GOING TO EXTREMES
We are a research non profit that is focused on developing and sharing innovative building technologies to allow for construction in extreme environments here on earth and eventually beyond our planet.
Who we are
We are a research non profit that is focused on developing and sharing innovative building technologies to allow for construction in extreme environments here on earth and eventually beyond our planet. Our focus is to develop adaptable, affordable, and sustainable systems that can readily be applied in extreme environments where no traditional supply chain exists. We will offer affordable 3D printed solutions that leverage in situ materials to produce sustainable living environments.
Xtreme Habitats Institute is part of a research consortium that includes Penn State University the city of Nome Alaska, and X-Hab 3D. Through a grant from HUD, a 3D printed house will be constructed in Nome. This is a key first step in leveraging this innovative technology in Alaska to overcome the daunting supply chain challenges and harsh climate conditions in rural Alaskan communities.
Learning how to overcome extreme environments here on earth will greatly enhance our ability to overcome challenges to habitation beyond earth. For now our own terrestrial backyard is an excellent proving ground for developing scalable systems. It also solves immediate challenges here on earth to provide affordable and sustainable living environments in remote areas like Alaska.
Why Alaska?
Living in isolated Alaskan communities presents many challenges. As a result, remote Alaska is an ideal candidate for research and development of innovative technologies. Xtreme Habitats Institute (XHI) is focused on creating affordable and sustainable solutions that thrive under the most extreme conditions. Our goal is to generate solutions that will enable sustainable living on and off-planet.
Study after scientific study has linked Alaskan geology and arctic conditions with parallels on the moon and Mars. From the way glacial debris and avalanches change the surrounding landscape to periods of prolonged sunlight/darkness, to the issues of permafrost and extreme low temperatures. By working with similar component materials to what is readily available on the moon/Mars, we can develop tools and techniques for future space expeditions. We are working to locally source and fabricate cement and concrete for use in Alaska. As we develop automated and computer-aided 3D-printed construction techniques, our goal is to eventually use them on the moon and/or Mars.
Current Project in Nome
Xtreme Habitats Institute has entered into a research consortium with Penn State University and the City of Nome, Alaska in order to ensure a collaborative approach to testing the viability of 3D concrete printing used for affordable housing in Alaska.
This research consortium was awarded a contract by the department of Housing and Urban Development for producing a 3D printed structure in Nome, AK, along with support from organizations such as the Denali Commission and the Alaska Housing Finance Commission.
What is an Arcology?
An Arcology is a self-sustaining structure isolated from the rest of the world or used for space colonization. This idea encompasses every aspect of life that a community/colony would need to survive. On Earth, this could be a community in the arctic, an underwater colony, or a city in the desert with all the required systems and capabilities to support itself: locally sourcing building materials, growing & maintaining food, and regulating habitat needs such as air quality and temperature. In space, this would include more stringent requirements for producing/maintaining atmosphere and perhaps more involved material collection/manipulation.
Why is the ability to develop and deploy sustainable “colonies” important?
On Earth, having the equipment ready to deploy sustainable colonies could drastically improve disaster relief, providing reliable structures while saving crucial time to deliver shelter to those in immediate need. It could also be used to deploy instant research stations to global areas of scientific interest or concern and supply affordable, reliable housing to isolated environments.
Leaving Earth, the ability to deploy sustainable colonies would advance scientific discovery tremendously. All building materials and remote/autonomous machinery could be sent ahead of any potential human expeditions, who would arrive to find a livable colony already built for them. This would greatly decrease the time commitment and risk to human colonists and vastly increase their chances of seeding a successful colony.
Sustainable Off-planet Living: key issues to address
Life Support Systems
One of the foremost challenges in establishing a sustainable human presence off-planet is the development of reliable life support systems. These systems must provide continuous access to essential resources such as air, water, and food. Air revitalization systems must efficiently recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen, while water recycling systems must purify waste water for reuse. Furthermore, agricultural technologies, including hydroponics and aeroponics, are crucial for growing food in environments lacking soil and natural sunlight.
Radiation Protection
Space environments, particularly those beyond Earth’s magnetosphere, expose inhabitants to higher levels of cosmic and solar radiation. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe health issues, including cancer and radiation sickness. Therefore, robust radiation shielding, whether through advanced materials or innovative architectural designs, is essential to protect human health.
Habitat Construction and Maintenance
Habitats constructed off-world must be durable enough to handle extreme temperature fluctuations, micrometeoroid impacts, and the vacuum of space. Advanced construction techniques, such as 3D printing using local materials, are necessary to build and maintain habitats.
3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) represents the future of construction in extreme environments by using concrete mixtures to build to tightly controlled specifications. The results are sturdy and sustainable without the high costs of materials and labor in traditional construction.
Psychological and Social Well-being
The psychological and social aspects of living in isolated and confined environments pose significant challenges. Prolonged isolation can lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Designing habitats with communal spaces, recreational facilities, and psychological support systems is crucial. Developing virtual reality environments and communication systems to keep inhabitants connected with Earth can help mitigate feelings of isolation.
Energy Generation and Management
Sustainable energy sources are essential for powering life support systems, habitats, and other technologies. Solar power is a primary candidate, but its efficiency must be maximized, especially in environments with varying light conditions. Energy storage solutions, such as advanced batteries and fuel cells, are needed to ensure a consistent energy supply. Research into alternative energy sources, like nuclear power, may also provide viable solutions.
Waste Management and Recycling
Effective waste management and recycling systems are vital for sustainability. All waste products, from organic waste to technological scrap, must be processed and repurposed to minimize the need for resupply missions from Earth. Developing closed-loop systems that convert waste into usable resources will significantly enhance self-sufficiency.
Health Care
Providing comprehensive healthcare in off-planet environments requires advanced medical facilities and telemedicine capabilities. Addressing the unique health challenges posed by microgravity and radiation, such as muscle atrophy and weakened immune systems, is essential. Training astronauts in medical procedures and ensuring the availability of medical supplies and equipment is crucial for handling emergencies.
Transportation and Mobility
Efficient and safe transportation systems are necessary for moving between different locations on the off-planet environment and potentially back to Earth. Developing reliable spacecraft and surface vehicles that can operate in various extraterrestrial terrains is essential. Ensuring these vehicles are equipped with life support and radiation protection systems will be crucial for the safety of their occupants.
Resolving these issues is critical to ensuring the sustainability and safety of human life off-planet. Through advancements in technology, architecture, and social systems, humanity can create self-sustaining extraterrestrial habitats that support long-term living and exploration. Each of these challenges requires innovative solutions and international collaboration to make off-planet living a reality.
Get Involved
We are a 501(c)3 Not for Profit organization. There are lots of ways to get involved in the creative work we’re doing. We accept donations and research proposals both unsolicited and in specific topic areas, including (but not limited to) graphene enhanced concrete, sustainable construction/habitats, innovative affordable housing, and extreme/arctic construction.