How Mars analog research stations are helpful on pandemics. by prof. Julio Rezende (UFRN/FAPERN/ Habitat Marte)

The coronavirus threats makes valuable the importance of self-sustainable (off grid) habitats. The functioning of Mars analog habitats, according to the off grid characteristic, is strategic for the survival of communities under biological threats, in order to be able to function in isolation.

The Mars analog Research Station Desert Research Station (US), HI-SEAS (Hawaii), D-MARS (Israel) and Habitat Marte (Brazil) presents the challenge on operate in isolation, as a future space habitat in Moon and Mars.

Self-sustaining habitats are challenged to produce their own food that will be consumed on missions; generation of own energy; sewage treatment and reuse; collection, treatment and storage of rainwater.

The isolation characteristics in space analog habitats can allow groups of people coexisting in these places to be more protected from external biological threats and better able to survive in a confined condition.

Habitat Marte was originally conceived as an infrastructure with conditions to function according to characteristic of self-sustainability, presenting results and guidelines on operations in space habitats and in isolated regions of the planet. Mars analog Research Station Habitat Marte operates since December 2017, where just happen 34 missions in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil.

A current challenge for Habitat Marte is to increase the controlled area of food production. With the use of the aquaponics systems, there is the possibility of greater productivity in a limited physical space.

There is no information about another habitat that works according to the characteristics of self-sustainability in Brazil. Despite the relevance of the project, there is a need for greater support that started its activities two years ago. The project is maintained by Professor Julio Rezende, Department of Industrial Engineering at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN.

Learning that occurs from the functioning of Habitat Marte can guide to prepare for the threat of coronavirus, as well other virulent and contagious respiratory diseases that may endanger humanity health. More information about the missions and the Habitat Marte can be found at www.HabitatMarte.com. Some guidelines just developed were the protocol to combat coronavirus contamination and the policy of isolation.

Julio Francisco Dantas de Rezende professor of UFRN and FAPERN and Habitat Marte diretor – juliofdrezende@hotmail.com