The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced plans to build a 176 516 square meters city that will simulate conditions for humans living on Mars. Mars Scientific City comprises the Emirate’s first step towards their ultimate goal of building a city on the red planet itself by 2117. The UAE Government unveiled plans for the Mars Scientific City at the first annual review of their plans for the future, according to The National. The project will cost around US$ 136.1 million. Inside the city, research laboratories will be set aside to investigate how future Mars colonists will produce everything from food and water to energy. In addition to research on Earth, the Emirates Mars Mission is working towards launching the Hope spacecraft in 2020. The spacecraft is set to arrive and begin orbiting Mars in 2021, in time for the UAE’s 50th anniversary. According to The National, the probe would be the first sent to Mars by a Muslim country. Earlier this year, the UAE unveiled their Mars 2117 plan and their goal of building the red planet’s first city within 100 years. They plan to conduct research for the Martian city with the help of an international scientific consortium. According to The National, the Mars Scientific City, as a specialist research city, could offer a first step towards Mars 2117 as scientists delve into how humans might survive in Mars’ harsh environment.

Nasa is holding a competition with US$ 2.25 million in prizes to find the best sustainable habitat that can house astronauts on deep space exploration missions. The US space agency is challenging designers, architects, engineers and 3D printing enthusiasts to not just build sustainable housing that can be quickly 3D printed and replicated, but also to make sure that the materials used are both recyclable and indigenous to Mars. The new project will feature two different stages. The first stage, which is currently open for registration, requires entrants to design an architectural concept for a habitat that makes use of 3D printing, with 30 submissions shortlisted and a cash prize of US$ 50,000 to be given out. The second stage of the competition opens for registration on 26 September and entrants can choose to enter either or both of the two challenges set, which each carry a prize of US$ 1.1 million. The Structural Member Competition (Level 1) requires entrants to develop the fabrication technologies needed to manufacture structural components either from a combination of indigenous materials and recyclables, or indigenous materials alone. Meanwhile, the On-Site Habitat Competition (Level 2) challenges competitors to build full-scale habitats using indigenous materials or indigenous materials combined with recyclables.