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Lava tubes are natural underground structures formed by volcanoes during magmatic eruption events. Their exploration has aroused undeniable interest in the scientific community because of their potential as future habitats capable of hosting human missions in the Solar System. Indeed, there are significant topographic features that indicate the existence of lava tubes on the Moon and Mars, offering natural shelter and environmental insulation for permanent planetary settlements. The article summarizes the geologic...

Because of the incoming mission of Artemis on the Moon, the extraction of water, oxygen, and metal from the lunar regolith is necessary, which involves intensive power requirements. To keep a mining unit operation running continuously, a technical solution known as the Tall Lunar Tower (TLT) claims to be able to capture sunlight 93% of the time through a solar panel structure. The composition of a typical panel is 76% glass, 10% polymer, 8% aluminum, 5% pure silicon, and 1% other metals. Fortunately, we just need ...

The extraction and utilization of planetary materials in situ are of utmost importance to establish a sustainable human presence on Mars. Among these resources, water stands out as the most valuable due to its potential for producing rocket propellants and supporting life systems for astronauts. This research delves into the water resources in Meridiani Planum, an equatorial region where the presence of hydrated sulfates has been confirmed. Leveraging data from the Opportunity Rover and its advanced instruments- t...