will determine the cost of the growing base.

The lowest level of development would be an illustration of a full-scale UniHab model made of sheet plastic assembled inside of a gym using tape. Indeed, this sort of approach has already been done to construct a full-scale, XEUS lander model. The time-lapse image of the "construction" of that habitat could itself generate media interest thereby attracting greater support.

PHILANTHROPIC FINANCING
Of course, the easiest and fastest form of financing would be if a wealthy individual with a strong interest in space would like to finance the development of the Moon-Mars Analogue Base (MMAB). Why would someone do this? The MMAB provides a unique opportunity to impact the future of humanity by demonstrating to the decision makers that development and settlement are possible in the near-term. So the philanthropist's "investment" could be leveraged to gain much greater (e.g. government) investment in this approach. And also, with the series of PR events resulting from the MMAB, the philanthropist could gain media attention to goals for space development that he/she has.

SERIES OF KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGNS
But the current plan would be to conduct a series of Kickstarter campaigns starting with one for between $20,000 to $30,000 to construct a durable UniHab structure made out of vinyl by the companies that make those children's bounce houses. This would be followed by a whole series of subsequent campaigns to raise money for the development of the component inside of the UniHab, hardware outside, and ultimately the specialty habitats comprising the base itself.

GENERATING OUR OWN INCOME
Finally, there have been many suggestions as to how the MMAB could sustain itself financially by various commercial ventures. Ideas include gaining revenue as an educational center where students pay to tour the facilities, receive educational programs, and perhaps participate in workshops. Similarly, the MMAB could be a tourist destination.

Ultimately though, if the MMAB were to become a replica of a base on the Moon or Mars then the MMAB could serve as a resort of sorts where the spouses of people interested in moving to the Moon or Mars could experience what living in such a facility would be like. Using creative approaches (e.g. using tethers) they might even experience what it is like to move in a 1/6th or 3/8th gravity environment.