Human outpost

Human outposts^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] are artificially-created, controlled human habitats located in environments inhospitable for humans, such as on the ocean floor, in the Antarctic, in space, or on another planet.

The logistics and difficulties inherent in such ventures have been heavily explored in science fiction.

Outposts by environment[]

Polar[]

Polar research stations have been built and advanced by many states and for many purposes. For more see the articles about research stations in Antarctica and Arctic drifting ice stations.

Under sea[]

NASA trains astronauts in an underwater habitat, to simulate living and working in the International Space Station. They conduct scientific research on the human body and coral reefs, and build undersea structures to simulate space station assembly spacewalk tasks. The program is also being used to study how isolation affects human behaviour, to prepare for the first human outposts on the Moon and Mars.^[5]^[6]

Outer space[]

The Salyut 1 space station in low Earth orbit was the first human outpost in space. The International Space Station and Tiangong space station are the two functional human outposts in space, after China de-orbited its Tiangong-2 in 2019.

NanoRacks, after finalizing its contract with NASA, and after winning NextSTEPs Phase II award, is now developing its concept Independence-1 (previously known as Ixion), the first 'outpost' in NanoRacks' Space Outpost Program, which would turn spent rocket tanks into a habitable living area, often known as a wet workshop.

Planning and design for Lunar^[2]^[7] and Martian outposts is underway.^[4]

In fiction[]

Human outposts in other worlds are a common motif in science fiction, whether established and occupied solely by humans or in cooperation – or competition – with alien species. The setting may be another planet, Earth-like or otherwise; or a spaceship large enough to house a city.

Similar concepts[]

Research station – Station that is built for the purpose of conducting scientific research
Observatory – Location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events
Space habitat – Type of space station, intended as a permanent settlement
Spaceport – Location used to launch and receive spacecraft
Ground station – Terrestrial radio station for communication with spacecraft
Observation post
Military base – Facility directly owned and operated by or for the military
Waypoint
Mountain pass – Route through a mountain range or over a ridge
Base camp
Caravanserei
Stage station – Place of rest provided for stagecoach travelers
Way station
Layover – Transport term
Roadhouse (premises) – Mixed-use premises typically built on or near a major road
Shelter (building)
Mission (station)
Diplomatic mission – Group of people from one state present in another state to represent the sending state
Legation – Antiquated type of diplomatic mission with lower rank than an embassy
Bridgehead – Strategically important position on a river crossing which enemy forces seek to control
Crossroads village
Fuelling station – Facility for dispensing coal or oil for vehicles and power plants
Railway town
Special economic zone – Geographical region in which business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country
Free economic zone – Area of a country where companies are very lightly taxed
Exclusive economic zone – Adjacent sea zone in which a state has special rights
Free-trade area – Regional trade agreement
Trading post – Area where economic activity between peoples is less regulated; precursor to a colony
Factory (trading post) – Transshipment zone (5th- to 19th-century name)
Entrepôt – A hub for commercial activity
Colony – Territory governed by another country
Mill town – Settlement that developed around one or more mills or factories
Mining community
Industrial park – Area for development of industry
Border outpost
Outpost (military)
Station (frontier defensive structure)
Drillship
Oil platform – Large offshore structure with oil drilling and related facilities
Kibbutz – Collective settlement in Israel (since 1909)
Development town – Settlements in Israel
Underwater habitat – Human habitable underwater enclosure filled with breathable gas
Whaling station
Fortification – Military defensive construction
Castle – Fortified residential structure of medieval Europe
Bailey (castle)
Outwork – Type of fortification
Burgus – Fortification of late Roman imperial times
Guardhouse
Tower – Structure with height greater than width
Lighthouse – Structure designed to emit light to aid navigation
Broadcast relay station – Repeater transmitter
Refugee camp – Temporary settlement for refugees

References[]

^ 'Trash Can' Nuclear Reactors Could Power Human Outpost On Moon Or Mars; Oct. 4, 2009; ScienceDaily
^ ^a ^b David, Leonard (4 March 2004). "NASA goes lunar: Robot craft, human outpost plans". USA Today.
^ Ice, mineral-rich soil could support human outpost on Mars; by Sharon Gaudin; 27 June 2008; IDG News Service
^ ^a ^b Resource Utilization Concepts for MoonMars; ByIris Fleischer, Olivia Haider, Morten W. Hansen, Robert Peckyno, Daniel Rosenberg and Robert E. Guinness; 30 September 2003; IAC Bremen, 2003 (29 Sept – 03 Oct 2003) and MoonMars Workshop (26-28 Sept 2003, Bremen). Accessed on 18 January 2010
^ Astronaut Leads Aquanauts On Aquarius Undersea Mission; June 17, 2003; ScienceDaily. Also see [1]
^ In Undersea Habitat, Aquanauts Learn About Teamwork And Task Performance For The Moon And Mars; May 9, 2006; ScienceDaily
^ Small Robots Can Prepare Lunar Surface For NASA Outpost; Mar. 2, 2009; ScienceDaily