New whitepaper: How to Build on the Moon, with commentary from Niki Werkheiser, former NASA Director of Technology Maturation, shaped by conversations with the former ISS DirectorNew whitepaper: How to Build on the Moon, with commentary from Niki Werkheiser, former NASA Director of Technology Maturation, shaped by conversations with the former ISS DirectorNew whitepaper: How to Build on the Moon, with commentary from Niki Werkheiser, former NASA Director of Technology Maturation, shaped by conversations with the former ISS Director
Interactive Tool

Mars Settlement Fitness Function

A weighted scoring model for evaluating candidate Mars settlement sites, based on the site-selection framework from Anastasia's undergraduate thesis on Mars settlement systems. Adjust each factor for a candidate site and see how it scores.

Water ice accessibility70
Weight: 25%. Proximity and extractability of subsurface ice
Solar power potential65
Weight: 20%. Latitude, dust load, seasonal daylight
Radiation shielding (terrain)55
Weight: 20%. Lava tubes, cliffs, regolith depth available on-site
Landing & terrain safety75
Weight: 15%. Slope, rock density, elevation for entry/descent
Scientific value60
Weight: 10%. Geological/astrobiological interest
Thermal stability50
Weight: 10%. Diurnal/seasonal temperature swing at site
0
Fitness score out of 100

This is a simplified, illustrative version of a much more detailed multi-criteria site-selection model. Weights and factor definitions are adjustable in a full engagement. Get in touch if you're evaluating actual candidate sites.