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ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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"Project NAUTILUS-100: Nuclear-Powered Modular Habitat System for Permanent Martian Colonization"

Authors: Okushigue, Jefferson M.;

"Project NAUTILUS-100: Nuclear-Powered Modular Habitat System for Permanent Martian Colonization"

Abstract

Project NAUTILUS-100 presents a comprehensive technical framework for establishing a self-sufficient colony of 100 permanent inhabitants on Mars within a 10-year operational timeline. The system integrates submarine nuclear technology heritage with modular prefabricated construction and closed-loop ecological life support (Artificial Closed Ecosystem - ACE). The architecture employs 135 standardized MARSUB-CELL modules (12m × 4.5m), transportable via SpaceX Starship, featuring plug-and-play interconnection through the ICP-Mars docking protocol. Expandable greenhouse modules (MS-P1-XL) achieve 4× area efficiency using inflatable rigid technology, providing 18,000 m² of cultivation area across 56 units. The integrated ACE combines 18 carefully selected organisms (crops, fish, insects, algae, fungi) achieving >95% food self-sufficiency, 98% water recycling, and 95% nutrient closure. Energy requirements (2-3 MW operational) are met through hybrid nuclear-solar generation: four Kilopower-XL reactors (500 kW each) provide baseload, supplemented by 12,000 m² of photovoltaic arrays and 4 MWh battery storage. Total project cost is estimated at $15.5B over 10 years, requiring 28 Starship flights across four transfer windows (2035-2043). Technology Readiness Levels range from TRL 6-9, with critical path items requiring 5-8 years of terrestrial analog validation. This work demonstrates that permanent Martian colonization is achievable with current or near-term technology, contingent on commitment to modular redundancy, biological-technological integration, and phased deployment strategies.

Keywords

- Mars colonization - Modular habitats - Closed ecological systems - Nuclear power systems - Submarine technology - Life support systems - Space architecture - ISRU - Aquaponics - Artificial ecosystems, - Mars colonization - Modular habitats - Closed ecological systems - Nuclear power systems - Submarine technology - Life support systems - Space architecture - ISRU - Aquaponics - Artificial ecosystems

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green