Mars in China
China unveiled its £46 million base in 2018, created to mimic what life on Mars would be like for astronauts. Could you live on Mars?
The village is not only for researchers, but also for tourists to visit the exotic base that was built in China’s Gobi desert. The Gobi desert is located 25 miles outside the city of Jinchang and is a choice location for such an experiment, due to its lack of vegetation, scenery, geographical features such as distinctive red and rocky land form, in addition to the climate which is similar to that on Mars making it the ideal location for such an experiment.
20 | MANE AEROSPACE, DEFENCE & SPACE | APRIL 2019
Not only does the site offer a Mars-themed tourist attraction for the general public, but it offers a simulated space explorations camp for those who want a taste of what life would be like on Mars.
The area is used to educate tourists on fields such as: aerospace, astronomy, geography, geology, meteorology and new energy. In turn may inspire young future astronauts. The Mars village has aided in the enhancement of cultural industries and local tourism.
Nine cabins are located on the base including living quarters, an airlock room and a mission control center - modules that may be used for future Mars colonies.
Additionally, the park includes features for visitors to experience a trip on the 'Martian surface' whilst wearing mock spacesuits.
However, this isn’t the first time a version of Mars has been recreated. In 2015, 6 researchers were sent to live in a mock-up of Mars for 8 months in Hawaii. Other experiments similar to this have taken place.