Researchers have outlined how ice could be used as a core construction material for future human habitats on Mars, arguing that the planet’s abundant frozen water may offer both insulation and protection from harmful radiation, according to a newly published study.
Mars holds large reserves of water ice on and beneath its surface, and the researchers said this local resource could play a key role in making long-term human settlement more feasible. The study concludes that ice walls several metres thick could significantly moderate the planet’s extreme temperatures. “Walls of ice several meters thick can raise interior temperatures from about -120 °C outside to -20 °C,” the researchers wrote.
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Beyond insulation, the study highlights ice’s ability to shield against radiation. Mars lacks a strong magnetic field and thick atmosphere, exposing the surface to high levels of ultraviolet and cosmic radiation. The researchers found that ice can block most harmful UV radiation while still allowing visible and infrared light to pass through, potentially enabling naturally lit living spaces.
However, the authors stressed that major engineering challenges remain before ice-based habitats could become practical. Constructing a single structure could require processing around 15 square metres of ice per day, an energy demand comparable to that of the International Space Station, the study said.
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The researchers also warned that ice may lose insulating efficiency as dust accumulates on its surface, a likely scenario given Mars’s frequent dust storms. To address these issues, they proposed applying a protective, water-resistant coating to reduce sublimation and improve the structural strength of ice-based walls.
While the concept remains theoretical, the study adds to a growing body of research exploring how locally available materials on Mars could support future human exploration and settlement.
Source: Science, American Geophysical Union